Vandalia Whig and Illinois intelligencer. [volume] (Vandalia, Ill.) 1832-183?, 1833-02-20

ment Of education and common schools in ILL.,
nois, exhibit the following
| REPORT.
! The committee are deeply impressed with
the Importance of liberal, systematic and per-
severing efforts to obtain and circulate infor-
nation, and excite the attention Of the peo>
lpe to the subject of general education.
They believe, in common with their fellow
citizens that compose this meeting, that intel-
igence and virtue are the Safeguards of our
liberties; constitute the basis of the hopes of
the patriot, and demand for their increase and
diffusion, much personal effort and sacrifice
from every friend to his country. They are
also sensible of the difficulty of forming any
general system for education,th that will suit the
circumstances ofthe peopIei in every part of our
state, and the various and often conflicting
opinions that exist in the minds of those who
are equally Jealous in the cause, and equally
desirous of having the energies and resources
Of the state directed to this subject.
They are aware also of the difficulty of
combining individual effort to that extent,
which will produce the sesult that is desira-
bic.
Yet the committee are prepared TO give their
decided opinion that some measures may be
adopted by the people, and especially by indi-
viduals, who feel deep and phlanthropic in
terest in the cause of education, that will aid
in attaining the object proposed.
Three things may be accomplished in rela-
ton to primary schools, and even higher Insti-
tutions.
/. Information can be obtained from every
county i'll the State of the numbers and condi-
ton of primary schools, the time for which
they are taught in year, the average number
of scholars that attend, the branches taught.
the books received, and mode of instruction
pursued, the cost for each school or even for
each scholar, the probable number of children
who ought to receive aid from public friends.
and many other particulars relative to the pre-
sent condition Of the primary schools of this
state.
2. Correspondence with public institutions
and individuals in the other states would fur
nish legislative documents relative tn
school statistics, plans of operation, applca
ton of public funds, qualification Of teachers,
and branches taught in different parts of the
country, the various results of public and prl-
vate munificence, and many other facts.
3 Through the channels of the press, and
by public addresses, information NAV be
thrown before the people; they NAV be aro,is
ed to vigorous action, the vast and overwhelm-
ing importance Of the subject NAV he nrr-
ed, they may be occasionally visited by in
dividuals who take an interest in the cause Of
education, the circulation Of the hest and most
approved kinds of school books NAV he en-
couraged, and thus the way may be prepared
bv individual effort, for public and system
attic operations in future.
With these views the committee propose the
organization of an Association to he called
the ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION; and
recommend the following as the 70 m of a
CONSTITUTION
ART. L. This association shall be called
THE ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION.
ART. ii. The object of this Institution shall
be the advancement of education in Illinois,
especially in common schools.
ART. III The members of the Illinois
Institute of Education shall consist,
l. Or such persons as subscribe this Con-
stitution and pledge themselves to aid persons
ally in obtaining and dlffnsing information on
the subject, or aid in getting up and sustaining
school besides the one in which thev NAV be
personally concerned as parents or guardians,
or who contribute annually in money towards
the incidental expenses Of this Institute.
z. Of delegates who NAV be chosen nv
county, district or branch associations, or by
schools, for the purpose of attending the meet-
lngs of this Institute
| 3. Or all teachers of primary or other
schools, who will correspond with the Institute
and furnish annually or oftener Report Of
the school with which they are connect
ed.
Art 4. The officers of this Institute shall be a
President, five Vice Presidents, Recording
Secretary, Treasurer, and as many cores
ponding Secretaries as the Institute at any of
its annual meetings shall deem necessary, who
shall constitute an executive committee to
transact any business of the Institute, to he
appointed at each annual meeting, and to hold
their offices till others are appointed in their
places.
Art. S. The Executive committee shall NEE;
upon the call of the President or of any three
of their number, conduct its concerns, make
such bye laws as may be deemed necessary to
carry into effect the object of the Institute, and
call special meetings thereof. Three MEM
bers shall he quorum to do business.
4 Art 6. The annual meeting of this Institute
shall be held at Vandalia the friday after the
first Monday in December.
Art 7. This constitution may be altered or