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lieved that little or no difference of opinion ex-
ists amongst the people, as to the value and
importance of education, or the propriety and
more especial necessity of a general diffusion
of the blessings and advantages of its first and
most generally useful branches, by means of
primary schools. Coming, as you do, so re-
cently from amongst your constituents, who
have just had the whole subject under their
special consideration, you must, it is presumed
be fully acquainted with their sentiments and
wishes in relation to it, and we, therefore, deem
it unnecessary to trouble you with any of our
views and opinions upon this interesting topic,
further than to express our ardent hope that
you may be able to perfect such a system as
will be generally acceptable to the people, and
promote the intellectual and moral improve-
ment of the rising generation: and thereby
conduce to the strength, energy and durability
of our free institutions; which are based upon
the virtue and intelligence of the community.
Before we take leave of the subject of educa-
tion, we must beg to be permitted to call the at-
tention of the legislature to the situation of St.
John's College, located immediately under
their eye, (in a healthy country and amidst a
polished society,) which is beginning again to
rank among the best seminaries of the coun-
try; having at this time five Professorships,
(one having been added during the present year,

3*