Richmond Enquirer

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA.

The eyes of this whole state are fixed upon the University of Virginia. The heart of every Patriot beats for its success; and its failure would cover this whole land with gloom. We want light. Virginia is rapidly sinking in the scale of the Union. Nothing can save her but the moral force of her character; and where are we to look for its augmentation, but to our sheet-anchor; that University, which she has raised with so much care, at so much expense, under the auspices of the first of her citizens?

Should any circumstances occur to impede its progress, should this infant institution be arrested; we tremble for the consequences. It would damp for years the literary spirit of our state: it would discourage every grand attempt to improve our most defective system of Education. Unhappy they! who should be the first to cast a shade upon its prospects. The moral sense of the Commonwealth would rise indignantly against them.

There is not an intelligent man who would not second with all his power the just decisions of such men as Jefferson and Madison. There is not one who would not contribute to put down every effort; to discountenance every opposition, which is calculated to shake the public confidence in its success.

If the Professors do their duty, our citizens will do theirs. They will command the sympathy and support of the Commonwealth on every just occasion. Some of them are foreigners. Away with the miserable objections We are told that these gentlemen are admirably qualified by their attainments for the chairs which they fill. "Mind is of no country." Science at least has no artificial lines of latitude and longitude. If we want such minds, where do we seek them? If we need an admirable piece of manufacture, we look for it in the places where it is made. If the Literary Stock of the British Empire is fuller and richer, than our own, why should we not draw upon its treasures and naturalize them for our own emolument? But enough; this prejudice does not prevail in any degree, that requires its refutation. The moral strength of Virginia scorns and despises it.

We appeal to our young countrymen, who are now breathing the air of this great institution. What motives should be urged to rouse them to exertion? Are they Virginians? Let them look to Thomas Jefferson, whose whole soul is wrapt up in the University--to Virginia, who is sinking in the scale of the nation, & who calls upon them to supply the place of her great sons, who have already left, or are soon destined to leave, the busy scenes of life. By the regard which they have to the character of this "Old Dominion."---by the love which they bear to their Parents--by the respect which they have for themselves; they are most solemnly besought to rouse themselves, and animate each other to noble exertions. This day Virginia "expects every man to do his duty."