|
|
er evinced by the Institution of periodical celebra-
tions or the erection of commemorative monuments.
And whereas, a large and respectable portion of
the people of Maryland have long entertained a
desire to commemorate in some suitable manner
the site on which stood the city of St. Mary's, (in
|
|
Preamble.
|
St. Mary's County,) the ancient capital of the
State, the sad remains of which cannot but recall
to mind the transient nature of all things sublunary
and the melancholy reflection, that nothing more
remains but a few mouldering bricks to point out to
the antiquarian the spot where civilization and
Christianity were first introduced into our State.
And whereas, the people of Maryland and more
especially the citizens of St. Mary's County, actua-
ted by that delicate sensibility which prompts man
to adorn and scatter flowers around the tombs of
departed relatives and friends, desire to establish
on that sacred spot a Female Seminary, that those
who are destined to become the mothers of future
generations may receive their education and early
impressions at a place so well calculated to inspire
affection and attachment for our native State.
And whereas, the object contemplated cannot be
accomplished by private contribution and munifi-
cence, and should for other good and sufficient
reasons receive the countenance and support of this
Legislature, therefore, whereas, power was given
to certain Commissioners to raise by lottery thirty
thousand dollars, for the purpose of building a
large and commodious school for the education of
young ladies to be considered monumental in its
character, to commemorate the site on which land-
ed our pilgrim fathers. Whereas, said building
has since its completion been occupied for the pur-
pose for which it was intended, that the structure
is of such magnitude and character that the inci-
dental expenses necessary to keep up repairs has
devolved upon the State of Maryland ; and where-
as, whilst the people of the State are willing to
make appropriations for the preservation of the
Institution, its nature and its character as a Semi-
nary, can contribute to the advancement of the
young ladies of the State by a liberal education.
|
