Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1841-04-24
00leMwUgGAEl
FoR THE PALLDIUM.
To the Public

meeting of the citizens friendly the of Ed
ucation, held Richmond Wayne County, Indiana lst.
Mo- January) Goth, ls4l The undersigned appointed
Committee 10 make arrangements for holding general
Convention of the friends of education, Richmond, at such
time during the present Spring they might deem most
peaent Having discharge Of the duty assigned US,
appointed the lh May o'clock, the time for
Convention would briefly address you
in respect to its object.
As stated by our Circular, these objects collect
facts regard and education generally i'll
State, and them before the public; to discuss important
subjects pertaining education, and consult in regard
be used to excite interest this
subject and especially the subject of Common School
Education That efforts this kind necessary,
believe, be apparen, all who have given the
least Intention of education Though
has been Enormously advocated by jealous and able
individuals and its claims presented the pub
lie, in some few by the PRESS it obviously has not
received thar attention which great Importance demands
The of the people Indifferent, and, conse-
quence frequently suitable schooooms provided
teachers employed and of course the public
funds economically expended Comparatively few
of the children of suitable age, allowed to attend
school, many those who do lily all sup
piled with books
The of the late of this State, reprove in
thunder indifference the of education.
We give few items taken from table of statistics ed
ucation, found in one of the journals of the day:
INDIANA. MAINE.
Number of inhabitants, 676,296 5oo443
Whites above 20 unable to read & write $4,000 $500
Total number of scholars attending schools
Of all kinds, 54,5H 232,40I
Proportion of scholars to inhabitants
10 every l23 2i
Proportion of those above 90 unable
read anG write the whole number
of inhabitants every Is 1544
From this it appears there SO 900
above 20 WHO read and w:te, ratio the whole
Of
hands by of the MarshaIs. learn divs
ion assigned him, tho number of inhabitants 90 is
about 81 of the entire population Surprising
be the in the whole State find every
read and write ind yet feared from
the which the is taken.
beI of this class is returned. Men ignorant
always willing confess themselves ignorant
be unable read and write.
In addition to the 3S, 900 mentioned above it liz
ferred that there thousands of Others who any
education they have received qualities them, no
better able TO discharge the duties of citizens.
If turn attention tho younger portion of on.
population, the picture is little less disheartening It
be seen above that the whole number attending schools
IN this state only 5l4, while in Maine, popri-
lation large by than 900, number ex-
ceedsd $4,000. Perhaps no, be warranted in
drawing inference from this fact yet taking
ncc.on it'll the indifference schools apparent
in many parts of our State, conclude
is is 10000, attenu
school eived
The facts mentioned above, need no comment /, is
knowledged that education is the vital principle and unda
mental elemcn, of genuine independence;
intelligence constitute the only basis
tons Yet in single State of only sou there
$4,000 who, not simply say, have cultivated
mnds but who read and write; and perhaps
nearly equal number of others who scarcely
And this number constantly increasing by recruits
the rising generation. With this fact before his
friend of his country, christian phaEthrops
fail 10 interest himself i'll the cause of education When
he reflects thai ignorance and vice usually 60 hand in
hardwhen he considers the character man-,hat is
intellectual cultivation that ennobles and allies
peror beingwhen he considers his hi destiny
sponsbili'y in republican where every mind
constitutes part of the sovereignty land must be
irresishly compelled TO some action the subject.
Wewold respectfully invite, and earnestly entreat every
friend of education, who possibly do so with US in
the convention, and participate in deliberations. IT,
however, he cannot be hinse, would request
him to be represented by delegation hi. vi
cin,r.
We sincerely hope to full attendance of teach
ors and parents that the convention may
hcia influence upon community which has frequently
been exerted in other places by similar meetings In
tending invitation, limited by state
boundaries The subject of education IS of
interest," and would therefore sduca
tion in the neighborng of Ohio their
presence on the occason and assist the
That there may be no want of interest in the
several able and distinguished been
TO lecture of the various important, which
will be introduced for consideration Among num-
beE upon which Lectures be expected besdes
address) are the following. viz I
The subjects rhich should be taught in common I
schools The present common school System of b
Indiana, and the changes Which the Legislature a
should make in that System. Female Education.
The reciprocal duties of teacher, parent, and pu- o
pH The dignity of the profession of Teacher. 9
The introduction of the Bible as a school book. 5
The location and construction of school houses, &c
Resolutions connected with these subjects gem
al utility, will be presented and trust, will elicit much
Profitable discussion II expected the convention