Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1838-05-10

WlGfo Chiefly
Inc fruits of personal merit and effort popular nstruc
ton next religious principle, is the security OF the
state. We never forget the efforts OF our prede
0ueathed TO secure general instruction to their de:
scendants; they were excellent men, distinguished |
for their religion and foresight and their strong at
tachnent to simple habits and republican lnsntuIonS
they knew well what were the true tounoatons 81 So
ciaI happiness. But have we not relied 700 mucn up
on their labours, and left the great subject l.se De-
hind the advancement Of the age Our two sister
states on each side of with fewer advantages ana
beset with greater obstacles, have surpassed our own
animation of their laws and of the statistical facts
brought to light by their efforts, will aid you IN your
injuries should you think it important to leglslate on
the subject do not feel myself competent, nor DO
intend this time, to suggest any specific changes in
the present system; experience ls our safest guide
No great changes ought to be desired or attempted al
once; but if those interested IN primary Schools can
be convinced of the praccabty OF improvements IN
the instruction of their children, we may expect that
change in public opinion will follow, and a wiling
ness to attempt such improvements be manifest The
General Assembly at its last session. took measures
to obtain information on certain important points re-
lt1g public schools Returns nave 0ee h mace 10
information from one hundred and fifty, out OF two
hundred and eleven school societies IN the state
These returns disclose interesting facts, and will very
much aid YOU in further investigations. It may. be
important, the first place, TO collect ana lay beiore
the public, more statistics IN relation 10 TINS sunect
should this be DONE liberal provision ought to be made
Tor The purpose by the state it will be seed sown for
an ample and generous harvest. believe 1t Will be
found, that great Improvements are called tor IN the
construction and accommodation OF our school-nous-
es in the qualification of teachers, the modes OF n-
strucon the books used, and the general regulation
and superintendent of schools. We have pubic
officer, whose special duty 1t 49, to watch over the Pc
cuniary interests Of our common schools; would it
not be wise, if the General Assembly should in some
suitable way, exercise like supervision over nstruc-
ton in those schools, at least SO far as relates to col
iec,ing information, and imparrng knowledge; while
the power of acting in view Of the is left as at pres
ent, with the parents and guardians OF those VINO are
ntol
providing private instruction which practice mas an
unhappy effect upon public schools, by dividing innds
which, would ~ ea pr receye ali the
instruction they ever obtain. So great and numerous
are the duties OF the Commissioner OF the school fund.-
and wise management. The Commissioner is often
obliged go into remote parts of the country IN attend
ing to the sales and exchanges OF land the inspection
FARMS and The security Of debts besides the loanng
of large sums of money in this state. would suggest
the propriety fappointing an assistant Commissioner
The agricultural interest OF this state, Is more ex
tensive, and gives occupation to larger portion OF
citizens than any other pursuit, and IS most lnt
tnately connected with the stability, comfort, and
hopes Of the 6aS
been taught to look among the cullvators OF the SOIL
for the best fruits of political and social institutions
Hitherto the farmer has received good reward tor
his labor. and has escaped the ruin which has over
taken every other pursuit it may however be doubt
ed, if the farming interest Of the Atlantic states is
not likely to experience some depression 1t manu-;
featuring villages are be deserted, incorporated
companies to be broken down, credit and enterprise
made odious and runous the wave OF trouble will
bandmen. But aside from these temporary revul-
sons, the policy of the general government has not
been calculated to advance the farming interests OF
New England once she has been smten IN the de,
strlction of her commerce; now she is threatened
with the abandonment Of her manufactures; while
the rich and cheap lands of nle west are held out as
lure under presumption laws, and other claims OF
favor new settlements. Such the facilities tor
transportation BY rail roads and canals that the far
ier of the west about to compete with the farmer
of the east. The Southern Atlantic States already
feel this competition, and may reach US before we
aware Of it's approach. Under these clrcumstan-
some Of the old states are ahonng to revive
or boun':es, and the formation OF societies recon-
mend this subject aso,to your consideration
New England is not more distinguished tor the ex-
ceence other agricultural population, than The talent
and industry of her mechanics. Among this class,
we find minds of high order and striking genius No
nation surpasses US in the ingenuity of the workshop,
and none would equal us in skill, if there was the
same led policy toward mechanical labor in this
Country, that there is in England For years past,
the vascillang policy of the general government to-
wards this branch Of industry, has prevented great
improvement but never have manufactures and ar
tizans been more depressed and disheartened. than
by the nav theory Of a metallic currency perish
tons on this new coin. fhe most industrious and
ingenious. can scarcely gain subsistence; while in
numerous instances many have been driven by the
necessities of their families from their accustomed
emplovments. 1t is however cheering circums ance,
That not a few OF this merltorous Glass; VINO TOT
months past have been deceived by the fair preen.
eons Of a golden era, have discovered the error OF
their opinions, changed their views, and are now
seeking the most effectual modes tor relle We hope
their efforts will in due time be crowned with success.
We are greatly indebted TO the persevering and pa
fient philanthropsts among US, who have abored IN
the noble cause Of temperance; may they be cheered
BY the prospects Of the FUTURE and the consciousness
ofhavng already prevented the loss Of many citizens,
well as much crime suffering, and rum. If there
is diversity Of opinion the particular measures.
there be none to the excellence Of the object.
and the coed that has been accomplished.
The claim of this state the general government,
for expenditures made during the late war; is yet
settled. Congress has made an appropriation OF
sum, not exceeding one hundred Thousand dollars
the account shall be adjusted and allowed under the
supervision of the Secretary of War In pursuance
Of resolution passed by the General Assembly, the
Honorable Samuel Ingham has been employed to OBJ
tain the vouchers, and attend to the settle
men, of the claim: I have received information
from Mr.. Ingham that owing to the illness Of the Sec
retarv of War; the account is yet unsettled but that
il will be attended early day, and that before
your adjournment, he will present to you report OF
his proceedings
1t will not be expected that without more acquaint-
ance with the subject, should communicate to this
Assembly any thing Of importance relating. to the
Militia of the state will merely observe. that the
signed and that this arm Of our defence is highly
mer,orious and essential hope it will receive hon.
orable notice and attentive consideration.
A deep interest has been taken, by many, IN be.
half of the insane poor our State The last Gener
al Assembly appointed committee Of three distn,
ruished gentlemen, to ascertain their number and
condition. and report the most udcous plan tor their
relief This duty has been faithfully attended to, and
much valuable statistical information has been pre-
pared for your consideration. need only remark,
that in whatever light this subject is viewed, it com
nlends itself to Your most serious attention. as PHI
lanthropis's and Legislators "The poor you have al