Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1845-08-18

II we eSar'nc either the former present condition Of
mankind, shall find, that every country there
circumstances which favorable, and Others
adverse to the progress of intellectual Improvement and
the general diffusion Of useful know Iedgs.
Amongst the circumstances favorable intellectual cul.
! tvtton,
! /. The freedom of the State or Government,
| =. The fertility Of the Soil,
| 3 The temperatures and saubrty Of the climate.
fthe Government Of country be tyranncA despo,-
&c. the a-iour OF genius. ami the spirit free inquiry,
will be restricted and suppressed
II the Soil with moderate cultivation. does yield the
aeccssafes and comforts of life, have leisure.
should he have the inclination, for intseciua pur
suits.
And if the Climate be ndulgent bu, exposed the
Of Torrid heat Siberian cold; the mind will be re-
la=rd into languor. chilled into torpid inacton
These untGpOrabe circumstances Of Government Soil
and Climate. believed TO be the principal if not the
only Of the neglect Of cultivation and con-
sequenty Of that surprising difference the intellectual
character Of the people, which observed in those
countries where these Influences, to any considerable
tent, felt And hence it is supposed thai, # ad-
removed, directly opposite and different
effects would ensue. And that the human mind freed
from all cStraneous opposition, would Immediately advance
the perfection Of its nature, and that learning and ne-
gence would universally prevail.
This pleasing superstition, however although entitled 10
considerable weight, yet is not strictly The cOnd-
ton and resources Of many countries such afford
the necessares and comforts and indeed the uxu-
ries Of iieand the circumstances Of civil Government
in great measure, iavoraLe and yet fnd in
stead Of the intellectual elev alton Of the whole people and
the general diffusion of useful knowledge that ignorance
with Gil attendant conse ;uences prevails. This has
boon, and will continue be, the condition OF
the great body OF the People, in every country where the
important subject of POPULAR EDUCATION is neglect
ed!
Learning is by a spontaneous production bpt
plant Of slow growth and delicate structure; and ever re-
quFes tue careful hand Of pofseyorng and dgon cuya
ton.
II examine this subjec, in the light Of History and
Experience. shall discover the truth and importance
Of tho following propositions:
/. That. to the intelligence Of the People and
consequently their prosperity and happnoss System Of
General Education is Indispensable.
2 To render this system eGeienf be establish
ed superintendent, and supported, by the State.
In country, the combined advantages of free
Government, fertile soil, and geus climate so fully
enjoyed in the United States.
What then - the intelligence Of the great of the
People1 This intelligence will be found in direct proper
ton to the advancement OF Popular Education!
The General Government, is rue, has done but Little
for the promotion opubc instruction; but several Of the
States have given very uudabe attention to this impor
subiect' The Eastern States especially at an early
period Of their settlement, guided 10y wise and genefou.
policy, made liberal appropriations for the support of
Common Schools And, indeed early the ysar 62s
law passed Tor the Education o every child IN the
colonies The happy consequence Is, that Education is
more general, and knowledge widely dnusod than
in any other part Of the world Here the happy fleets of
Popular Education conspicuous in the Intelligence
| good morals, and industry Of the whole People.
In Connecticut, proverbiay called "e land Of steady
habits" N, legislative provision for Public Education -
!Jera than in any other saie. Here the interest
the sonooI fund, which IL nearly S2OOOO3O, affords the
means instruction {, 10000 children.
Tho Middle and also some Of tho Western States en-
ulors o the example Of New England have made liberal
appropriations for the establishment and support Of Pima
Schools. New York has taken the lead in this noble
enterprise. Hero the great body Of the People enjoy tie
rI,aus ri PUbe instruction. and more than jO0OOO chi
DR.. annually tlught in the primary Schools Penn.
sJ....s, Likewise, In 1894, adopted system Of General
Educ a, which is now proving entirely efficient. Tie
last rep.,i .hows than 5000 Primary Common
Schools ohich afford insuueisn - more than 10000
, children.
This is brief view Of the progress and influence of
Popular Education In several Of the States; and great
ly 10 be abicned that ia benefits moro extensive
~ enjoyed In truth, IL tho hnmest pillar Of National
Liberty, prosperity, and happiness Indeed tie remarks
bic difference, which apparent between the people
of ihoso States who have long felt u benign Influence
md others who have been deprived n IT, speaks loud
ly tbs suhcci and paints ts importance 10 stronger col
orr, than within the power o eloqucnce to express or
skill Of tue pcncI to describe And IL Is earnestly hoped
that the time s not far distant whom influence shall be
extended through every State in the Union. For let IL
be remembered that the ignorance Of the people
the certain dreude to their poverty and political desrada
/ ton !!