The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-06-12
Nem Fork Gorresp onnenfe.
New YoRK, June 8, 1874

Inc gidTe Oh an intensely IeTVlu sun On our
roofs and pavements is beginning to work its
usual effects on our city. Business for the
spring is nearly over, and those who are
masters Of their time are beginning to move
| of-the politically inclined to your city, the
pleasure-seekers to Saratoga, &c. If this wealth
er should hold fortnight longer, New York
will be deserted by the world; and don't see
but it must, for good deal Of thunder and
lightning with little rain last night has only
made the weather hotter than ever s
In the lull Of politics just at present., shall
have room to say word to you on the School
Question which has for some time agitated our
city, and now threatens to distract both parties
and upset all calculations in the next election
The grounds Of this controversy are briefly
these our primary schools in this city are man
aged (unlike those of the residue Of the @State)
by the Public School Society, consisting Of all
such persons Of good character as choose to
become members by paying some $50 admission
fee and IS per annum. This corporation ope-
rates by Trustees, Managers, &C.. and kreceives
the cty's portion Of the School Fund, with
whatever is raised by the city, and discusses the
whole for educational purposes, builds school
houses, hires teachers, examines them, superin-
tends schools, &C., &c. No authorities or per
sons other than those Of the Public School So
ciety have much if any thing to do with the
business. tits but Just to add that the man
agement by them has, in the main, been good
that great proportion Of our children are sys-
tematically gathered into the schools, and that
the institution therein gives satisfaction to
majority Of our citizens.
But our Roman Catholic population feel ag-
grieyed by it. They object, especially. that the
authors whose works are used as lessons or text
books in these schools are, with scarcely an ex-
ception, either Protestants Infdel; that in ev-
cry school the Received or King James Yer
sion of the Bible is in common use, though no.
toriously condemned and regarded as incorrect
by their church; that the children Of the un-
couth, INDECENT, and hardly ineligible foreign
ers, just landed on our shores, must naturally be
subject to contempt, ridicule and contumely in
a school made up mainly Of the better clad and
fed natives Of the soil; and, in short, that every
influence to be found in our public schools is
calculated to lead or drive the children of our
immigrant population from the faith Of their
fathers---to regard il as stumbling-block to adj
vancement and badge Of degradation. They,
therefore, demand that special provision be made
for the education Of the children of immigrants;
that the Catholics be allowed to receive their
portion Of the School Fund and support schools
for themselves; or that, at any rate. the whole
subject of education be committed here, as in
other parts of the State and country. directly to
the people, to be managed by them asa majority
in each district shall think proper These de-
mands are considered reasonable and just by
Gov. SEWARD and Mr.. Secretary SPENCER, SUI
perntendent Of schools and, by the latter,
bill was drawn up this spring, granting the re-
lief prayed for, which was finally postponed to
next winter in the Senate by one majority
The subject is therefore now fully before the
people, and bids fair to distract both parties un-
til settled. The effect partywise cannot now be
foreseen.
The Senate and Chancellor of this State,
sitting as Court for the Correction of Errors,
assembled in this city on Saturday, but did not
form quorum till to-day, when the Lieut.. Gov
ernor, Chancellor, and 90 Senators were present,
One case was argued to-day.
Hon. MARK H. SIBLEy, one OF the ablest and
most eloquent Senators, has resigned his seat.
Gen. JAMES WILSON, of N. III. passed through
our city this morning on his way to his far
Western appointment. Health and prosperity
attend this gallant soldier in the cause Of his
country's redemption If nations gratitude
and love could ensure il, his future career would
indeed be glorious and happy one.
Will you say to your Wing members Of Con-
gress in your bluntest manner, that the sovel
reign People hereabout are impatient for action
--AcTroN-ACTION Of the most decisive kind.
They want INFRINGEMENT in the capitol and
out Of it. Relief to the States, a sound curren-
cy for the People, an adequate revenue for the
Government, and an adjournment as soon as
these can be reasonably effected. Nothing less
than this will reconcile them to the staving off
Of the General Bankrupt Law. Yours,
HARoLp,