The Shasta courier. [volume] (Shasta, Calif.) 1852-1872, 1853-03-26
The Benicia Female Seminary.

This institution, being cramped for the want
of funds, recently petitoned the Legislature for
an appropriation of aid and comfort from the
Golfers Of the State. The petition-said to have
been written by young lady of Benicia-was
referred to the committee on education. That
committee-the Hons Fairfax, Flower and
Moore,-being actuared by spirit of the most
| chivalrous gallantry, and thorough conviction
OF tie great importance of the matter, made the
following clear and satisfactory report:
| The Committee Oh Education to whom was
referred memorial of the Trustees of the Benz.
cha Female Seminary asking for an appropriate
ton, beg leave to report: That they have pc
rused that document with deep interest, and
have considered the subject 1t treats of with feel
ings more easily imagined than described The
appeal contained therein to the "chivalrous
members of our body, many of whom belong to
the best families i'll America" emanatng as it
did, by proxy, from the fair sex, plumper
that at once had confusing effect upon the feel
ings of your committee. However, gallantry
soon restored the equanimity of your committee,
and they proceeded to consider with due atten-
ton and dclicacy the question presented, Is a
! finished education necessary to the accomplish
ment of California Lady p &c.
| Your committee unanimous y agreed that the
far daughters OF California infinitely more
precious and deserving of protection than all the
golden treasures that lie imbedded within her
mountains and that therefore it a sacred duty
on the part OF the State 10 extend them kind
protection in their tender years, and provide the
means OF finishing and polishing their moral and
mental education. AS is most truthfully set
forth in the memorial, the duty will hereafter
devolve upon these fair to the future
heroes and statesmen of this brilliant State, and
1t is the part OF provident and prudent legis-
la,nre to provide that no advantages should be
withheld III the rearing and culture OF the afore-
said future pillars of the State
The memorial itself is characterised by this
prudence and foresight III the expression of the
expression of the belief that rich endowments
viii be made by wealthy persons dying in Cali
fornia. Your committee earnestly JOIN III the
hope that some benevolent individual will, at an
early cay shuttle off this mortal coil, and thus
leave his name to posterty, and his fortune TO
the Benicia Female Seminary.
Your committee consider the constitutional
objection as of no moment whatever. When the
behests of woman are to be attended to- the con-
sttution must yield. The action of the trainers
of the constitution in excluding female semina-
ries from the benefits of the school fund.- adds
additional evidence of the defect of that instru-
ment, and the necessity of its revision. Its fra
mers certainly did not desire to have mothers,
wives, sisters or other female relations.
Your committee believe that the daughters of
California should be made worthy and agreeable
companions for her accomplished sons. and there
fore recommend some action be taken by the
House in co mpance with the prayer of the me
morialists. CHAS. FAIRFAX. Chairman.