The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1845-08-13
EDUCATION.
Is Education forms the common mind,
Just as the twig is bent the trees inclined"


more Immediately and certainly. when the people
are themselves directly the rulers of the nation,
the directors and regulators of the counsels and
actions of those to whom they have entrusted their
agency of exercising, for the time. the powers of
government, and for the exercise of which powers
they hold them responsible TO themselves.
Can any doubt or deny The truth Of these asser-
tlonsk Then it must he admitted that of all the
great and important objects which demand the
serious consideration of those who love their
country, who glory in her renown and rejoice in
her prosperity and happiness, both as respects her
individual citizens and the great body of her col
lective inhabitants, none is of greater moment.
none is more worthy OF being over and over again
pondered upon viewed in all its bearings and act
ed upon with the utmost caution, but, al the same
time, with the greatest promptitude, decision and
energy, than this all important one of Education
To the eye of patriotism it is the subject of sub
Jects, the all important interest upon which all
other interests rest and without which none 9th
er can, in free country, be maintained
This important subject is exciting much atten-
ton throughout our State at the present time.
The work is begun, let it be carried forward until
est to the lowest, shall come under the halIowino
influence OF proper system Of instruction All
past history proves that an ignorant people cannot
long remain free. Under other forms of royern
ment, those who are to hold the powers of soyer
eighty are educated with the greatest care. IN
prepare them for the discharge of the important
duties that are to devolve upon them in after life
rue, they are taught to indulge IDEAS TO act upon
opinions and notions that we believe to be entire
ly erroneous. But they are instructed with refer
ence to the state of things there existing. are
taught to regard themselves as sovereipns, HAVING
right to dispose of and govern their subjects. not
with view, and for the express purpose of max
ing them happy and prosperous, but on the con-
trary to regard their own authority. the power,
sPlendor, wealth and perpetuty of the govern
ment, as the first and leading object to which, in
case of collision, all other considerations the best
interests and happiness of the governed, are to
yield. And what is the result? Why. bv aim
ing to secure their own authority, having been
taught, and most thoroughly trained, to the means
by which they are to secure the end. thew suc
coed in maintaining that control, despite the eff
forts of millions, whose sufferings induce them
sometimes to resist power which they are not
instructed In the means of overthrowng, nor have
they been permitted to learn by what means thew
might dispense with these dictatoral forms, and
exercise the glorious prerogative of selfgo
ment.
Suppose those upon whom the European laws
OF descent cast the crown and prerogaives of gov
ernlng the masses, where suffered to grow I'D in
entire ignorance Of the responsibilities that are TO
rest upon them in after life, does any one suppose
they could long retain their sovereionty2 IF they
could not then is it equally necessary that the
sovereIgns of free country, the people, who hold
control there, should be properly taught2 And
are we willing to peril the great and glorious
privileges we enjoy and which have been ouarap-
teed to us by the illustrious, patriots, statesmen
and phanthropists who have gone before, onIy
upon the condition Of orr properly guarding and
protecting the sacred trust confided to u.s. are we
willing to peril all, for which SO much has been
sacrificed, to the casualties of chance the caprces
of ignorance and folly, however honestly directed
But we must not forget that uice is the constant
never failing attendant of ignorance among the
masses of mankind. And it needs no double DOR
ton of mental power and moral discernmen,
CoulOlneu WIN historical knowledge, to satisfy
any anil all that moral depravity. vice, and crime
when they become general, necessarily lead to the
destruction Of the best interests of community
and utterly unfit men for correct action, that shall
lead to the highest happiness of all. Are we pat
rIots' do we desire to perpetuate the high and
holy institutions which are the glory of Americ,
and the hope Of the world? Let us act in sun
port of that great cause Of Education. without
which all must soon be lost. 1t is presumed that
none will differ from US in theory upon this sub
ject. Bot do all act in accordance with tbeee
views2 Do all make il point TO sustain both
with their patronage and their influence. their
constant, individual influence, those institutions If
Learning where the most liberal enlightenment
OF mind is given2 Do all Patronise, and upon
every occasion, present and advocate the claims
OF those Institutions which are best taught? Do
all ny the interest they manifest in the subject
induce all, with whom they have any degree of
influence, to regard it as Of paramount importance
1t any do not they are guilty Of most fragrant
neglect Of duty TO themselves. their fellovv man