The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-11-04
ELEVATE THE MASSES.

var. oha.rve, with supreme satisfaction, that the
,..,;o, pupers especially, besides those of other
,.,ss in our gIoriously- advancing republic, have
s.a recently occupied with subject universal
.r..,-the vitality important one Of popular ed''ea-
w. Gladly Withdraw our attention for one mo-
y, s.or the standing dish of politics, in order
=, we may express our heartfelt sympathy ina
E.,.n,o, we hope) obstructed by no party oppose
-, II order that we may mingle for space IN an
49,. ,vbere the sounds of discord are not to be
beard,
49,, of his country, will rejoice at the awakened
several States of this great confederacy in be-
half Of popular education
cbeered by so generous movement, the heart OF
nb,antLropist palpitates with hope powerfully
.,swed. The joyous tear of parental sensblliiy
,ts at the approach Of that era in human improve
,.0, when the children Of poverty and ignorance
lhal be brought under the patronage Of our State
..,.rrmen,s TO the temples Of science. The ardent
f.,,;mentast, cherishing he does the delightful
.pec,aion that the progress of civilization is on
L,.rd-,bat its advance is indefinite, and may finally
Lomnsss the boundaries Of earth-he must look to
|,0;v,rsal education as the great medium of APP
zach for this millennium for humanity.
Who is there so dead to all proper conception Of
In, universal interests of mankind as not to be
moved by tina, grand impulse which strives for the
,rousgaon of knowledge, and the spread of taste
or letters among the peope-the masses' Who is
hare that can find it in his heart to arrest the tide
he warm tide Of feeling-now, we trust, setting in,
n favor Of a cause which medtates the introduce
ion of the lamp of intelligence and of science into
he meanest hovel'
Il was centuries ago, that captive Greek, in a
hostile country, and at the mercy of tyrant, found
himself prepared to rehearse line from Earipides.
Nv that repetition, he fulfilled condition upon
which depended his life, and restoration to his
.nsve land" The despot, softened by the illusions
of departed genius-touched by the pathos of the
immortal poet--bade the Athenian $50, ard thank
he bard for freedom and his strains" If the ma
hons Of antiquity could imbibe 80 passionate de-
hire for knowledge, for culture, and the artsf that
ed to such pitch Of refinement and Of influence
how should we, in this advanced period Of the
worlds history, emulate the example of those ex-
Auisitely polished nations!
Were modern communities impregnated with the
lame admirable spiritthat taste for the highest en-
pellishments of the understanding with our
ivne system of heo ogy, we might hope to make
he nearest approximation to all of good that 10
|,ainable by man. But il is to be remarked, as
very humlating truth, that. in the freest govern
nent under the canopy of Heaven--framed as it
as to efectuate the greatest good to the greatest
umber-devised, as that government was, expressly
pr the free and unobsructed progress Of all its cti-
ems in all the avenues of improyement--there
70 many Of The States Of this Union greatly behind
pine Of the most intolerant despoiisms Of Europe
ehind them in enlarged and efficient schemes Of
ppuIar education! The plan for general nstruc-
on prevalent in Prussia and as it is stated to be,
ene6cia in its operation, may, after all, be the one
roper for the adoption of the States of this confed-
ncy.
But, AFTER ALL in spite Of the symptoms which
r, or seem to be, so encouraging at present. in diff
rent quarters of the country, we may not be war
hnted in speaking of the prospective accomplish
pen Of that which should be a matter Of such
profound concern, the nation throughout--the edu-
ation Of the people.
The point of view in which this subject should
Y considered, with respect to our peculiar form
government, Is, that as you Inform the people, 90
l you found deeply their attachment to our insti-
ltons, based as they are upon their sovereign will,
to lie upheld, at last, by the popular intelli-
ence.