Litchfield enquirer., 1836-09-08
FOR THE ENQUIRER. LYCEUMS.-NO. ".

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 FOR THE ENQUIRER. .s..s
 LYCEUMS.-NO.V V.
 It is evident that the people of Connecticut and es- pecially, of Litchfeld County, are far behind their neghbors in making improvements in education. Yes, Connecticut the State which beyond all others is fam ed for her higher schools colleges and semnares of learning, is found far behind her sister States at the North in regard to the most important branch of system of educaton-primary schools, and institutions for the improvement of the common classes.
 Is it of importance that the liberties of this country should be preserved Are our civil and religious rights and privileges our free institutions and the government of laws under which welive, worth effort to sustain them? If they are, let us spare nopans to do it. Let us have "a long pull, strong pull, and pull all to- gether" Compel not this Republic to die lingering death she must fall; if she must share the fate of other free letit be while there are talents and patriotism worthy to write her epitaph. ''
 The general education of the people is the only sure foundation of Republican government. To suppose the contrary would involve an absurdity. for free people must be capable of selEgovemment; and how can it be supposed that an uneducated and ignorant people are qualified to govern themselves in proper manner? Ignorant men ought not to be trusted with any business of importance much less then with the management of public affairs. They have no fixed principles upon which to act made the dupes of ambitious demagogues. and party leaders; in word they are blown about by every wind of doctrine Is the evidence ofacts needed to support the assertion Let the civil brols and umults which finally caused the destruction of Greece and Rome, bear witness. Let our sister Republics in Central and Southern A. merca where revolution after revolution, and massa- upon massacre, have succeeded in desoating and laying waste their territories and destroying their n- habitants, bear witness. Do the people of this try wish be involved in similar calamities2 Do they desire their prospects of peace and happiness maned by the hand of war and civil commotions? If not, if they value their liberties and their rights let them with accord take measures to preservethem
 And, if in popular government it is necessary that the people should be educated so it is hatth should receive an extensive education. In this country, all are allowed the privilege of taking part in public affairs; and will they act in suitable manner unless educated? A scientific, and, especially, political education, alone will render fit to perform their duties as good citizens. So well informed should they be, as to be able to form opinions and principles of ton on all subjects and detect any mismanagement which either through fraud carelessness takesplace otherwise they will be made the tools of some design ing political junto.
 It may be thought that the plan of giving all men an extended education is a wild and fancfal scheme of the author, and that it is altogether too vast and inn practicable to merit moments consideration. What is there impracticable in it The education of men be pursued farther. easily it be carried to more limited extent. It can be done with greater ease as the farther the learner advances the more he will be interested; and the progress he makes will de- pend upon the interest he has in it. The only obec tion-the want of time-I think has already been si fenced.
 It cannot be accomplished. however, unless some more energetic action the part of the public takes place. The idea that the Lyceum can effect any change in this particular, may be considered puerle in the extreme. But, nevertheless Ithink, properly conducted. it can. and will, be made powerful in- strument to be welded for this purpose. In their pre- sent condition, however. they do little or nothing They are usually the creatures of day, that com mence with attenng prospects, but fail for want of suitable encouragement
 It appears tobe of importance, then, that something should be done to support and encourage Lyceums, and give them permanent character; and also to promote, in all suitable ways the objects of education. Such an institution would be found in the formation of a Lischfeld County Lyceam Society.
 The idea ofa County Lyceum will, perhaps, be trea- ted by many with ridicule and contempt This, how ever is to be expected at the commencement of any novel undertakings and the writer of these remarks is far from being dissuaded from laying his plan before tho public on this account. He is convinced that a candid examination of the subject will satisfy any req. sonabe mind of the importance and necessity of such an institution.
 UniOn is strength" is maxim in the mouth oi every American. Let apply this principle in the case before Let men be united in efIecting re. form in our system of education; and can any one doubt but that there would be happy result7 Also citations and combinations of men are deemed neces- sary effect any object, Moral Religious. or Poiti- cal To doubt their utility would justly expose one so the imputaton of possessing weak or dsordered in- teIect Would not associations be as useful in pro noting the cause of education as any otherF Would it not be pursued more vigorously. more systematica ly, and, as consequence, more successfully, than i otherwise would7 Would not new light be thrown upon the subject and the public be made to feel more deeply its imporance7 Ina word, would it not be thu commencement of new and glorious era in the histo " of education? ALFRED.
 Accouat Casysns.-In posting up the elections in tn we find laEge balance against Van Buren as follows
 M. Van RHren in account current wlte the wh'es' Az TT tEs:::sGs E:::G7. Az. '-s7 a::s:, aa':s;: Indiana, 0I HF4 ta@ 6s
 Mcss8iin., MAlscssa's $
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