Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1854-11-02
A Wsra to yIrtIala Isris.lt.rists.

The interes in this noble exhibition still the
increase. The exhibition, as a whole, is really most
credtable and imposing. Considered in the DETAIL it
10 not only attractive, but presents the most cons
vncins evidences Of great improvement, in each
and every branch Of labor. The spirit Of enterprise
and generous rivalry manifested by the exhibitors
we'll as the viewers is commcndable in the ex-
treme The deliberations Of lie Society promise to
result in sill more united and concentrated line Of
general policy. The debates tend to elicit wider
and more scientific range Of practical results In a
word, the State Agricultural Fair, now in full and
successful exhibition, displays Virginas true line Of
policy, and guarantees the most ample and speedy
reward for the praiseworthy efforts Of its founders
and patrons
We have advertcd to the great moral effect Of this
harmonious and enlightened action Of the farmers
the general prosperity Of the State. We have glanced
at its effect on the commercial manufacturing. mining
and agricultural interests Of the State There is
other aspect Of this subject which we deem Of suf
cien magnitude to merit particular attention at this
time. 1t is the duty which the Virginia farmers owe
to the State institutions State interests State pride,
State destiny not to expend the money they realize
from their farms in educating their sons and ddugh-
tors in Northern colleges, There is an extent reach
and depth Of principle involved in this question,
which attaches itself to the ritals Of our social
structure Besides the question Of economy,
involved in this question, which Of itself is Of the
most wcighty Importance there are moral questions
which embrace the existence OF our institutions The
system Of educating the sons and daughters OF our
farmers amidst the poisonous and proseytng influ-
ences Of abltionsts is fast weakening the strong
of home influence, home duties and State pride. The
young, confding and susceptible mind is ever ready
to drink in the plausible theories Of those under
whom their parents guardians have placed them
for tuition. THIS is natural-indecd it is inevitable.
Here, then, is practical point Of observation, worthy
of the gravest consideration Of the State Agricultural
Fair. While the farmers devising the sur st
means of developing the physical resources of cur
State, We beg them not to overlook or disregard the
high and pressing claims Of the great moral field OF
instruction and popular education before them. 1t
will avail but little to enrich the SOIL to increase the
products, to widen the field of commercial and manu-
featuring usefulness if they neglect the culture of the
minds and moral education Of the future occupants
Of the soil Herein the hopes of Virginia, after
all.
Cannot, then, the farmers devote portion Of their
deliberations to this all important subject? We arc
not alarmists. But must say, thai long as the
youths of Virginia placed under the absolute
troll and instruction Of the foes Of the South
even before their views formed, their princi-
pies matured the most deleterious consequences must
he expected. While there assembled so many Of
our most influential and highly cultivated farmers,
in deliberation upon their general interests and those
of the State at large do not regard it obrusive
to call their attention TO this most important subject
The very exhibition now here, abundantly shows,
that no youth need leave Virginia to seek the most
thorough instruction, in all that is useful, ornamental
orprofable Let then, the farmers, if in the proper
range of their deliberations seek to aid the great
educational interests Of the State, and resolve, among
themselves, on plan to sustain State inst,u-
tons. So we think and feel