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

Mr. SHrRLEY-The communica ton which we
forwarded you, respecting our public schools in
| this town. having elected another from Z" A Pa
rent" in answer thereto, which appears in man
ner to call for explanation. we have again 10
ask OF you to insert some further remarks upon
subject which certainly involves not only the
interest of few, but is Of vital importance TO
" mday"
In doing this, let us paw all due Difference to
the interesting and reasonable remarks contain
ed 10 the two productions of "A Parent" one
of which We are about to notice, at this time.
Nothing like prejudice or partially in favor Of
any particular system, is, in our opinions, mani
tested therein. Throughout, his remarks have
every appearance OF flowing from philanthro-
pic end generous mind--to have been dictated
by that sound cautious policy which ever distin-
guishes those who feel for, and regard the mental
interests and happiness of those arouno them.
He is willing, nag aagious, TO have the subject
thoroughly and impartally Investigated, in or
der that that system which shall be found, upon
such investigation, to be most conducive 10 IA
cilitate the advancement and rapid progress of
pupils, in the various studies, may be adopted
and carried into operation. This is precisely
what we are anxious TO have done. Looking
forward, as he evidently is, TO the same point
upon which our eyes are, and have for a long
time, been fixed, nothing material appears in
anywise to keep ms at rariance, excepting that
he contends for the Lancasterian system, ;a
part, and sce are solicitous to have The ichoie to
its full extent fairly examined and tried He
does not so contend because he has any unfa-
vorabie impressions towards The system, but be-
cause he fears that the whole may not be &C.
ceptable, as will be shown below.
Before proceeding further with the subject,
notice should be made of an fas we have reason
TO presume,) unintentional error, or perverson
of meaning, which occurred in the second COM
municaton of" Parent One writer" he
says" has recommended the Lancasterian Sys-
TEN il all the schools" This is mistake
we did not, in our former number, intend TO
convey any such idea--and if the language it.
self warrants such construction, we wish now
TO recall it, and place in its stead true mean
ing. At the conclusion of the communication
of which we are speaking, we said, I" And if, on
mature consideration. ii [the Lancasterian Sys-
tern,J should appear TO promise more advanta-
ges than any other, one school only might be es-
tablished, and far trial be given, by which
the town would come at facts to govern it with
regard TO the other Schools" This is our true
meaning. We wish TO have one school estab-
lished FIRST, and we should then have no appre-
heusion for the other, for we feel confident, ve-
nv confident. that the first would be of so great
advantage the others would all soon be permit
ted to adopt the same mode of instruction.
tits admitted, on all hands, that something
oughtto be done relative to our Public Schools
This is what we believe. And we confidently
assert that something cun be DONE