Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1859-09-09
WILLIAM AND MARY COLLEGE.

slludc to the rapidly increasing promises oil
prosperity, which we think we discern IN the
future of this venerable institution Of learning.
Though having no other interest in the welfare
of the College, than that arising from the SYM
patty which we are ever ready to extend to the
cause Of learning. and that pride of reminis-
cence, which, in common with Nirginians, we
experience in contemplating the past of an in
sti,ulion so intimately connected with the
past glory of our ancient Commonwealth,
we have never known the moment when we
would not cheerfully contribute any service in
our power to the cause of this tmehonored
College. Naturally, we cherish common
pride in the contemporary, and, we may say,
coordinate fame of Virginia and William and
Mary. Their welded renown has been achieved
together and in company, and so sloriouSly
have they progressed in the achievement Of
their common fame, that an attempt TO disturb
the harmony Of their conjusal union seems hard
w more inpious than M effort to draw ovid
inc lire between the glory of Virginia and the
glory of William and Mary We love to think
of them rs twin.sistcrs in Revolutionary and
Colonial fame. The same patriotic sentiment
which animates us 10 recur to the heroic deeds
of the past-,hat bids It's sympathiSe with the
affections, and exult in the triumphS of our
anccstors-remindS us that none suffered more
in behalf Of liberty, that none contributed
more to the attainment o! the grand objects oil
our Revolution, that none were more prominent
in counsel and action. in times of peril and
hazard. than the sons OF William and Mary
CHANGING retrospcctively upon every stage OF
the history of the Republic. from its birth to
the present moment; and in every department
executive judicial, legislative and scientific, we
sec the honor of William and Mary reelected
with increased lustre in the character Of her
chil1ren-her usefulness illustrated i'll their in
fuence upon the destiny of our country. The
high claims which William and Mary has upon
our patriotism have always been admitted by
tho citizens of Virginia, but still they have not
for some years past, responded to the appeals
Of her friends with that alacrity which might
be expected in behalf Of such cause.
While we do not wish to believe that any
Virrjnian has ever failed in honor for William
and Mary, any more than in filial reverence for
his old mother Commonwealth, we will not
LOW rcproach that apparent apathy anu indiiie-
renee to her progress which has been charac-
tcristic of majority of ourpeople. The friends
of William and Mary ask only for share OF
that patronage which is so literally extended
to other institutions in the State. We believe
that they will no longer be denied. We are
satisfied that the feelings Of the people towards
the College must soon undergo change, ana
that for the future an earnest goodwill and an
enthusiastic zeal will be displayed by all sec
tons Of the State, but especially by the citi-
zens of Eastern Virginia, in behalf Of this an
Gent University. Scctarian institutions are
literally encouraged, and flourish by reason Of
the active support OF exclusive denominations
Why, then, shall not all classes, the friends Of
learning as well as those who, free from sccta-
rian influences, desire only an ample return for
the patronage which they extend, unite in \
generous support Of William and Mary, which
is entirely uncncumbcred by Scclar!an bias or
control, and which, il addition to this merit, Of
itself sufficient to cntitle her to patronage
OVERLOOKING in its bounty, has better claims
upon our patriotism than any other institution
a. tl,pl- fhotu .nh npc nj. a
a steady improvement in the affairs of the Col
legc for two or three years past. The progress
of ameloration has been slow but sure. \
radical reform Of old evils, confirmed by the
tacit sanction Of long endurance, Is always at
tended with obstacles Revolution is some
times the only remedy. But there has been no
disposition with the friends Of William and
Mary to undertake revolution, CT to excite com
motions of ANY kind in her domestic affairs
Their object has been to effect decided changes,
in fact thorough reforms, but still noisclcSsly
and without unnecessary disturbance. We
think that their efforts have been entirely
successful, and we know Of no College pos
scssing superior advantages, none more high
ly mcriling a brilliant success. If we cali
not now assign William and Mary her All
cert position of absolute supremacy among
literary Institutions, we are compelled TO as
sign her u place second to 10 other The Board
of Visitors. at their last meeting, took mpor-
tant steps towards the extension and perfection
of the course Of studies, anil rfsotred to elerate
the standard Of scholarship and examination
IN conteiriag degrees, AMI 10 reduce the fees
OF tuition These added to previous improve
mcnts render complete the course Of studies i'll
all the departments, and place the college in
such position as entities her TO thecOniidcnce
and support Of tic public. The courscas CON-
plete'i embraces distinctive departments OF, lst,
Latin; I'd, Greek; Sd, Modern Languages; 18th,
Mathematics; 9TH, Chemistry and Natural Phi
losophy; 9th, History, Political Economy and
Constitutional Law; 9TH, Rhetoric, Moral Phi
losophy, &c. We are informed also, that 4 de-
termination exists, to make such further alter
atoms and improvements, as the progressive
spirit of the age shall demand The lG7th
session of the college will commence on the I'd
Wednesday of October, when the newly erect
ed editicc now undergoing preparation for the
reception of the students, wills be thoroughly
completed and equipped. The past associations
and historic connections OF the old building
have been preserved by the erection Of the
new building upon the old walls, which prOba
bly, equal in strength and durability any in the
country. At the same time such modern i'm
provements have been added rs make the new
ediiice vastly superior TO the old, i'll comfort
convenience and general adaptation to its uses.
The greater portion of the splendid philosophi-
cal and chemical apparatus, selected with spe-