Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1843-11-30

The folpwing article in relation 10 the
Public Schools Of this State, we copy
from late number Of the Providenrp
Journal. II has been suggested to us
that Mr.. UPDIHE, Of South King stown,
would be q suitable person for Superin
iouden', aud believing the suggestion To
be very good one, we throw out the
hint lor timely consideration.
Tue PUBLIC SCHOOLS The discus
Sion in The General Assembly upon th'
bill authorizing the Governor to institute
an inquiry into the condition Of the pub
lic schpols, ellciled some Interesting facts,
showing the necessity of such an nvesll
CATION, aud the advantage which would
nr,se from a more uniform ~ stem. We
have always held 10 tho opinion, that in
ths country every child has claim To
IN educ alton, almost as clear IA his claim
ppon the public Ior support, in case o
his inability to maintain himself. The
true economy Of government, no less than
the true policy of free institutions, is io
encourage education for as that ndvan
ces, pauperism and crime diminish. -
The files Of the General Assembly bea'
evidence 10 the increased attention which
the subject of education receives. Pc
tit!ons Tor the erection schoolhouscs b,
taxation, md for changes IN the districts
have formed great portion %! the bus-
ness on the docket for number of scs
sons. The amount raised for purposes
of education is in almost all the towns
liberal and crediiable. The difficult,
is that it is not always so expended as To
give the people the most for their nancy
The want has been severely felt of uni
formty in the system, aud Of a general
suoerntendonce over the whole. Ii Is
not proposed 10 increase the money e%-
pended upon schools, but to eXpend more
judiciously and more economically iha'
which is already raised for the purpose
We were surprised TO learn what a varIe-
~ ofbooks are used in our public school1
The number OF gianmQrS 10 no less than
fiiiy.six. and every new teacher feels
quite at liberty to introduce another. -
The aggregate sum paid for books BY
these continual changes must be very
great, end the cost OF books ai retail
pIices is nearly double what they can be
bought for IN large quantities.
The board of education should be Sc
lccted without reference to party, and to
prevent their Offices from ever becoming
the spolls of party, they should serve
without compensation. Men can be-
found, among those best qualified for the
places, who feel a sufficient interest in
the cause Of education 10 willingly accept
them on this condition. The onl officer
who will he required TO be paid will be
the secretary or agent Of the board, and
his Compensation, which need be but
moderate, will be saved doZen times
over by the superior economy with which
the schools Will be conducted, and n hun,
dred times over by the elevation which
the system will give TO the standard Of
education.
The system is 20 experiment il has
been uied with great success IN oheI
States. i'gi II - not necessary TO 9"
nhrGal u tind illustrations OF the benefit
a. Il ualiorm system under one superln
,rndence. The city OF Providence al
iords abundant evidence to this effect. -
The school committee, composed of in.
telligent men, vino devote considerable
time to the interest OF public cducaiIon
without receiving any pay, and wh"
sp'ak from he experience of unbiased
judgment have always borne particular
testimony to the advantages of a superin
trudent The advantages of uniformity
10 The system must prcsent themselves to
every mipd. We think therefore that
"" have right 10 anticipate very dccid-
- .' ,vemeu, from the plan proposed
ana . 20 soon 10 see il in successful
o,n!olHS.