Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1849-12-12

any purpose whatever, that to them may seem good
iNepractical i'll effects OF the system have been less
iait by the community, because of the generally
highly intelligent and meri,orious character Of tho
magistrates themselves AS body, the magistra-
cy OF Virginia is of the very highest Responsibility
but whilst II affords real pleasure to bear esli-
mony to This fact, am constrained to say iha, the
power confided to their hands, should be entrusted
to officers directly responsible TO the people.
but The most glaring wrong perpetuated upon the
rights and intelligence Of the people, is TO be met
with IN those provisions touching the right of suf-
ir,Ae The rule controlling that high privilege,
now is purely Arbitrary one. The principle gov
eIng The right Of suffrage under the old consttu-
tlon is discarded, because too restric,ed-and the
reason Tor 1t. discarded also. 1t is rule now, with
out principle, and without reason to support it
senseess and insulting in the distinctions which it
draws, and most pernicious in the consequences
which flow from ii, The abroga,on of this provis-
Ion OF the constitution, and the substitution Of ite
: i.ssr one in its stead would, in my opinion, well
5ass.iy the expense and Trouble consequent upon the
call Of convention. The ground upon which The
old constitution placed the right was disihc, and
Definite II went upon the idea, that the owners OF
the soil should not only govern that, but should gov
eth everything else beside. The absurdity of that
idea has long been exploded; and it is nov rcpudi
aisd by the enlightened statesmen Of every state in
the Union
The principle of universal suffrage ought TO be
adopted. Justice requires it, and the spirit of the
age demands it al the hands of the commonwealth.
Every free white man citizen Of the state, over
,wenty-one years of age, should be allowed 10 vote
IN the county where he resdes-but no where else.
The right 10 vote IN as many counties as can be
reached by man holding real or pretended title 10
land therein, Is an insult to reason and outrage
upon popular rights; it is calculated to give to the
cities and towns control the interests of the
II, a..
but injury and discomfort This is one Of the cry
ing evils, nuisance rendered sacred by cunsiitu-
iiona enactment, which the public mind revolts at
and will have remeded.
The Judiciary system needs reform and believe
| am warranted in saying, such is the almost uni
versal sentiment of our entire population. Ii is
less, however, for me 10 attempt specification OF
the evils which need redress they are quite TAMIL
lar to all.
earnestly recommend that law be passed, requ-
ring poll TO be opened in each county, TO test the
sense of the people, at the ensuing election, upon the
call of convention. If il results in call, the sue
ceedlng legislature can settle the necessary preim
inaries for its meeting, and, in the time, the
census will be taken, TO afford ample intorma-
llun 10 guide you in your deliberations.
YOU will, am sure, be gratfed TO learr that the
schools and colleges throughout The commonwealth
are in an unprecedentedIy Furnishing condition.
The University of Virginia, so long and so gener-
oos'y tustered by the commonwealth, is giving
ample proof of the wisdom of the policy herel ofo.e
pursued towards it by your body. IL is in more
prosperous condition now Than at any previous pc
rod of lis history, and bids fair to fulfil completely
the objects had in view by lis ilus,rous founder
The annual reports of the institution are herewith
transmitted.
iment by the slate has turned out most triumphant
ly successful, and is exhibiting capacities for
usefulness certainly unsurpassed, and scarcely equal
led, by any other system of educatian known a
mongst us. The spirit Of reckless characterization
so common at other colleges, and by thoughlless
young men often considered grace rather than a
reprOach, at this institution is unknown. The mil.
tary feature of the school works like charm, and
the point Of honor with the student is snbordnaiior
to The laws and obedience to discipline. Habits o.
regularity, system and order are acquired here
which mnst be of incalcuable advantage through
out oil after life 10 the graduate.
think the public interest would be greatly ad
vanced by an enlargement of the means of accommo
daton for students, and by the endowment of add
tional protessorShiPs; and am persuaded that tn,
appointment of 4 competent professor Of agriculture
chemistry in this institution and in the University
would confer lasting and invaluable benefits upoi
the state at large. ] herewith transmit TO you
letter from Col. Smith, the able and efficient prn
cpal of the Military Institute, relative 10 this pro
fessorship, and the proprety of establishing a farm
in connection with the school. The Suggestions arr
Of The highest interest 10 the state, and deserve Il
be adopted.
also invite your attention 10 the Medical Col
lege, located in the City of Richmond. This isti
tuition was founded by individual enterprise, AM
has been almost wholly sustained by its professors
The general assembly granted it loans from tn
Literary fund amounting to S25, 600, TO defray tn
expense of erecting the college edfice but require
interest upon these loans TO be paid by the faculty
They have regularly complied with the re1uisitio
in good faith, although it has cost tbem 10 do this
and TO meet other necessities Of the institution sine
lis establishment one half of their professional fee.
BY such efforts Gifts professors the institution Ina
secured firm place in the public confidence and re
spect, ard reached high degree of prosperity
The number of students is now larger than ever be
FORE and there is good reason to anticipate continue
and increasing success in the future.
The subject of medical education is of great cct
nomlca interest TO the state. ]; appears from do,
ument No. 81 of the last Legislature. that the az
gregate expenditure abroad Of Virginia students e
this species Of education during the last forty year
has been some So, 200, 600 exclusive of interest =
From satisfactory Information it has bee
asceriained that the number of medical sluden
from This state, who attended lectures abroad durn
the last winter, was not less than 22ij who carrie
with them and expended in other states at leas
100000. IT is also fact that two seyenrhs
the Manifestations from other states than Pennsv
yania. in the two leading medical colleges of Phil
deiphia last winter were ofstudenis from this con
monweal,h. a liberal policy on your part towar,
a medical institution at home, combining as mar
advantages as the college in Richmond, would {
much 10 check this disposition Of our young men
go abroad al such an annual fax upon the resourc
OF the state. and would result as the liberal polic
OF the Legislature towards the University orVirpi
"a has resulted, in building up flourishng insit
lion at home. which will not only attract the gre
majority oi Virginia students, bot large numbers
young men from other states, toits halls,
10 relieve the faculty offhis institution from m