Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1846-03-03
Scenes al King Hul,dm Con-. HOUSE. on The 23a

tON TUX ESolIhfh'
Scenes al King HUl,dm Com. House on he 23a
F;dr3ary-Conrsnti0n Melting Education
ali-EGucati0n Ssnato,iGl Candidate.
Messrs Editors Happening TO be at King
William Court House 2! the February Court,
witnessed the proceedings Of The people in re-
ference 10 the above named topics. send You
a simple statement OF the proceedings as they
occurred
Between IL and ~ o'clock, a meeting OF the
Democratic party was called. The meeiing be-
ing organized BY calling Mr.. Roger Gregory 10
The chair, and I. Liuiepage 10 the Secretary's
seat, some gentleman Offered three resolutions
The substance as follows THAT The Democrats
OF King William would respond 10 the call OF
their brother Democrats in other counties ot The
Senatorial district 10 held convention at King
and Queen Court House-,ha six delegates be
selected Tor the three precincts Of this county
(making lS) and that The voice of these dele
gates in convention be in proportion 10 the De-
mocratic strength OF King William county, com
pared with the Democratic majories OF The
c.her counties Composing The district. give he
substance, not The language.
Mr.. T. w. S. Gregory Directing 10 the prir-
ciple involved in the last resolution desired 10 ai
dress the Chair, 10 which there was quite an M
willingness on The part OF several gentlemen, WLo
were active in the meeting; but upon his claiming
me R0or as a ri2t, he was permitted 10 proceed.
In The course OF his remarks he observed thatths
meeting was gotten up 10 iore>tal action ON the
great question that now seemed 10 be attracting
the public mind-the Education question; that il
was 10 heard lie Lion in hisdtn. To Ibis j. was
exclaimed by several OF the duet men oi the
meeting that ~ oughttO he6earded IN he den, '11
Dc crushed in its infancy, Gt0re became strong
Major FUn,aine followed in 4 few remarks on
the same side as Mr. G during which he en-
qnred il the candidates for the Senate, now in The
field, would abide The decision OF the Convention
10 which enquiry no one replying, Col. b. /. Dab
| ney, who was present. felt himself called upon -
| pay some notice
The Colonel Observed that he was in the
hands OF his friends, that he did not feel a, liberty
10 say how he would acl, bul eft il entirely 70
them. After this, he wen; on al great length ina
speech of three hours and a h0iL 10 discuss The
subject OF Education in detail. He goes against
the whole scheme Of district free schools, paid
particular attention 10 The positions assumed BY
/ the friends 0, education IL the county, an. devoted
! more than an hour IL The discussion Of The Uni
! versily Of Notwithstanding that large sums
had been spent on il; that j! now had SlS0,O00,
upon which no interest is paid; thatit continued
10 receive $4,000 annually which he contend
Ct S-cIuuSIN, CdIbrNtli dHu NV hitHOul tNCtit
should be taken from il and given 10 The sup
| port OF common schools. In tins speech Inc Col.
certainly maintained that character which every
one who knows him. unhesangy awards hiI;
but As 10 his particular points, ] say nothing
rt,h.r lie had crcr been takcn n t.Ad before by
any publicly named committee, OF o,herwis,
nominated; whether his system Of education
would not be- Ike taking from one in need 20
give 10 another as much in want whether il
was prudent or pulilic lEus 10 attack The Uni
yersity, especially alter The lae report OF the
ect committee to examine in;o il condition ami
management and, lastly, uicittT u ,raS TAR tiH
nc st0nii eoHsurlc 50 much fistc under he eycuy.-
stances My object is 10 state Inc order Il pro-
ceetinss
On concluding his speech, Major Fonlaine
arose 10 reply, but several inlerlered, ami Il.
manded Goi re rc'e stotH b, taken. The MAJOR
persisting and promising 10 consume Ten minutes
only, was permitted 10 20 on, one individual say
| Ing he should have thirty minutes. He however,
closed, after occupying lille more than the lime
allowed him al FIST. The speaking broueh, 10 =
close, the resolutions were carried BY those who
said The Lion ouehtio be bearded in his den; Tie
Education men not voting AZ all.
Every true friend OF the Education cause must
regret that the discussion and agitation OF The
question cannot be conducted more philosophical.
", and mole in accordance with the dignity u
the subject. Popular opinion and public sen'i-
ment must be operated upon ty The Slow bu, sure
process OF reason aud moral influence. The his
lory Of all religious and political reforms shows
beyond question, that some little excitement must
attend every such movement In every such en-
Ierprse, wisdom is necessary; but the pruden.
agitation and rational discussion Of any question,
so important as popular and general Education,
must result in the radical, efeclual, and thorough
change in the habits Of society.
TIMOTHY TWILIGHT.