Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 182?-183?, 1832-08-17
FOR THE SPECTATOR.
Staunton, August 1882.

6fr. Harper,
In Offering tie following !
suggestions, am not Tarn enough TO think !
that they will have any influence in correct |
ing the evils which they deprecate; but !
have been induced TO believe, that this sub |
jiect, once properly agitatcd, would excite an
interest, which would eventuate in impor-
tant results.
That this is an age of Improvement, I am
not disposed TO deny; but while admit the !
truth OF the assertion considered in its gen
eral meaning, observation compels me TO |
AFFIRM, that lis application is not universal
and that the reverse is apparent, even where
many have supposed gradual progression
30 the highest point of perfection possibly TO
be attained. The system of Education al
most invariably practised in our Country
Schools, is demonstrably defective, as being
incapable Of entirely fulfilling the design OF
its establishment, viz: the intellectual i'm
provement Of the pupils, and, in some cases,
lamentably injurious in its effects upon their
morals. 1t cannot be controverted, that
there are many impediments to the amelio-
ration OF the condition Of these schools, arts
ing out OF local considerations for they are
principally composed ofthe sons Of Farmers,
.Waoss periods for attendance must, necessa-
rrilv, be limited and often dependant upon
contingent circumstances for their continu-
ancc-but this fact, which appears 20 be
,.he subject of the loudest and most frequent
COMPLAINT, cannot, | conceive, sufficiently
atone for the error it has occasloned. If
their oppOrtunItes are brief and uncertain, it
becomes the more requisite that the system
should be as comprehensive as practicable,
and as much adapted 10 the eXigencies of the
station they may he called on 10 sustain, as
possible but that it is materially different,
will be perceived by all who are acquainted
with the consequences Of the present plan.
AS soon as the scholars have mastered the
HLphabet, and hObbed through number or
two of the "NEw YoRK READER" books
are placed in their hands wholly unfit for
them, as well from the subjects upon
which they treat, as from the manner i'll
which those subjects are treated. These
books come often recommended for the
learning and philosophy they display
for their abstruse metaphysical dispositions
for the beauties of their diction, and for the
pompous: labored and literary hearing of
their phraseoogy. admire correct and po-
lished language in works Of every dcscrip-
ton, but, ask, with due Difference, hope,
to the opinions of others, if il can be expedi-
cnt TO use such books in primary schools,
where the subjects of instruction only desire
and expect 10 receive the first rudiments of
common education? They have no time
10 employ, nor is il necessary to their pur-
suits that they should, in unravellng the
mysteries of science, in clearing up its doubts
and reConciIing its difficulties. They wish
to obtain such knowledge as will enable them
successfully 10 pursue their various avoca @.
tons. II is, also, essential 10 their interests,
that the books to be used in acquiring an i'm
portant art, should be repIete with useful
instruction-not laden with literary re-
searches, but plain, well WI itten and com
prehenslye Histories containing an account
OF their country and its institutions, with
the sacrlhces by which they were purchas
ed Thus enlightened reverence for the
laws OF the land, and an attachment for their
Government will prevail, which must have
salutary effect on thesupport and diffusion
of free principles in which is involved the
existence OF that liberty we all so highly
prize
There is another objection 10 the existing
system, which, at first view, appears to be
somewhat frivolous, but, when maturely
considered, will be found to exert no unim-
Portaut influence in fixing the morals of the
students. allude TO the manner ofinGict-
ing punishment for triAing infringements oil
discipline. No one will doubt the propriety
oiruies LOT thelr government, and the neCes-
slty OF executing the penalties annexed tc
those rules; but, when we reflect how much
circumstances contribute to determine the
character ola youth, we will at once. see the
cXpedency of having these punisbments So
altered, that they will only affect the mind,
OF the persons punished in such manner a,
to prevent a repetition of the fault Sucl
punishments would be salutary, and those re
referred 10, were doubtless instituted will
that view, but their effects seem to bay,
been unfortunately miscalculated. The,
consist in placing their victims in situation
designed to produce the ridicule and con
tempt oftheir companions. This can resul
IN no good, and may be the cause of mucl
evil to both the parties concerned 1t i
calculated to engender in the former, feel
ings of humble inferiority, and shrink
ing timidity fatal to their prospects, or
Teckiessness as 10 the opinions Of others, an
carelessness Of their censure, which render