To instruct the mass of our citizens in these their rights, interests and duties, as men and citizens,
This is a powerful statement, implying that men come out of this university becoming good "citizens." When I think of its goal to create these types of students, it is disturbing when connected to who is allowed to attend this University. If individuals are not allowed to attend the University, the University does not see them as "able" to become notable citizens.
But in this point of View the Anglo-Saxon is of peculiar value. We have placed it among the modern languages because it is in fact that which we speak, in the earliest form in which we have knowledge of it. It has been undergoing, with time, those gradual changes which all languages, antient and modern, have experienced: and even now, needs only to be printed in the Modern character and Orthography, to be intelligible in a considerable degree to an English reader.
The View of the Anglo Saxon is emphasized in these set of sentences. It is described to have peculiar value, harboring top educational value. Anglo Saxon views are synonymous with traditional white views. I find it disturbing that this is of utmost value for the English reader, because it shows other diverse values as insignificant. Unfortunately, throughout high school English, the focus is predominantly on older white writers. Diversity is of great value, and should be emphasized in education.
Three places were proposed, to wit Lexington in the County of Rockbridge, Staunton in the County of Augusta, and the Central college in the County of Albemarle: each of these was unexceptionable as to healthiness & fertility. It was the degree of centrality to the white population of the state which alone then constituted the important point of comparison between these places: and the board, after full enquiry & impartial & mature consideration, are of opinion that the central point of the white population of the state is nearer to the central college, than to either Lexington or Staunton by great & important differences, and all other circumstances of the place in general being favorable to it as a position for an University, they do report the central college in Albemarle to be a convenient & proper part of the State for the University of Virginia.
Parallels can be drawn between this statement and the controversy of the Robert E. Lee statue in Charlottesville, VA. TJ’s original view of the university was to serve as an all-white school, making a point to have the University in a centralized area for whites. Charlottesville being chosen speaks volumes because the geographical location was picked specifically with race in mind, in turn kickstarting racist history in Charlottesville in a new way. The view of this being a white college town can be connected to issues involving race today, with the confederate statues being an example. At first glance, one may think nothing of it. However, these statues assert their superiority, inciting fear in blacks, while claiming the city of Charlottesville as theirs.
To harmonize & promote the interests of agriculture, manufactures & commerce and by well informed views of political economy to give a free scope to the public industry.
With this quote, what catches my eye particularly is the "promote the interests of agriculture." During this time period, slave labor was the predominant way to go about agricultural needs. Was this kept in account when agriculture was promoted to individuals? I also sense some hypocrisy if this is the case, with students not being able to bring slaves to grounds.