Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1846-02-23
Remarks of Mn. ". H. b. CUSTIS on The bNio
uteyeass the Literary Fund.

Remarks Of Mr.. ". H. b. CUS7IS on The baito
! i,te,eass the Literary Fund.
Mr.. w. H. B. GUSTS observed that The gen.
leman from Piusylvania, (Mr. Tunslall,)
who bad just taken his seat, had fully
reflected his own sentiments. Although he
voted TO instruct the Committee on Finance
10 bring in this bill, he did not consider
that in SO doing, he was committing himself 10
lis passage when introduced He had been
governed in that vote more through courtesy 10
his friend from Norha mrton, who had shown
psaise-wor,hy soictude in the cause OF primary
dueation, than any particular friendship for The
measure; especially, after The amendment, offered
by The gentleman from Halifax had been rejected
If that amendment, which was perfectly Just and
proper, had prevailed, he would have given the
bill his support although he would thereby he
bostering up The present inadequate and inelfi-
cieni system, upon which each returning census
had placed The seal of condemnation. But wer-
lie 10 do SO now, he would be Justly cha geabe
with voting to tax his constituents 10 educate the
indigen, and illiterate children Of other portions
OF the Commonwealth. His friend from North
amplon had ever been The uncompromisng op-
poren, Of internal improvement, had watched with
Jealous eye all appropriations from The treasury
Tor that purpose, and in every instance had pro-
tested against The injustice Of taxing his consiiu-
ents for the benefit of other and more distant in
rerests. On those questions MIR. G.. heartily APPROX
ed the course Of his friend, and verify believed
himself that the success OF those schemes would
prove detrimental not only 10 the agricultural in
iere.ts of lower Virginia, but OF The whole Allan
tic seaboard. He thought il too bad, that his peo-
pie had not only 10 aid in building roads, con-
srucling highways and digging canals for The
sole benef, Of their Western brethren, but that
they should be called upon also 10 educate their
children He was as much The friend OF Educa-
lion as any gentleman in this House, and would
90 as far 10 suhserve its purposes; but even in 50
audable cause-one which appealed 10 the phi
anthropisl and The patriot-he could never con-
sent 10 commit such manifest injustice as this bill
| proposed. What were the facts Seventeen
| of The revenue were collected in Eastern Virgil
MIA. and this fund was 10 be distributed, not in The
same ratio, bal according 10 rhitc population. =
| Mr.. c.. did not know what The people Of North
| anpton would say TO such distribution Of pub
lie money; bu! he felt we'll assured, that the peo
pie oil Accomac would never sanction such
principle-a principle utterly at war with our
cherished system Of Government. MIR. c. was
clearly Of opinion, that each county should, by
| taxation, provide The ways and means Tor The
education of lis own people, as it now does, for
The maintenance and support Of lis own poor.
"Tar yourselves to educate yourselves" vas
The parting injunction, The farewell advice OF
The tavoriic and distinguished son Of Accomac,
and those words had sunk deep in'o the hearts
Of his counlrymen. If il should please PTovi.
dence 10 permit his return 10 his old greyhcaded
county. Mr.. C. hoped that he would be cheered
at every eros. road by the grateful sight Of
district free school house, supported and sus-
tanned by the voluntary taxation Of his old con-
stituents.
such scheme, requiring two-thirds cf the
qualified voters Of The counties to adopt il, had
his day been ordered 10 its engrossmcnt, and
tomorrow, he trusted, would become law CT The
land. Mr. c. was favorable 10 such q measure;
il wa. The very measure that had been recon.
mended blythe lale Education Convention Assem-.
bled in this city, alter its most mature and deli
berate consideration. He trusted that The motion
10 indefinitely postpone the bill wonid prevail
and, if not, that then The gentleman from Halifax
would again offer his amendment, which would
q; least make il more pala,able.