Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1842-12-01

Interested designs may be frustrated by its adop-
ion. Of their deceptive counsels, fellow-citi-
lens, We beseech you to beware. Listen not to
he man who would persuade you to permit your
children to grow up in Ignorance, because, as he
would have you believe, you are too poor in every
situation to bestow on them elementary instuuc-
lion. But il you choose make the calculation in !
dollars and cents, the investment finally will prove
to be good one.
Take courage from our sister States. Let their
bright examples but stimulate us in the prosecu-
tion Of the holy work. Massachusetts, expends
for this object about $500, 900 annually-Connec-
ticut as much, or probably more; and New y ork
more than $2,0O0,O00. But. you pay something
tor your present system. Is it certain tina; if all
the counties shall counties rounlori!y adopt the
proposed district free school system, You will
pay more than you do at present! We tell you,
and will endeavor presently to prove it, that the
cost you Of primary education is 1856, 900, and
yet %, 900 poor children do not attend school at
all; $4,000 others so on an average only sixty
four days in tire year, and an indefinite number of
thousands besides there are, who not poor, yet
either are not taught at all, so lily taught
that 1t were almost better they were let alone
Your school houses too often miserable huts
scarcely more comfortable than those you provide
for your cattle, and often supplied with every
ANNOYANCE, which can iucoi,iaoae the sensitive
feelings of children, and furnished with nothing
TO inspire even liberation much less a lore of
learning. Your schools are taught by men, ma.
my Of them Incompetent in their attainmen;s, aud
not qualified in morals--who are not looked after
by parents, or any public authority, blu, permitted
TO pursue the suggestions of their crude Judgments
MS to the subjects TO be taught, and the mode OF
teaching them, and to listen mt TO The sugges-
tons of their conscicnces to the diligeni dis
charge of their duties. This imperfect system
costs for it's execution. either in private contrbu-
lions or public bounty, about $3.50, 900.
Look now on the other picture. The plan which
the Convention submits for your approval, may
be estimated to cost, If adopted throughout
the State, S963,ooo. ltprpposns 10 place school
and competent teacher within the reach OF the
child Of almost every white citizen, however re-
mote his situation, and however INDECENT his cir
cums,ances. The school aud the schooliuaster
shall DO near him. 1t proposes TO extend to
thousands more the being influence acknowledge
10 illumue and cheer his humble dwelling place
The school houses will be comfortable and plea
SAINT resorts. engendeIing associations, which give
smoothncss to the path of knowledge and make
its pursuit dear TO the youthful heart The teach
ers, cautiously selected for thur attain.nents and
their characters. sufficiently paid and vigilan.lv
watched, will be willing and competent 10 dis
charge their high functions with energy and sue
cess. whilst the anxious interest of every parent
will be enlisted Tor securing the well working oil
the whole plan. This system will cos, you a.
bout S963, 500; being about s., 900 annually more
:han that now in operation. In proof of these es-
Inmates, we. submit the following statements:
SVSt ~ sac }''tSeM system.
(a) 32I3 teachers at $3.50 each SSlO750
Fuel for 32i3 schools at S 0 each 30 COO
(6) Books ard stationary for 10000
children at ST each $io( 900
Interest on cost of 3 ,2i3 school houses
at $50 each 9,729
% Commissions at | per cent on
$4,000 10 Iroasurers OF school Com
-mlssioners go
Salaries OF Clerks Of Commissioners
at S95 each for leo counties 5000
s95G,l99
Cast OF he proposed p!a,..
~ 1900 teachers at an average Of
$500 each s69O,oeo
superintendent OF instruction 1000
Expenses Of the County Commission
ers at the meetings OF the boards d,
$40 each % 600
Fuel, &C., at $40 for each school o3.oO1
M Stationary and books for I35 geo
children at 81 each $4,000
Interest on cost $500 schoolhousus
at $500 each o. COO
Commissions of Sherihs for collection,
say at per cent. on SSO0,OOO 10, 600
ln) Commissions of County Treasu-
rers say S95O.OOO $500
COZ Repairs Of schoohous"s a,
20 each 1900
5000 200