Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1840-12-22
Communications.
GENERAL EDUCATION-No. 4.

MY second position is that the efforts Of
the community in behalf Of general edu-
cation should be first tn degree forever.
This may be seen first, from the mutu
ell influence of classical and common
schools upon each other. What benefits
Are derived from colleges in general edu-
cation. Indirectly, they contribute to its
advancement, by furnishing professional
and literary men, who advocate its cause
&c. Butdlrectly their influence is hardly
felt. Few members of college make ac-
ceptable teachers, and when they have APP
pended A. b. to their names, scarcely any
will condescendt 10 look at common school.
Their studies are of a different character
from those pursued by children generally,
and their qualifications for the business are
not'at all improved by a college course.
But we have something besides theory on
the subject Pennsylvania, with popula-
ton OF about one million has ten colleges
IN operation, or one to every 100000
New York, with more than million and
a half, has six colleges, or one TO about
100000. Yet Pennsylvania, accor riding 10
the message Of Gov. Porte has 100, 900
Uoters unable toread, and most deplora-
BILE state of ignorance among the rising ge-
neration, while N. York has more scho-
lars than children of legal age, and scarce
ly any of It's population unable to read.
Now with three fold number Of colleges
and as many hundred fold of general igno.
rance, what what becomes of college in
fluence in promoting general education.
On the other hand we have seen that
the influence OF general intelligence, such
as an efficient system Of public instruction
is adapted to produce, is essential to the
reputation and success Of any classical
school. 1t forms in fact, the foundation
upon which such institutions must stand
Another argument in favor Of this posi-
ton is the paramount importance of the
intelligence Of the many over The liberal
education of the few. In republican 60
vernments especially, the influence Of ge-
neral education is indispensable to the free
support of political institutions But aside
from its influence in politics. the happiness
which it diffuses through ten thousand
hearts, renders it of the utmost importance.
1t opens the door of prosperity to every
man in every pursuit of life, and in every
days transaction; and points out the path
of honorable preferment, TO every member
of the commonwealth.
Colleges and Universities, are like our
mighty lakes and rivers, grand and mag
nifcient; facilitating commerce and bring
ing glory TO the nation, yet circumscrlbed
in their beneficial effects; while common
schools are like the thousand riis which
pursue their noseless Way through eyerv
mans farm, dispensing beauty and fertili-
ty in their course, and furnishing The most
healthIul beverage for man and beast.
1t may be observed, farther, that there |
is greater need of effort for general edu-
cation than for classical Institutions. The |
latter afford inducements enough by open
ting the door TO an avenue TO the learned |
professions, and to high political offices |
and 10 literary distinctions, to secure their |
own interests; While the blessings of the
former are not appreciated by multitudes |
Of ignorant parents; the expenses of tut
ton are grudged by the covetous; and a |
large portion ofthe rising generation even |
in our most intelligent communities, would |
grow up without instruction, if it were left |
to the voluntary action Of their parents
But on this point | shall have occasion TO |
enlarge; when discussing the advantages
of the Free school system.
| have said nothing of an intermediate
class oil institutions, forming connectiug
link between colleges and common schools
out design soon TO consider the rel tion
they Should sustain to each. J.U.P