Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1841-10-28

preventing crIme1 But we are told the educatio,
of children concerns only those who have chill
dren. 1t concerns all who have property, by al
much as tho value Of property is enhanced in al
Intelligent, or deprecated in an ignorant commu
nifty. The good Of the whole state must be con
suited, and even those who have no children ar,
interested in the welfare of relatives and friends
and scihshly interested too, in the character and
general condition of the community. But it is
SAID, the state has no power TO compel parents Ia
send their children to school. Whence does the
state derive power to forbid vice, to enforce mill
tary Duty or to control parents. if they abuse the
bodies of their children These children con-
stitute the wealth of the state. She is bound for
her own safety, to see that they are trained we'll
a?d If parents are too negligent or averse to their
education, the state bound to attend to it herself
And here am reminded of very sensible view
OF the superiority of this plan OF public common
schools, supported by all and open to all. Many
who are now able, will not send their children to
school. Tax such to establish and keep up tho
schools, and they will be forced in a measure to
send their children, to obtain the value of their
money.
But the taxation will fall heavily on some. 1t
will fall heavily on property in proportion to its
value. This is the true representative of an indi-
vidual interest, and should be taxed accordingly
Some one objects that this plan is impractical
BILE. reply, it is doubtless attended with diff
cuties, owing to causes we cannot control. But
it contends with no difficulties other than those
incidental to the present or any plan. If popula-
ton is too sparse to sustain a school under this
system, it will be under any other. The great
improvement on James River has cost the state
millions, but there are hundreds, who will never
derive from it one particle of direct benefit. So
In this case and many others. As there are posi-
lions in the state, as Brooke co. Charlestown and
other places in Northern Virginia, which cannot
be directly benefited by the James River Canal,
SO there will be districts by their location cxclu
ded for time from any direct benefit by the school
law. But are such places now in better condi-
ton! neighborhood in which poverty or
sparse population forbids the establishment of
district school, forbids any. The fund for the
poor does no good, because TO school can be kept
up.
Again, it is said, this taxing will operate to in
crease the burdens of tho people. Let it be rec
objected that is not addition to our state cx-
penses, but diversion. great amount of mon
ney is now paid by the inhabitants of this state
for education. Let this be paid (he greater party
by tax, and where is the differencei Indeed,
nor" Will he an arn'.,,nraron ,,,e -rspun,cs Of
many. Some now pay great deal-forty or ff-
ty, OF perhaps hundred dollars-but if tax be
laid on property, the people will not pay accord
ing to the number of children, but the value Of
acres, and we know these often in an inverse
ratio. BY as much as those pay who now pay
nothing, by such proportion will be lessened
the expenses of others. This equalzing Of the
expense is one beautiful feature of the scheme.
But find that cannot discuss this principle
further. only advert to the fact already mention
ed, that by this scheme taxation and compusion
are less Objectionable, than by the existing plan.
We now pay tax. the rich for the poor. Unless
compulson be resorted to, the plan, however well
devised and supported, remains inefficient. But
1t will not do to compel paupcrs alone. Intro
duce the principle into general application, and
yon remove the odum which would be attached
to its partial operation. general tax might moi
at first be popular, but for the general welfare il
would obviously meet less opposition, than if laid
on a part for the benefit of another part of the
| community.
| III have not greatly mistaken recent develop
ments of public opinion, we are not destined Il
remain much longer in our present condition.
| However our Legislators may seem still dispose,
to protract their annual sessions in long discus
sions of abstract questions of federal relations
the people are manifesting their will that the mo
mentous interests Of popular improvement are en-
| titled to portion of their attention. Were edu
cation one of those wants, which by creating
demand, indirectly creates a supply, it migt
safely be left to itself. But SO far from this, w
well know, thatit is a want which crppes itsel
The greater the need, the les, the disposition t
seek relief. If our deficiencies in this respect al
to be supplied, the effort must come from withou
The Legislature, aided and supported by the pc
ular voice, must prepare the means and sccu
which embarrass efforts the more need for G
ergy and perseverance. Whatever is done
this matter should be well done. 1t is an intere
which takes hold on the future. 1t is true, v
may not be working for our generation. B
what then! The foundations we are laying, a
TO be built upon by ensuing generations.
be from us the contracted selfish consideration
which bound plans Of usefulness by the preser
We are passing away. But if we heed the MOI
tons of the past, we will strenuously endeav
to live in the future, by the benefit we confer
our country and our race. The life we now ii
&c Moth -.