The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-11-03
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES SCHOOLS.

Governor Everett, of Massachusetts, at
dinner in Fanueil Hall, recently, made the
following brief address, preparatory to the
toast given by him, and in reply to one of the
regular toasts, which was in the following
words:
His Excellcncy the Governor: Boston is proud
to put him forth as sample of the product of her
Free Schools"
Mr.. President need not attempt to ex-
press my grateful sense Of the honor done me
in the last sentiment. 1t is praise enough
for any man to be regarded by such a com
pany as this as doing no discredit to the
Boston Schools. | am sure / owe them
more than l can ever repay They were
the friends Of my friendless youth and po-
verify, and gave me better education than
! had the means Of getting in any other
way.
Of the numerous public occasions of diff
ferent kinds to which the courtesy paid to
my official character calls me, there is none
which | attend with greater pleasure than
this anniversary There is, indeed, none
in which, whether as parents or citizens, we
should take stronger interest. The impor-
lance Of schools is certainly not overlooked
in this community but it is not over-valued
their support, but not extravagant provision.
No expense which any reasonable man would
recommend for such a purpose could be ex-
travagant. | mean, in a word, that the OBJ
ject is Of almost inestimable Importance
Sir, it is manifold; and, if may SO ex-
press myself, compound importance. 1t is
important in and by the importance of almost
every great and desirable object in life, towards
al -
the means. do not know that this view of
the matter is sufficiently familiar that it is
enough considered that the support of the
school is not separate interest, which NAV
be taken up, provided for, orr neglected, and all
other things remain the same. fear we may,
even in this liberal community, be disposed 10
regard it as one only Of the items in the years
estimate, like lighting or paving the streets,
erecting public buildings, or bringing pure
water into the city. In reference to all such
objects, the people, of course, have only to
consider whether they will or will not provide
for any OF them, dispensing with or enjoying
some or all Of the rest Thus, for instance,
the people, If they choose, may spend all their
funds applicable to such objects in lighting,
paving and watching the streets, leaving them
as to width and straightness as they were left
Dy the original surveyors-said to be made by
domestic animals as they came home from
pasture, or they may bestow their surplus
means on public buildings, and conten, them
selves with water as it is medica,ed in the
laboratory under our feet-the natural soda
not in all cases remarkably sprightly, nor of
the best flavor.
But, to speak with the seriousness which
becomes the topic, it is not so with education.
This is the one living fountain, which must
water every part of the social garden, or its
beauty withers and fades away OF course,
l mean, sir, moral and religious, as well as
mental education. This is the single avenue.
straight and narrow at first. but gradually
widening, which all must tread who wonld
arrive at usefulness and good name This
is the Temple which all must enter, built like
that which Marcellus erected to Virtue at
Rome through which lay the only path 10 the
Temple Of Honor. Its one simple portal
stands unbarred for the mighty company of
emnlous youth, of whatever object in life
There is room for all, aud, when they have
entered in, thousand doors fly open before
them, leading to every hall Of prosperity and
virtuous fame. 1t is, next to religion, the
shrine from which must flow out the issues of