Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1845-04-10
THE mARr1NsBuRc ACADEMY.

We regret very much to learn that we are about
to loose from our community Mr.. J. S. BoSsAL,
the Principal Of the Martnsburg Academy. Mr..
Bonsal is about TO remove to Frederick City, Ma
ryland, to take charge OF an Academy whore we
hope his qualifications an able instructor of
youth will be more highly appreciated and more
amply rewarded than they have been here. We
part with him with regret, and we feel confident
when he is gone, all parents who have children to
educate, and who feel that interest in giving them
such an education as will thoroughly prepare them
for their important des,inies in after life. will re-
greet, and deeply regret, that tho have suffered
him to 60. We have no hesitation in saying that
the people of Martinsburg have never before had
so favorable opportunity for giving their children
thorough English and Classical Education--but
they have not awaited themselves of it with that
anxious and enlightened aolcitude which we should
like to see psvading the minds OF this community.
II seems to US that the spirit which formerly
animated this community upon the subject of edu-
cation, has completely died away. We well re-
member the time when numbered fifty and six
engaged in the pursuit of Classical learning; and
wall do we nor know with all due respect to the
memory Of our old precsptor, Almon Sortwel)
that we had not the advantages of education now
afforded by the present talented and able instruc-
tor, whose services are so soon TO be taken from
this community.
Mr.. Bonsai doubtless leaves US because he doe,
not realize competent support from his school
here-and he is right. He DO doubt will gain by
the removal. and we will loose. 1t seems to us
that bis removal should awaken the grave consd-
Grafton, and arouse tho action aud determined en-
erges of all parents and guar lans in this town and
county who have children committed to their
charge for education. Let the Trustees adopt en-
establishment Of an Academy or High School in
this town. which will attract the attention and se-
cure the patronage of an enlightened public
There is no place where a school of this descrip-
ton could be more advantageously located than in
Msrtinsburg. This town ia proverbial for its
health-easy of access through the means of the
Rail Road-bosrding cheap and Churches of al
most all denominations of Christians where the
scholars could attend if parents go desired. Let
the Trustees also furnish the school with such phi
losophical and chemical apparatus as will enable
the higher branches of english education to be
taught with accuracy and understanding. In short
let such school be established thoroughly to
educate and prepare boys to enter the higher clas-
ses in our best Colleges, and those who do not de-
sign extending their courses TO the Colleges, at
once to enter upon the business affairs OF life with
intelligence 1t is a great mistake in parents to
think because their are destined for either
of the learned professions, that therefore it is
less to spend so much time and money on their ed
ucaton. The road to honor and distinction in this
country is open to all--the rich and the poor are
both at liberty to strive for the m, and how often
do see it the case that educated poverty has
stricken the shackles from it's limbs and is INSTALL
ed in the highest places Of the Governmen--at the
BARN the pulpit--and amidst the business af,
| fairs of life. We are the deyoLed friends OF the
Common School System, and shall labor all in our
power for its establishment in Virgna--but at the
same time we are in favor of sustaining our Colle-
ses and Academies and we say to every parent
who is able to do it--give TO your children an ed
ucatton-it is the best legacy which you can leave
them, and one which cannot be taken from them
as long as life remains. We conjcre parents to
reflect seriously upon this important matter, and II
the Academy is worth supporting at all, to adopt
such measures as will enlarge its usefulness and
-