Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1825-09-10


the fiartial enjoyment of education.
We know that" knowledge is power"
Conhne this power in the hands of the
few, and they will, in less time, perhaps,
than we imagine, WELD it TO the deslruc-
ton OF that universal liberty, and the
subversion of those equal rights, which
are now the boast and happiness of the
American people. Not that we doubt
the patriotism Of our citzens-el,her
rich or poor-learned or unlearned; but
we know that it is necessary to watch
over-to admonish-and even to restrain
men, if we would keep them within pro-
per bounds; and we are, for this reason,
unwilling TO allow to any Sc, of zen the
exclusive privilege of education, where.
by they would attain to the possession Of
a power which might be dangerous to
the rest.
AS we are not divided into classes, SO
we do not ask one portion of the citizens
to supply the means of education to the
other. All that is necessary is, to adopt
a general plan whereby all may contri-
butte, and all receive the benefit. We
have sufficiently ascertained by expert
ence, that the ordinary irregular mode
of keeping up neighborhood schools by
subscription, is inefficient and burden
some; aud if method has been, or can
be, devised, by which the burthen would
be lightened, and the schools made more
permanent and better supplied with ca
pable teachers, we should think ii unneces
sary to solicit for it, the appreciation and
support of our fellow citizens. We
should rather expect them to embrace
the plan with avidity, and carry ii into
operation with zeal. IF we are correc,
it is now with us, as Mr. Brougham re
presents it to have been with the phlan-
thropists of whom he speaks in the above
extract. 1.-THE only question entertain
ed is touching the best, that is, the sur
est and most economical, method Of car
rying it into effect"
We will not prolong this article, al
ready extended beyond our intention, bul
shall merely say, that we consider the
late law of our state on the subject OF
education, on the whole, adapted to our
wants; and, we must add, honorable 10
the head and heart Of its protector. W.
have objections to some of its details
and SO we might, possibly, to the details
of any plan; but we should like to sec
ii carried into effect, for several reasons
OF these we mention the following:
BY the aid of the " School Fund" arts
ing from the sale of land, (allhough
present smalD with The tritling tax OF
property, and voluntary contributions.
we could offer better inducements to
competent teachers, who might thereb,
be induced 10 devote their time and tai
cnts to the arduous task.
Schools established under the provi
sions of the law would be subject to tht
inspection OF body of men selected b,
the people of each district, whose dug
il would be to watch over both pupils
and teacher, and know the progress O.
the school in learning.
They would be permanent, and liabl.
to fewer and shorter vacations-so dis
couraging and injurious to children.
The expense to individuals would
eventually, if not at first, be considerably
less than the present loose and ineffica-
cious method: and would gradually di
minish as the school fund increases.
Lastly-The plan, if adopted, would
be tested. The citizens would then be
able to judge from experience, and either
amend or lay it aside, as they should find
advisable.
The subject merits discussion. We
invite the aid of correspondents, and
should be glad TO leave it to ADLER pens
thanourS, And let us not he understood