Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1843-05-30
SOUTHPORT TELEGRAPH.
TUESDAY, MAY 80, l043.
AND INTELLECTUALLY POWER.

That knowledge is power, is an axiom which 1t
were folly to attempt to prove, because of its uni
versa admissions nevertheless there many truths
contained in self-evident propositions, which are
not practically adopted. The world abounds In
manv excellent theories, which if only confirmed IN
practice, the state of society would present more
agreeable aspect; socially, morally and politically.
Theory is always far IN advance of practice, espe-
calv in whatever pertains to the true interests OF
man.
We are led to the consideration of this subject,
fro m the fact that our Territory never more
rapidly filling up with inhabitants than at the pres
ent time. 1t is indeed interesting to contemplate
our speedy advancement in population, but is there
not danger of our estimating our future greatness,
more upon the strength of numbers, and the ac-
emulation of physical power than upon the sum
of ntel gence, which shall IN future possess as
a Territory or a Statel Not that distrust the
general character of the tide of emigration, which
is now pouring into Wisconsin, for q more intelli-
gent and perhaps virtuous people ever settled new
country, than are now adopting this portion of the
West as their future home. b. far the greater pro-
portion of emigrants, who are now landing on our
shores, have intellectual combined with physical
mower 1t is not to these then that we look with
apprehensive fear: but 1t is to other circumstances
which may grow out of our peculiar condition that
we have cause of anxiety; 1t IS, that amidst
our ambitious srivings and readings after
wealth, the true means upon which Wisconsin must
depend for her future greatness the peace and safe
y of her citizens, and the permanency OF her lnsl-
buttons, will be neglected or forgotten. We mean
the education of the rising generation, by the early
establishment of common schools in every town and
neighborhood throughout the Territory. The grea-
ter the accumulation of physical power, and espe-
cialIy the greater the acquisition of wealth, the more
endangered will be our social and political rights,
unless there be corresponding diffusion of knowl-
edge and correct education.
In the west the condition of the people is pecul-
lar; they are far more exposed to danger from the
neglect to educate the young than the inhabitants
of the older states. The people of the west are Ill
the midst of excitements the rapid changes IN So
cietv-the progress of settlement and Improvement
and the constant presentation of new develope
ments in the country, keep the mind continually en-
gagged, and tend to divert it from the intellectual
culture of the rising generation. The acquisition
of property is passion peculiarly western, for
nearly if not entirely all who leave the homes of
their childhood and of early association, to to
the far west, for the purpose of lettering their
fortunes Hence the energies of the mind are
chiefly directed TO one engrossing pont-how to
grow rich Riches, it is true are deslrable at least
it is useless attempt pursuade the present gen.
Grafton that riches are not to be desired But OF
what avail is the wealth of the people, without
proper preponderating influence of intellectual pow
er? This after all, must give the proper direction
to property-secure the true interests OF society,
end save our Republican institutions, from being
carried into the whirlpool, which has proved the
destruction of the Republics of other ages.
Is there farmer, who is the father of family of
children, and is he willing to forego the expense OF
educating his sons, for the sake of saving the mon
ey that ght be required for that object, in order
that he may enlarge his possessions, and give his
sons an outfit in real estate, when their years of
minority shall have passed away! Better, far bet
ter, to give his children good common school ed
ucation, and send them out into the world penny
less to become the artfcers of their own fortunes,
than to endow them with large possessions without
an education. Are there any who for the present
have deferred the education of their families, but
who design to attend to it when they shall have put
their farms under cultivation-erected comfortable
dwellings, and collected around them the convent
ences Of life. Far better for such to live in thatch
oil tboiro tbao
to dwell in splendore ma gnificence, with their
offspring grown up in Ignorance. A good school
house is far more crcditabe to a negnborhood, the
inhabitants of which tenants oflog cabins, than
are costly dwellings to neighborhood, without
comfortable school house. Every settlement in
this new country should make it the first and pri-
mary business of public character, to erect
school house-the hopes of our country rest upon
the education of the rising generation. Nothing
but the most pressing necessity should induce any
however small, to neglect the sup
port of common school. TIE suffer the children
of Wisconsin to grow up uneducated, is to neglect
to provide safeguards against The inroads of vice
and crime.
Notwithstanding our country is new, and the ex-
stence of Wisconsin as habitation of civilization
is comparatively of but yesterday, yet the means
for obtaining thu benefits of instruction. are not be-
yond..the reach of any. But few parents in Wis
consn can be excusable for suffering their chill
1ren to grow up uneducated. The avenues to
are various-books are cheap, and the
methods of instruction have become so smpliied,
that the attainment of the sciences has become
possible for almost every condition of learners
Books of instruction in every branch of literature,
are now so we'll adapted to the condition or exig-
encv of the student, that those who do not enjoy
the advantage of teachers. may nevertheless make
in the most important sciences by ap-
plication and diligence.
We earnestly hope that amidst the rapid progress
of settlement and improvement of the Territory no