Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1850-09-24

MIJSCOE r. II. GARRETT

We have received and read with interest, copy Of the
address of Mr. GARRETT delivered before Society Alum
nj of the University of Virginia. at its annual meeting
the 10Th of June last. 1t is distinguished by his usual
characteristics of mind and style For habits of phosophc
and deep reflection and for vgor and elegant
accuracy in the expression Of his thoughts know of few
men more remarkable than this gifted hearted
of Virginia. We need say that cannot approve OF
all the avowed in this address Mr. Glrnetrs
position free school system in PARTICULAR cannot
but regret and should be loss account for ii
did fear that his very strong feelings against North
upon subject may possibly to some extent
incline him the belief, that "nohing good out
of Israeli Blu, do make this impuation 1t would
seem incredible that gentleman of his high intelligence
could permit his judgment be BIASED any important
extent by such irrational considerations. Only incidental
auson however is made this topic in the body OF the
address, The subject which he discusses is novel; He
deavors show that the coexsence Of the principle Of
federation between States and the fac, of domestic slavery
is emnenty favorable to the production of original ygo
and elegant literature To illustrate and confirm this
proposition he lays down certain fixed truths in the
ply Of government and then sketches the literary history
of the world The following extract will fully explain
his problem and indicate the manner of lis solutions
1t is Tor you, gentlemen say whether the conquests Of
Virginia in the fields literature shall be famous they
have been in governments whether shorn of much Of
her power the sceptre shall pass from hands, whether
she shall not found "New Dominion in learning as
glorious and durable than the Old Her weight in the
Union has lain merely in her positive power il has de-
pended not so much the number Of her votes as on the
character Of her patriot sages, and her people.
"Men, highmnded men,-
Men Who their duties knew,
But knew their rights and knowing, dare maintain.
Her influence has been due 10 their magnanimi'y their
heroic devotion Duty their chvalric sense OF honor their
contempt for the geTing nses q The world and their
love for the substance Of truth and while virginia re-
mains herself Deiah shear her OF these locks
OF strength In such spirit she has the first requisite to
high literary achievements; in such soil only can gro"
and thrive those thoughts which Milton describes as The
precious life blood of master-sps emoamed and treasured
up purpose life beyond lite. And if such the SOIL is
the climate equally propitious? Do not our external
circumstances both keep its fertility and give the wind
and weather. which have been most favorable 10 the
growth great teratures! The Important ollhose cir
cums,ances the chief elements vi the Virginia poy
and society and the will apply, with equal vce all
our sister taes OF the Soutb these her POSITION
veren member OF confederation and the existence OF do
Mesc slavery the ground of all her Households
think that 10 not difficult show that these two facts
are nnslcaly and eminenty favorable 10 the creation not
only OF literature but great literature. For whatever
be the oher causes and certainly there Others which
depends II Is plain that large literature presupposes
high degree OF activity in the public mind and its greatness
will be determined by the spirit that activity
II its purposes be low and temporary, will be its pro-
auctions; works that are designed for poslery and des
tined Immortality, that intended be- what Thucy
dides called his history possession orere be de-
mmutable necessities Of human nature, and they be