The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1823-06-24

We cordially agree with 4 Parent,- that
g there seems TO be general reluctance 10 try
new experiments all at once" This is plainly
obvious to every one. And we always com
mend degree of reluctance when the plan to
be adopted bears the impress of doubtful or
dubious character. But, in this case, the fact
is materially otherwise--the system which we
recommend has already borne the test of over
twenty-five years experience, en- the educa-
ton Of many thousands Of children, in the view
of nations,' and<>ccnductcd under the counte-
nance and suppA u the greatest and most vir-
tuous of men, in az parts of the world. Ii has
abundantly proved its utility wherever il has
been fairly tried. For the truth of this position
we have not to rely upon our own belief, upon
the assertions of IFS founder, or upon the vague
pufhngs of any Interested advocate, but upon
the testimony Of the first men of the age-men
who disinterestedly feel a conscious pride in
frankly and openly recommending system
which they knotc, from demonstrative expert
ment, to be the oest ever yet adopted in our
public schools to improve and instruct the minds
Of youth. We would ask, then, ,chy this re-
luctance Why not try the Lancastehan Sys-
| TEN Vhy not make the experiment? Why
not give it thorough and impartial investiga-
ton, and see in what manner it would be best
to carry it into operation, by special Commit
Tee, appointed for that purpose, or in any other
manner that should be thought advisablei Will
any answer, and say, the expense attending
F, such an experiment, in case the plan should not
succeed, would be too muck for the town to lose
We admit this objection should have its due
weight. But we think il is completely obvl-
ated by the presumption so strong IN its favor,
that it sDosld succeed, and even erceed the most
sspguine expectations which we, at this time
dare to entertain towards it. And considering
| the dearest interests of very large portion oil
our youth are at stake, we certainly think 1t a
punctiliio of folly to hesitate moment.
| Speaking of the Lancasterian System, A
Parent" says, Perhaps il may be best. have
an idea of its general princip les but am not sui.
| icienty acquainted with its details to form a
decided opinon--nor have heard, or read
enough concerning Il to Judge satisfactorily Of
its practical utility. MY impressions are tduor'
able rather than otherwise to this System
Thus be shows that he is favorably impre ssed
towards the System, so far as his knowledge OF
it extends, but that he cannot give an opinion
concerning il euen satisfactorily to himself, ow.
ing to not being sufficiently acquainted there
with. Taking this into consideration, and
knowing that thorough knowledge of this
System is not 50 generally possessed as would bt
practicable, we contemplate forwarding you fol
publication, with your permission, on a con
tinuation of numbers, very concise out
line of the System some extracts from the ma
nv arguments advanced in its favor, togethe
/ with such illustrative evidence and important
facts relating thereto as are, at this time in on
possession.
BY inserting the above, you will signify you
willingness that both sides Of the question
shall be heard" and confer favor which will
be long gratefully remembered by MANY.