Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1852-02-21

| Inc lnstltuti2T OF slavery is fixed fact; and
as WISE and ppfctical men, it is our duty so to
| regard 1t: Emancipation is an idle dream, be-
yond the reach OF human power. Its accom-
pishment, lift were possible, would be the over
| throw, not only of all the material interests of
the South, but also ofthe great fabric of modern
civilization. Let us be content with our con-
dltlon. We have a class of abourers, tracta-
BILE, efficient and profitable. Without them,
| Virginia would be wilderness; with Them we
may defy the competition of the world. 1t is
not for us, in the indulgence of a mistaken sem
slbiity, to call in question the wisdom or benei-
cence of the greatauthor of our being. Let the
Institution go on to fulfil its mission; and when
IN the providence of God, that has been accom-
plshed, the same power that opened the wa
tiers of the Red Sea, from the exodus of the Is
raelites from the land of Egypt can make dry
the waters of the great deep, for the passage of
the African to his native shores.
Age may counsel, and wisdom may 'di-
| rect but no great enterprise was ever yet &C
complshed without the enthusiasm of the
| young. This we have, heretofore, failed to
secure Nor Is this wonderful. The cherries
| pictures that have been presented, of the pros
| poets of agriculture, were far from captivating
| to the imaginations of youths, who, leaving the
seminaries Of learning, with high ap-
probation of their powers, have come into the
great world, with determination to carve
their own way to fame and fortune. The poll
cy OF the State has caused them to be instruct
ed in every science save that which would be
most useful. They come into active life, en-
tirely Ignorant the principles of agriculture,
and turn with contempt from calling, in
which they suppose the unlettered rustic can
be quite as successful as themselves. They
press into the professions, already crowded to
sllffocatlon, or try their fortunes in the preca-
rlous trade of the politician. It.would afford an
instructive, though melancholy lesson if we
could follow the progress ofthe army. of aspi-
rants that have left our Colleges in Virginia
during the last thirty years, full of hope and
expectation, to battle with the world How
many have tainted by the way-side How
many, chafed by disappointment, have turned
their backs upon their native homes, to seek in
distant lands, what may never be attained
How few have reached the goal of their ambi-
ton
This deplorable waste of talent, and energy
must be arrested New ideas must be infused
into the old and new tastes formed in the young.
Happily, this process has commenced, and 1
trust will rapidly extend. Many of our en-
llghtened farmers are showing, by the balance
Sheet that the profits of agriculture, in Virginia,
are more certain, and quite as large, as those of
any other legitimate business. And the demand
fession, has been so great, that the University,
and some of our principal Colleges, have, in
Difference to public opinion, instituted course of
lectures on agricultural chemistry. This is
gratifying commencement, but falls far short Of
that comprehensive system of instruction deman-
ded by the spirit of the age.
If my humble voice could reach the throng
of noble youths that now crowd our halls Of
learning, buoyant with hopes and painting for
distinction, would point them to our neglect
ed agriculture as the most promising field for the
exercise OF their talents and the qualification of
an honorable ambition. The vast resources of
Virginia only await your efforts for their devel-
opment. With territory capable of support
ing in comfort, population of two hundred, she
has less than twenty to the square mile. Here
Is ample room and verge enough for the exercise
OF all your talents, and unlike other professions,
the greater the competition the greater the pro-
TIT, In the improvement of the common inherit
ance OF all. Science woos you to her embrace,
and an honorable independence and an endur-
ing fame, offer themselves as your rich reward.
Will you prefer the uncertain conflicts of the
bar, or the thorny paths party politics? What
do they offer in comparison with the substan-
tial blessings enjoyed by every enlightened and
successful farmer! What do you find in the
history of our public men to charm and capti-
vate you Few have acquired fortune, many
have sacrificed their independence and if,
here and there, one has attained to eminence,
thousands have returned to their constituents,
like rain drops to the ocean, never more to be
distinguished from the common mass Nor is
agriculture without her triumphs. Ancient his
tory presents many names, illustrious because
OF their connection with the rural arts. need
not recite them. In modern times, what states
man has achieved more solid reputation than
1oIr Colya A T..
State, Arator will live when the author of Con-
struetion Construed and the Enquiry shall be
forgotten. And among all the eminent living
statesmen of Virginia, who have, with toll as
siduous, climbed the steep ascent of fame, is
there one who has attained reputation as ex-
tensive and enduring the unpretending au-
thor of the Essay on Calcareous Manures?
The last cause of disappointment to which
shall refer is the fact, that we have not hereto
fore been sustained by the cordial cooperation
of the Legislature. Other States have estab-
lished agricultural schools and societies. with mu-
nificent endowments, appointed chemists, geol-
ogists, and boards of agriculture, and have man
Tested by every means in their power, a deep
interest in the success of this the most impor-
tant of all industrial employments. The Legis-
lature of Virginia, amidst this universal pro-
gress, has heretofore looked on with listless in
difference, if unconscious of its duties or I'M
willing to perform them. Standing here to-
night, in the Capitol of the State, honored as /
am, by the presence of many of the representa-
tives of the people, may be pardoned for en-
quiring, if this state of things, SO injurious to
the interests, and so unworthy of the renown,
of this great Commonwealth, will be permitted
longer to continue ! | trust not; the friends of
agriculture here assembled, will doubtless soon
present to your honorable body, their reasonable
requests. Without anticipating them, may
safely assure you that they will be such as it is
not unbecoming in them to make, or improper in
you to grant. They may ask some efficient le-
gisation for the protection of the rights and in
terests of agriculture. They will, doubtless,
ask an appropriation of money to be applied to
various objects, eminently useful. The wisest
economy requires that you should not deny them
this. Besides the general benefits that it would