Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1849-01-16
TOT NC EHquHtT
WILLIAM AND MARY COLLEGE.

Young Gcntlemen:-lt is you whose attention
invite to the few remarks now wish TO make
and be assured it is for your interest, as well as
that oil the institution, that make them. Many
Of you doubtless have not yet determined where
to pursue your present collegiate course, which
at many Colleges commences the lst of Janua.
ry,l and you il i: for whose liberal, unbiased
consideration, no.: offer these facts in relation
to this old and venerable institution. When we
look to the past history of William and Mary,
what do we PERCEIVE We find she has been
subjected 10 many yicissitudes, that she has
successfully recovered from many reverses, and
that she has triumphsd over innumerable ditfl
cuties aud distractions. But have we ever seen
her in the same deplorable situation 10 which
she now scarcely exists' This is indeed the
darkest page in the history Of her existence, Tor
her rules nave been suspended, the exciting call
from her bclfry is hushed, and her doors are
closed.
If you will look 10 tho past, and then to the
present, you will readily see much 10 distinguish
her present from her past disasters Formerly
the College was closed from necessity; now by
some want of vigilance and foresight. But look
10 few Of the most striking causes II was not
when peace, with her kindly offspring, reigned
over the land, and plenty peered out OF the doors
Of !, that the halls Of William s. Mary were de-
erled No. 1t was when the baltle-roar was to
be heard and its flames epgulphed as it were
our very firc.places. Ii was when our fathers
and our g.and-fathcrs were wrestling and con-
tending boldly with an invading foe, for The nu-
merous blessings we now enjoy II was when
the public mind was most Zealousy engaged in
the effort 10 avert the most disastrous OF evils:
in word, gentlemen, it was during that event
full era, the Revolution.
Have any such momentous causes recently ex-
listed TO account for like result, and with
gloomier aspect2 None. For certainly mere
casual division or disagreement among men no
longer connected with the institution ought not,
indie should not, be compared with any OF the
above. But however insignificant the cause,
such is the effect, and it is indeed with the great.
est reluctance that say, the present AFFECT
state Of the College tells It in language unmis.
taxable, and so impressive, that It's force should
be felt throughout The State. This passing cloud
has gone over, the lightning has ceased TO fash,
"lhe rumbling thunder Of the retiring STORM
is only heard 10 mutter in the distance, and why
may not the sun again appear in his proper glo-
~ and concentrate his awakening, li(e-giying
beams upon the College, and reanimate the ven-
cradle source from which so much true wisdom
has emanated, and 10 which 50 much of our
country's present renown is to be ascribedl 1t
is you, young gentlemen, who may wish TO get
a thorough knowledge Of the Languages, Math-
ematics and Law, upon whom | now make the
call, to stand by and aid old William and Mary
BY your influence and patronage. This power is
in your hands and you alone can retrieve her
Do not too hastily imagine that her paramount
advantages and facilities have vanished; they are
still in e,se, and your attention only is required
to convince you that your undertaking will not
be in vain, and that your labours will be rewar-
ded. The very able, well qualified, and ener-
gelic Professors Of the above named classes, are
now ready to perform their respective duties.
The Chair Of Political Economy, &C., and
also that of Chemistry, have been recently filled,
as the public are AWAKE, by gentlemen by no