Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-11-13

IN thc population md growth of Vfr-
? Stnin from the landing ut Jamcstow n
the "Foundcrs OF Democracy
fhrouEh the various periods nm "A
colony and state.
by w. u. CrIdiIn, Secretary,
virginia Historical Pagean Associa-
Bs ton.
lnstallment No. IL
The end OF the administration OF
the Virginia Company and the taking
over of affairs by the King, James L.,
dates from his proclamation of July
10, 1924, seventeen years after the
settlement at Jamestown. For some
years there had been constant dis
pute between the King and the com
/ p9ny. The liberal charters obtained
y by Edwin Sandys, combined with the
independence shown by the company.
and the liberty-loving settlers, had
been the source of great deal OF
opposition on the part of the King
who implicitly believed In the royal
prerogative to dictate his will to his
subjects wherever they might dwell
This was aggravated to Il great ex-
tent by the secret achinations OF
Gondomar, and the Spanish King.
Snndys ILbcrnl-Siindcd Man.
Edwin Sandys, the treasurer and
( head of the company, after the over
throw OF Sir Thomas Smith. though
a member Of the Church OF England,
and son of Edwin Sandys, the Bishop
: OF York. was one Of the most liberal
minded men OF his age. In company
With George Cranmer. grand
nephew of Archbishop Cranmer, he
had travelled in Europe for six years
15S3-l5ss) spending most of that
time at Geneva, where he had studied
the Calvinistic doctrines. and become
seasoned with Genevan principles,
which were antasonistic to all mon.
archial principles of government. 1t
Is said of him that "he was ardently
in favor of the emancipation of the
human mind in matters of religion
and religious liberty. and was Mt
heart opposed TO the government of
n monarchy, and favored civil lib
crty." Sandys is also quoted MS dc.
ciaring that "He thought that II God
from heaven did constitute and di-
rect frame OF government on earth,
it was that of Geneva"
1t can be readily seon why n man
with his convictions should attempt
To establish a free government In Vir-
Einia, and how he gathered around
him men of the same opinions. such
as Southampton, Farrar, Cavcndish
and others, who were among the
most advanced thinkers OF that day.
The administration OF Sir Thomas
Smith had not only proved failure,
hut large amount of the money
subscribed by stockholders in tho
company had been lost without prop
or accounting on the part OF Smith
and his assistants, and ii was to save
the company from bankruptcy and
failure in colonization that Edwin
Sandys patriotically agreed to accept
The administration of affairs. Had Il
mar. Warwick, Argall and other
members OF the company. under the
influence of the last two mentioned,
tits doubtful IL even the King could
have succeeded in his determination
to annul the charter: for hc seized
upon these charges as just cause for
sending commission TO virginia to
nYestigate the affairs OF the COM
pany These men. being in his en-
rioy, naturally returned report to
his liking.
Farrnr CrItIcIscx King.
John Farrar, the deputy treasurer,
writes that THE King was at the
baton OF this whole proceeding,
which from beginning TO end was n
deapotc violation OF honor and Of
justice; which proved him to be n
inah void Of every laudable principle
OF action. a man'avho I1.all his axer-
tions made hilHSelf- the scorn of those
who We're not in his power and tho
detes,Rtion Of those who We're a
man whose head was indeed encircied
witt the regal diadem, but never,
surely, was head more unworthy or
unfit 10 wear It," To which Packard
has added In note: "He became
the public jet and object of ridcuie
to all the states of Europe" tBrown's
First Republic in America, PIP. COZ
G03)
When sides were taken In con-
trovcrsy In the company, prior TO the
dissolution, the Warwick faction
could only summon twcnty-six adher-
cnts; whereas, the Sandys faction had
over Loco supporters within the mem
hcyshiD alone. The company did not
surrender it's rights without pro-
test. The best legal minds of Eng
land wore employed to fight before
he courts and an appeal was even
mad Ia Parliament, which. unfor-
tunasely. was nearly ready TO adj
Journ, though favorable to the claim
of the Sendys faction, many OF the
Parliament members being associated
w'i'h Sandys and Southa mpton in tho
protests
Argnii Saves His Neck.
The massacre Of 1912. charges Of
Acknowledgement and the determine
ton Of Warwick and Argail 10 use
every enheaVor to prevent tho COM
pany's investigation OF their connec-
ticn with the pIratical cruises OF the
Treasurer. all proved OF great assist
"nce TO the King in justifyins his