Litchfield enquirer., 1836-07-07
ron TEE E1goUlnm.
LYCEUM6.

which are being established for enlghtening and in
structing the American people, It appears to me that
there are none more worthy Of support and counte-
nance, or better calculated to be beneficial to all con-
nected with them, than Lyceums. They discover the
hidden talents in the community, improve and enlarge
the minds Of their members, and search out and cir
culate much valuable information, which, otherwise,
would be concealed from the public.
The greatest advantages for acquiring an education,
which the great mass Of the youth of America are to
enjoy, are to be found in common schools; and must
be acknowledged that the time usually spent in these
institutions is only sufficient even for the most indus
trious scholars, to acquire very superficial knowE
edge The foundation only is here to be laid, upon
which they in after life are to raise the edice The
branches here taught are only to serve as guides to
point out the treasures which lie far beyond in the path
of Science and which, without their assistance, would
never be found Yet it is notorious fact, that, in
most instances the education Of person, when he has
left the district shool at the age Of sixteen is consider
ed complete, farther study is necessary; his books
are now laid aside, and he is doomed during the re-
naming years ohs existence to make farther pro-
gress in useful knowledge, and perhaps forget what
he has already learned The system of education
then, of which we Americans boast SO much is rem
dered in useless, merely because it is not
carried out in its full extent. All efforts to obtain
knowledge cease at the very time when they can be
most advantageously made, and when they are most
likely to be beneficial. The education which he has
already received furnishes aid with which he can Wig
orously andsuccessfuy pursue knowledge, even with
out an instructor; and the age which he has attained
is that in which he is about become active men,
Der Of society. This then of all others the time when
he should be engaged in acquiring knowledge, and in
cultivating his intellect.
1t is mistaken opinion, which has gained credit
with large class of men, that workingmen, and the
common classes are in so much ueed as others of
extended education; and that an imperfect knowl-
edge Of some of the fundamental branches is quite su
cient. Upon no liberal principles whatever can such
position be maintained. While, on the other hand,
it be shown that scientific knowledge is as useful
and in many instances far more useful to the laboer
than the professional man. The former has occasion
daily to extend his researches, and reduce his knowl
edge practices while the latter is confined to his pro-
fessional business which (nedcine excepted is bar
rem of every thing connected with science. "Knowl-
edge is power; and why will not this principle apply
to Mechanics and Agrculturalsts, well as to any
other class Of men? Of what benefit science to the
world, if its principles cannot be reduced to practice,
or what is the same in substance, if the aborng classes
are unacquainted with use?
The laboring people Of this country are mostly in
very different condition from the class Of men in
Europe. There they have only the labor to perform,
while their superiors transact all business which
quires an education But, on the other hand in this
country every man is expected to labor himself, and
thus rendering an education absolutely necessary
Again. is not the education Of all classes favorable to
the extension Of science Would not new discOve-
ries. in the philosophy Of mind and matter be more
likely to be made, in case Of the education Of all men.
than when but few were educated? sas
The doctrine that laboring classes should receive
very limited education, savors too much of Monarch
ia and Arsocratic principles. to form part Of the
Republican creed. This is the principle which regu-
lates every action Of the governments Of Europe and
which keeps the mass of the people in subsection to
despotc rulers. Our forefathers wisely established, in
this countr government founded upon the opposite
principle; and if depart from, refuse to carry it
out the same destiny awaits us which came upon the
Republics of antiquity.
know that all men are not possessed Of equal tai
ents, but all except idiots possessed Of talents s
Gent to be useful to community-talents which were
not made to lie dormant, and to be of service to
mankind, but to be cultivated and improved in every
possible manner And If this be the case, then it must
appear obvious that neglect to improve these facu
ties is criminal in the highest degree. But STILL as
have before Observed these talents are in a vast
oty of instances but little used and requires that
something farther should be attempted raise the STAN
dard of education.
But it is asked what have these remarks to do with
Lyceums! We reply, that Lyceums are better calcu-
lated to improve the standard Of education to awaken
inquiry in the minds of its members, and the commu
nifty at large, and prompt them to exerons to obtain
information all subjects, than any other institutions
Take the following examples "a person leaves school,
where he has acquired tolerable knowledge Of the
common branches of education; but he considers his
education complete, lays aside his books, makes no
farther progress and probably fcrgets much that he
had previously learned Another leaves school at the
same time, and possesses the same requirements; he
becomes member of the Lyceum, and takes a part
in its proceedings in which to sustain his reputation
he must make great exertions He seizes every ies-
ure moment to add to his stock of knowledge, and,
en- while employed with labor, is busy with his thots
And thus, while his former school-mate is in retro
grade course, he is continually acquiring knowledge,
is impartingit through the medium Of the Lyceum to
others, and is acquiring for himself an honorable repu-
taton. +f
Again Lyceums improve the tone Of conversation
in every community in which they exist In the so
cial circle, and elsewhere the topic Of discourse, in
stead being Of that low and debasng kind which dis
gusts every man of refined education is one Of inter
est and one from which every will reapsome ben