Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1845-02-05
THE VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE.

| To the Editors Of the Wig:
Geniemen-An effort it seems is being made by the
Trustees and Faculty Of ashngon College restrict the
usefulness, OF the Virginia Military Institute its vicinity,
by obtaining from the Legislature the passage of ex
Guiding paying Cadets limiting the number Of Professors
and orbddng the higher branches Of the Classics the
Sciences TO be taught.
Some irnppc this movement religious Jealousy aud
personal hostility superintendent Col Smith chiefly
Of his religious opinions. which
accordance with the prevailing doctrines Of the College and
the neghborhood. uncharitable suppose
that such iberel could influence any gen
temen in State, where religious federation is extended
a, induce them to take step Of this kind
well imagine if such the motives, that the Legsla-
could far lose sight OF seTespect give the
slightest countenanee to the application The assigned
motive, understand, is the injury which the College
likely sGsau by having its scholars withdrawn and
fears entertained that greatly decline go down
entirely, without Legislative interference.
am sectionist in religion anything else but
OF the State feel strong interest in the prospe-
ry and OF this school, for very many
only Vi which will give, and il of such i'm
poftance that il rhe Legislature will give the consdea-
lion it deserves they will scarcely countenAnce any pro-
ceejng calculated impair the usefulness OF this valuable
Institution.
We thoroughly qualified scholars educated in our
State similarly habits and firm chments
instutionso supply the place OF teachers
various private and public schools Heretofore, most OF
schools and colleges been supplied either from Eu
rope Norhea sister Staes aud often find such
totally unacquained with the habits and pccuaIi,ies OF
youth and imbued with sectional preudces against
OF cur institutions. which II extensively dused mag
njuriously affect our interests.
Most Of the youth who attend the University and our
other public Semnsries, in easy and
their studies designed To qualify them for professional
other ayocatons, IN which they aided by the means
the disposal of their parents guardians Few go
these schools With the intention Of qualifying themselves as
teachers As the Military Institute is conducted, differ
state of things obtains The State, by udieous
arrangement has authorized tie Board Of Visitors select
from deen, sections youth Of -iudous and habits
promising native genius nnd tulents, and
se, educates them thoroughly and iberuy-a blessing
which their mied resources would have denied them.
Grateful Tor aud stimulated by this kindness and hberay
O their parent Stae aud cbeered by the prospect Of eevs
themselves in the scale Of being and pf becoming
f and honorable members Of the community. their
untuing and their success al
most unexampled, for the short period which the Ins,itu-
ton has been in operation Under the guidance and d.
reciOn Of superintendent whose sterling qualities of head
and heart, have been surpassed by few 10 this land
Institution limited heretofore have been has
turned Of the rpes scholars Of the day, whose
services are eagerly sought uiter by the various public
Seminares Of tho state: and It this SOURCE we arc
mainly TO look in s for tue Of keeping bnck the
bue which we h, long paid TO foreigners. For the
5npose OF exiendi benefits Of the Institution ths lie.
sisture. II an It, nd Alright very properly granted to
lie Visitors the pr Of receiving pay Cadets Of such
parents desi1as IT assng themselves Of It's al.
yaniages Tor Their sons and thereby procuring funds
aid in widening the sphere Of education the extent u
which 1t is carried any Of the public 5eminusics Of the
county
Ii superior conduct Of this School, has attracted to IL
than It's eghhOur enjoys surely IL is
legitimate OF complaint but consriwise ought
| to exerta salu,ary influence.
II Washington College will exhibit herself in the attitude
OF generous-not jealous ryal-If she will enter into
liberal and generous competition with the Military Inst-
tute-cure the defects in her organization IL such exist
aud bold The same attractions nspirants for know
ledge and faneshc will doubtless receive the
which her will merit But these advantages
will Le obtained by efforts 10 undermine rival In
siutlon, and thus cufail it, usculnosswhoh for from
exciting Jealousy and dsconten ought rather TO be source
81 qualification oovery truly liberal and generous mind
It's earnestly be hoped that the Legislature will
nue it, liberal patronage this truly valuable Institution
| untl IL is established on a firm ard stable basis
Friend 10 generous Competition.