Delaware journal. [volume] (Wilmington [Del.]) 1827-1832, 1829-03-03
CONFERENCE.-THE MS.
FoR THE DELAWARE JOURNAL.
FREE SCHOOLS.

MEssus. EDIreRs "A short time since, noticed in the
journal piece signed "P b. r." in which the writer
expresses despair of system OF free schools in this State
lie believes, that the people, who he justly remarks,
submit with patience to heavy taxation for other purposes
will to lay upon themselves trifing tax flor
tnhng il would be) for the most interesting ota Objects
girng their children useful education. say the most
interesting of all objects Upon this subject have the
lessons of experience: schools established IN ser-
era places those places flourish under most un-
aporobe and can trace their prOsperiyfo
their free schools
The people of this state have not just views ofthe bene
fits OF system of free schools The rich Think that these
schools merely for the poor and that the schools are
supported by taxation, the children of the poor will be edu
their expenses while the poor not having do
not understand the ncalcuable value of this system.
Let call attention to few facts, which every one
will be convinced Of the moment he turns his mind to the
subject II there be not system OF free schools the
number of schools will only be too small for the wants
Of the community, but the character of the schools will be
bad. There occasional EXCEPTIONS but it is rare to
find qualified school master. The greatest deficiency
too in the most important polnt--moral fitness. lis
amentabe fact that the young, who any eucaton
are often committed those, upon whose example and
instruction could calculate to build the character OF
useful What is to be expected why, that if the
youth possess quckness aud sensibity he will turn from
the cultivation of his mind through disgust at his teacher!
In every community, where there free schools,
great numbers lost. Great numbers not Obtain
any useful education: they know exercise the
power of their minds. Where there free schools
this very class of persons, (ho Without fee schools are m
great measure ost End out their abilities and cultivate
them and themselves to great usefulness: this very
class produces the greatest number of useful men, and the
men who the useful.
is true that system of free schools is to the poor n-
valuable. For when they have given to their children an
useful educaton they have gwen to them all they oughe
to wish to bestow But this system is not valuable to the
poor only. The rich have deep stake in it. will no.
ce modes, in which the rich feel the benefit OF its
influence
LIST. The value of property in country depends upon
its population. Let the population be intelligent skfu
and industrious and every thing will flourish The quail
ity Of land will improve the produce Of it will increase
and all the OF the country will be found out ana
employed to advantage. Let the population be OF oil.
ferent kind. the land will grow the quantity o,
produce will decrcase the of the country WIN
lie III waste and all the property OF It VIII conthu.W
essst in value The difference between these two con-
dtons will have effect the actual wealth OF every
man Of property.
2n. the rich feel the character of the schools in
country much the poor, Their children gencraiy
have with these schools, at time when
the mind takes the readily the most lasting imPre"