The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-06-17
MECHANICS Issr,rurE.-We have here

MECHANICS INsTITUTE.-We have here
tofore urged on various occasions, the establish
of Mechanics Institute in this city, because
we felt the necessity OF exeron on the part of the
working man, to keep up with the tide of improve
ments on which the rest of mankind were embark.
ed and because we know that our own mechan-
les not possibly keep pace with those of the
North without the advantages OF education and
scientific as well as practical information
As the call for meeting OF master Mechanics, y
has no doubt been observed by all readers,
we will now lay before them, further induce
ment for attending it, communication from JOSEPH
MAYO Esq, to the City Council of Richmond, for
which we bespeak careful perusal. The sugges.
tons made in it of the highest importance, and
will no doubt meet the approval of the City Coun
Gil but to establish Institution OF this kind
permanent basis, it is all important that the Ne
chancs themselves should take hold OF the subject
and see that it is given impetus in the start
which will prove irresistible for all time to come
But to the letter:
RICHMOND, June - 1854
| To the Councaof the Cityof Richmond:
GENTLEMEN: Some time since received letter
from EDMUND RUFFIN, Esq, upon a subject of SO
much interest to the city, that feel justified in
ion with Police. That the rapid advancement and
permanent interest of Richmond is to be found in
kind, cannot be questioned and vet in this branch
Of her industry and ultimate prosperity, we have
been comparatively dormant, at least so far that
public means have ever been taken to foster aud en-
courage them. In the letter alluded to, Mr.. RUF-
FIN proposes to do this by effort establish here
STATE MECHANICS INSTITUTE in connection
asked my assistance in the undertaking.
Nothing could give me greater pleasure than to
Unsuccessful it must have the happiest effect upon
tho State at large, and especially upsn this city
To supply our own wants is to render indepsn-
dent; and the surest means of protecting us from
the annoyanc of those whom largely contribute
| to support by consuming there manufactures; and
whose care for seems only to be m essared by
our consumption thereof and the facility afforded
them of robbins us Of our property.
as b sme in contemplation, TO be coined, however,
to the city snd in aid Of the project would before
now, had the means of doing So been prepsred to
amounts Of mechanical labor expended in the city
in all its branches including IT'S vast and various
other matters in relation to the subject 1t seems
to that such Information would be of great use
to your body and be of benefit at the same time to
the operatives themselves, none of whom am sure
would refuse to give all the information in their
ready have large amount of mechanic skill and la
Dor rofitably employed; and in my opinion it wants
nothing but proper aid and encourag stinri-
late it to as large an extent and TO high perec-
ton that to be found in any city in the Union.
ut is proposed to connect the State Institute with
the State Agricultural Society, and now that you
have extended such liberal aid TO that Society, /
respectfully suggest whether this interest il not
fully s.a mich entitled to your fostering care In
So eby your pubhthed proceedings that you
contemplate fitting up apartments for the of the
society. ana take tne Dsrty OF suggesting that in
doing 20 you have reference to the establishm snt
of Me ehanics' Institute.
make this communication TO you because of the
great interest the subject involves and the only
means in my power of rendering material aid to
that distin guished gentleman who has honored me
by asking my assistance in the undertaking. Hoping
that it will meet with your favorable consideration,
- - JOSEPH MAYO.
The above letter needs no comment. 1t shows
that other classes than mechanics, are awake to the
importance of establi hing an Institute; and that
all are ready and willing to give them aid whenev
er the working men themselves are prepared TO
take the initatory step in matter that must great
ly rebound to their own interest and that of the