Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1820-09-26

ing Tor maturity, but as species OF po-
ltical idiots, requiring to be kept in sub
lection, pupilage and dependence, and
compehed to pay ample tribute for the
power exerted as prerogative, under the
mask ofproection.--Yo You COLOMBO your
selves. Your new settlements arise to
maturity, they become independent states
and members OF the great confederated
family. The new states legislate for
their local good, and possess their voice
| in the national interest. Could TINE,
hersonWcd, be asked ties question, he
would say this is anomalus; a fact stand
ing 8otnS OH his records. When we con-
slider that thirteen states may multiply to
one hundred, what a responsibility does
1t place on those who take the lead in
the oill:es OF the present day, deeply to
consider what measures Can be taken to
mould the character OF future age to
the map OF possession and station of dig
| nifty IS not the time arrived Has not
the era commenced on which your cast
OF future character, not as 10 hresent
REPUTATION, but future, national and
mental energy depends? Emancipated
from the uammels Of infancy, and past
the chaos off revolution, ysu have arisen
to your place and ia ken rank among the
nations. You possess principles which
only need perpetuation to give perma-
hency to the power of institutions---the
basis of which requires to be simplicity
and wisdom, and knowledge and virtue
One essential means to attain this great
lend, is the ntter Punishment OF ignorance
from within your bordcts. To crown
his object with success, surely nothing
should be esteemed completely done,
ill the infant, who has yer first to lisp the
lame Of his country, may glory, as he
learns to speak, that, as to elementary
knowledge at least not one uninstructed
child can be found to poIlute the soil of
liberty, with the footstep of ignorance
You must ultimately arise to great emf
nence, not only as an agricultural, but
commercial, manufacturing and scientific
nation. 1t seems the decree Of Heaven,
and man cannot reverse it. The raw
material, which experimental science re-
quires to render utility to the comforts
and welfare of man, has actually been
developed, SO as to increase its powers
several hundred fold, within four centu-
ries. On ascending to the rank of ma
tons, you arc greeted by the intellect of
ages the genius of human happiness
presents you a cup, rich with mental
luxury. Arts, sciences, manufactures
and commerce, are now at new era in
their progress. 1t is for you to enrich
your children. and your children's chill
dren, by giving to them universally,
such an education and conformation of
character, as may enable them to serve
their country by the hozver Of mind-to
blend the wisdom Of ages with the vigor
of nations youth Do you not possess
wonderful means for increasing the ma
tsrials of knowledge, and rendering
much more splendid and serene this in
tellectual period ofthe world Surely,
you will noa, call forth the noble ardour,
which alone can improve these superla-
tive advantages.
Youth acquire the elements of learn
ing, but they too often stop at that point
the knowledge of elementary principles,
indeed, afford the basis of all combina-
ton in art, science, or philosophy; but
elements are of little use without their
application. America has great desti-
nation, capacity and power given il by
Almighty Providence Surely it will be
wisdom that the education ofyouth, after
the elements Of instruction are once e.
tanned, consist in such course Of gene
raj knowledge of men and things, as
may best comport wit. the destiny,
character and pursuits of the country
for an acquaintance with the arts Of life
will often dc, crmine the mind to that line
OF action witch may prove most con-
genial 20 its feelings and abilities. Iii
effect, not only in the state of education
An this country, but over the world, that
much general knowledge is acquired
without an index, arrangement Or con-
nexion; consequently it is left diffused
and unavailable, when it ought to be con-
centrated so as to be called into action
upon emergency NInch knowledge
may be in possession, and the power Of
association will revive it incidentally ;
but the ability of that memory and mind
must be furnished to great brightness,
that can summon its associations, and
apply general knowledge to specific OBJ
jects, at will. To Promote this end, sys-
tcrnatic education, must consist, not only
in the course Of study, but in its practi-
cal application.