Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1841-11-26
70 TIE EDITOR OF TIE ENQUIRER.

EDUCATION OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES Schools.
The Education Convention, to meet in Richmond on
The 9th Of December, occupies a large share of the pcb-
lie attention. ! most cordially unite with your cores
pondent "E," in the hope that a large representation
o: the people will attend that Convention. | also hope
inlt each delegate appointed TO attend it, will occupy
lis leisure moments in considering oil the best means
Of d,ifusing general education amongst the people
and that he will endeavor to ascertain what system
would be most acceptable to those whom he shall re-
p!esent.
Surely "E" mast be mistaken IL supposing the OBJ
Get ofthe proposed Convention to be 10 urge upon the
Legislature, "the %propriety of Perfecting a sys en- long
ago determined on, not TO propose a new onc:' that
IS, TO build up colleges and academies, and leave the
poor to grow up in Ignorance under the wretched sys-
ten which now exists for their instruction. 1t is un-
ders,ood by many, that the Convention will be restrict
ed 10 no particular system, least of all to one so barren
of good fruits; but that it will be at liberty TO pro-
pose, on mature deliberation, such a system as will be
best calculated to secure the State from any increase
of the vas, amount of ignorance which now prevails.
have bestowed my best reflections on the system Of
education, which "E" seems to favour; and the result
is, tina, it would be attended with no beneficial conse-
qasnces-,ha; il would not bring down the price of a
LIBERAL education, and make it attainable TO a larger
proportion Of the people. | ask of "E," and all who
favor his vie ws, a candid consideration of the reasons
which induce me TO oppose thus system.
"E" thinks that a system which has produced the
University cannot be a bad one. | should as soon as
cribe the production of the University to any other
cause, as 10 "E's" favorite system. The truth OF the
matter is, the University owes its existence and con.
inaed being solely to the $500, 900, and the annuity of
Sl5, 900, which il has received from the State. This
amount of money would build and sustain q University
Independently Of any system" whatever. Though !
entertain a high opinion Of the University, and would
DO nothing to impair its usefulness, yet l can see no
thing in il to recommend the system which "E' Ia
yors; but | do see much TO condemn that system, IN the
melancholy and astounding fact that under a part OF II,
upwards of 5000 adult white persons IN Virginia, are
utterly destitute of education, fitted only to be 'hewers
Of wood, and drawers Of water to their more fortu-
nate fellow. citizens; and whose instruction, "the wise
men who established the SYSTEM, regarded as an "op-
icct eqnally humane, lust and necessary, involving alike
the interest of humanity, and the preservation Of the
Constitution, laws, and Liberty of the good people OF
ths Common wealth in view Of which they solemnly
protested against any other application of the proceeds
ofthe Literary Fund, by any succeeding General .7sse1a.
th, to any other purpose than Tor the instruction OF
the poor. Has this great object been accomplished:
thas not, and why, Because the system, from un'
fp,e.aen causes, has proved to be inc Efficient. II is
clearly our duty to establish a better. What should
that be: Instead Of devising a better, taking o
part of the money set apart for the education OF
the poor, and bestowing it on colleges, academies,
and intermediate schools? No. These would neither
he accessible 10, or attended ny either the poor, or the
"grcat middle class Of society; and | will submit facts
10 prove il. LIST US not be induced to embark IN inns
scheme, 10 bolster up declining Institutions, whose de-
cline results from other causes than a want of State pa
ironage; or on account Of ~''pledges" which may have
been made to hem-"pledges' which cannot be sus-
taincd by the principles of natural law, or any rational
Interpretation of the statutes relating to the Literary
Fund. But let US try a system which has proved
itself to be good in other States, and which may
be introduced into Virginia; and which is so warm
ly and 50 ably supported by our fellow-citizens OF
The West. Let us try the district school system, the
schools 10 be free TO q certain extent, which will be
mentioned in the sequel. 1t is believed, that this is the
only system which will reach the poor, and secure TO
them moral and intellectual instruction. Not only
will it bring instruction to the poor, but it will be pro.
ductise Of a more general diffusion Of knowledge
amongst the s'great middle class" for whose welfare
"E' Justly manifests so much concern. Numbers OF
these, alike with the poor, are doomed to hopeless 'g-
norance. Ii is said by one of extensive observation,
that niaeeen.tpsnieths of the people of the U. s., re-
etiee their educatons in primary schools. Fortunately,
Tor us, we are not left to vague conjecture, respecting
the relative merits Of the system, which" E would
have perfected, and the district school system.
The experience Of other States. furnishes a sure test
81 Judging between them. | respectfully ask The atten-
ton Of "E" to such facts as l shall detail relative to col
leges, academies, and district schools:
There are 95 Universities and Colleges IN the U. D,
and only $3.50 students attending them-ubout one
seven -hundredth part of the free white male poPula-
lion Of the u. S.
Georgia has an education fund Of $500, 900, the in
Come Of one half of which is appropriated to Acade-
mics, the income of the other half to free schools
Only 1000 children attend the Academies, whilst o.
no attend free schools.
NEG Jersey Well supplied with Colleges and AGA
demies-27, 600 adults entirely without education.
Mryand-Colleges and Academies receive liberal
donations from the State. Only 5000 out of u, 900
Children 10 Baltimore attending school. Education
greatly neglected in the State.
Etstucky-One University, five Colleges, and a
goodiy number of Academies. System for instruction
Of poor like ours. In 1880, only 81 200 out OF $4,000
Children attending school.
Tennessee District Schools established. "You sell
som meet with q nafire who cannot read and write