The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1841-02-12

connection between moral character knowledge
and manners, science and skill in business, of every
klnd-mechanica, manual and agricultural, as well
as professional, mercantile and sedenary-we have
already minated as at the basis of much mistake
in our school policy, and as needing immediate
eradication. We cannot forbcar to add one more
difficulty which we fear will never be remedied,
till the mass of Vermont mothers and fathers, ci-
zens and youth are aroused from their present
sumbcrs to a better appreciation Of the blessings
and power of universal education. 1t is the neglect
of this great interest by our politicians and states
man. II is to this that we compelled to ascrbe
the humiliating fact that while in sister States,
where property and power are less equally disri-
buted than in Vermont--where the voice of the
poor man might not be expected TO be heard in his
own behalf as it is, and we trust, ever will be,
IN our own beloved mountains and valeys-there,
reforms and Improvements have been recently in
troduced, through bold and phlanthroplc system
of legislation, which has made glad the hearts and
is developing the minds of every son and daughter,
in cabin, tenement or cottage, in town. city or vii
age.
The remedies for these evils we diliidently sug-
gest, relying on the results of your accumulated
light, to select and specify such as will meet the
wants of our State.
l. We think that course of Lectures, by gen.
tlemen understanding the subject, in all our prln-
cpal towns and villages, would greatly tend TO en-
tighten our people to their true interest. These
lectures might be given, and should be given by
ministers of religion, professional gentlemen teach
ers of youth, patriotic and philanthropic citizens
who arc to be found in every town and village.
g. The periodical and newspaper press, of every
party and denomination, should be prompted to n
more elevated devotion and public spirited fidelity
to this highest interest of the rising generation.
3. Conventions and meetings should be called
and held every WHEREOF at least at all such p'a-
ces as.are convenient for the assembage of the
people,-and these AoPics and all proposed meas
ures of reform should become canvassed and dis
cussed, till not family nor parent should he eil
within our borders, whose mind has not become
aroused to the Importance of educational regen-
Grafton.
With respect TO the hest schoo. system, we
would, with Difference to your opinion, respectfully
surrest that the establishment Of PRIMARY
SCHOOLS, in every district in the State, for al
children under ten or twelve years of age-to BIZ
instructed by we'll qualified FEMALE TEACHERS
aud to be kept open from the commencement o
the Spring season till the return Of lnclcmen wealth
or in the autumn or wnlcr-would at once do
great deal towards correcting many of the abuses
to which we haye referred. We would have these
schools required and provided for by legislative
provision; sustained and supported by a tax on thu
grand lis, of all within the State. We think tina
if this system Of PRIMARY SCHOOLS could one,
become securely established, on this principle o
common support for the common benefit, that IN
ion or central schools for the education in hghe
branches of all over ten twelve years nge,wonl'
then be generally adopted and supported, and thei
advantages soon felt throughout the State.
We hope, too, that some system of distribution
of the School Fund may be hereafter adopted, b.
. which all towns mat are laltnIul 10 the Tcv"sioh
of law, in establishing and supporting prlrnar
schools, may have fair portion of this money i
aid of their Grammer, High, Classical or Cnio
and Central Summaries, for the education in sci
ence of all who are not Of suitable age TO attcn
the primary schools. These Seminaries for til
older scholars, we wish 10 see instructed by we
ounfed male teachers. And TO secure compc
,ency in these teachers, male and female, we thin
that something like the acquisitions of Il former law
securing the supervision Of well selected senel'
committee, in arh town, is recommended by un
;, yersal experience as well as reason and commo
. sense. We trust that while the people Of NlassO
chusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New York, Ne'
: Jersey Pennsylvania, Nlichig1n, Ohio and oth'
y portions Of our own Republic are dedicatng the
efforts, energies and resources to secure to Tie
children the blessing of abundant educa'ion,-an
some Of the dcspotisms and monorchies OF EuroF
are even doing more than this for their subjects an
popula,ion-,he protestant Democracy of Vernon
y cannot long continue recreant to this momcnio'
y interest. Signed, sc.
Springfield, JAN Is, 1871.