Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1854-07-27

Its With some degree Of diiiidence thai
appear before that talented fraternity 10
whom this card i addressed. But he II.
terest which I feel Ia the cause Of education
everywhere, and more especially In my own
State. leads me 10 venfafe few remarks Is
behalf ofa plan, which i appears t. me,
would greatly advance that cause among rs.
II Is very evident 70 all, that in the recent
impulse which has been given 70 our agri.
cultural, legislative, and religious enterpris.
Is, much is attributable to The concentration
Of our energies and talents in the conveu-
lions Which havs been held in various parts
ofour StAto rlsese confsntions hate doubt.
less done more. dQriIs he past year, for the
general welfare of the Stale, than years Of
toll, when expended IN the ordinary way,
could possibly have aceomplishedi They
have developed and qnickeusd the energies
Of ourlpeoPle They have enlisted public
interest," in the great enterprise Of the day.
They have diffused that intelligence among
the masses, 10 regard to the Industrial and
political interests of our State, which would
otherwise have been confined to those who
were Immediately connected with the de-
partments which they represented; and,
more than all, they have concentrated the
talent, the wealth and the influence of the
State for the accomplishment of those grand
results for which they labored
Nov, my object at present is simply to
enquire whether the cause Of education O.
mong US might aot realize the same results
from q similar combination. on the part of
the teachers -four State Might not more
general interest in the cause be thereby
awakened BY the more general diffusion Of in
telligence on the subject of education, and
by the elevation or correction Of our stan
dard Of instruction? Might we not, as
teachers, be encouraged and quickened by
the opportunity thus afforded for the inter
change Of views and feelidgsl If these re-
suits could be accomplished by convention
Of the teachers Of our Stale, why should We
not have one Other States have set the ex.
ample; aud thair estimated of such asssocia-
tons is clearly indicated tiy the fact that in
some Of the States they have teen sustain
ed with increasing interest for twenty years.
Ibelieye the tune is not. far distant when
the friends Of education will be forced to
unite in defending our youth from the iufu-
ence Of evil now at work 10; our midst.
Why should we not then rally at once
around our common cause, that we may be
prepared to act in concert when duty calls
US to the threatened conflict These and
many other considerations, which your own
minds will suggest, have induced me to bring
the subject before you, and to seek public
expression Of your views in regard to the
expediency of having Teachets's Conyen-
ton 10 the city Of Richmond some time dur
ing the present year. tits hoped that you
will take this matter into consideration, and
communicate, through the leading journals
Of the State your decision In reference toit
Though Htid. on oonsottation with qsits
number Of teachers, that all concur with me
In the views herein expressed still, as
alone ain responsible for them, il appears
proper that should appear under my own
name, !. therefore, subscribe myself,
Yours, IN the cause Of education,
PAYSON WALTON.
Newton Female Institute.