The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1826-06-14

\
lance of worldly substance, they laid deeI
ry.
1.-THE Churches and the Schools, and tc
the permanent improvement of the condition
q society, they applied the utmost of .theiI
thnhed means.-Nith them, every thing wa:
Tor 'he common veal, for the hope of the fu
1 lure, Tor better and brighter condition Il
t'.ose who should come after them. Ii thei,
example be not reproach 10 the INDULGENCE
and supineness of the present day, sin, upon
what snail we rest for proof of its yorthiest
Limitation! 1t they planted the free Schools
OF Massachusetts, shall not we cherish she
cause OF learning, with our kindest care, II
ithey ionnded institutions of civil government,
lot me promotion of the general welfare
stall we not improve them TO advance tbe
test interest OF the age in which we live. and
"a our Gay also, add something Of value to
4 ne inheritance OF those who shall succeed
TO US! These inquiries with the genius Of a
popular soVernntnt, that the constituted A.
gents OF the people execute the public will.
nay even, that often, by anticipation, they
lake the possibility fits ultimate approy-
al, in measures which are clearly within the
delegated authority, and are suggested by
the sound dictates III liberal aud enlisbtch-
edjudgment. The intelligence Of the peo-
| pie Is not so much exercised in the direction
OF precise acts, at the expression of general
| principles, and the mode in which these are
most effcaciously to be illustrated, is usually
submitted with generous confidence. TO the
discretion OF those whom they voluntarily ap-
| poIut TO represent and to act Tor them,
Among The many advantages resulting from
frequent recurrence of elections, is the
knowledge which is thus obtained of public
sentiment on subjects which have previously
engaged official attention. Since the infer
esting discussions Of the last Legislature upon
the general topics CT education. and of sys-
TEN OF measures in relation TO tLe resources
and internal improvements of the Common
wealth, an opportunity has been afforded for
an expression OF the opinions, which are en-
tertained by the great body OF tie people
coming as you now recently do, Gentlemen,
from every part oil the State, it cannot be diff
hcult TO determine upon measures, which the
interests OF The community require, aud your
teiio" Cisizehs are prepared 10 sustain. Il
becomes my duty, respectfully TO invite your
deliberations, upon such of them, as were post
poned Tor further consideration. and your at
tentlon to others, which have peculiar appli-
cation TO the character of the tines and the
existing circumstances OF the Commonwealth.
Oh the most important ofthe referred husi-
ness, was the proposition for the establishment
OF seminary Impractical Arts and Sciences.
A COMMITTEE OF the House of Representatives
having been charged with revision Of this
| subject, it viii probably be addressed to YOU.
under the favorable circumstances of their i,,-
teiiigent exposiiions. It must be worthy of
serious regard, that The means of instruction
should keep pace with the increasing popula-
tioh Of the Stale, and are at all times, wisely
adaptedto the pursuits and requirements Of
the people,. The system OF education, as now
supported by the provisions of law, has bu,
little changed with all the astonishing chan
lges' which half century of national indie
pehuence, OF vicisstude from poverty and pri-
'atlon 10 public aud private prosperity.
wealth., and luxury, have produced. What
ever improvement has been made, is rather
IN the character ofthe books used in instruc-
ton, than in the manner Of imparting it. or
Inc branches Of learning which are taught
ne business OF society urgently demands
great alterations IN these particulars. New
channels of business, new interests and OBJ
jects, and other aud different capacities for
Their proper management, require conform
iiy in the course of preparatory education.
The qualifications Of instructors deserves
much more Of care and attention. To the
great honor and happiness OF the Common
wealth, this employment has become an ex-
tensiVely desirable and lucrative occupation.
1t may be safely computed, that the number
OF male Teachers engaged by the Towns an
! nuaily, Tor the whole or parts of the year.
does not fall short of twent y-Gve hundred diff
icrent individuals, to which, if the number
o! female instructors, and those employed in
private schools be added, the aggregate would
amount TO many thousands. knowledge in
the art Of governing, and facility in commu-
nicating instruction, are attachments in the
teacher, Of indispensable Importance to pro-
| licieucy, by the pupil. These talents are
as much to be acquired by education, as are
the scicHces themselves. II will well merit
the consideration Of the Legislature, when
discussing the expediency of the institution
of the proposed Seminary, whether provision
for the preparation Of a class of men to become
! the Instructors of youth in the public schools,
in branches Of learning adapted 20 the present
condition and wants OF the country, is not
among the highest Of The inducements to the
measure, and should be an object Of primary
and definite arrangement, in its adoption.
The difference of opinion which existed
between the two branches of the Legislature
the last year, left undetermined the expeden-
CT Of modification Of the laws relating TO the
personal liabilities of corporators in manuiac-
turing establishments, and renders proper
recurrence to the subject, on this occasion.
The number of corporations already created,
and the immense amount of capital employed
in their operation, must prevent the possibili-
ty hereafter, of successful competition with
them in business, by individual means, and
presents the single inquiry, whether :hese
public establishments can shvantageously be
multiplied and encouraged. The period has
long since passed, in which the manufacturing
interest could be regarded as unfavorable tc
commerce, or inconsistent with the prosperity
Of an agricultural people. Domestic fabric:
now furnish the means Of extensive trade, anc
the hest markets for the products OF the sol