The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-01-01

Schools for the seOerGL Counties IN the
State Of Vermont.
A law having been enacted during the
recent session OF our legislature providing
for system OF supervision of our COM
mon schools, as means of increasing
their efficiency and usefulness, it seems
desirable that train of measures should
be put in operation as early as possible, TO
carry out this benevolent purpose. One
of the objects of which our ncipient meas
ures should look, would doubtless be the
collection of facts, beyond those which we
now possess, with view to the final adj
justment of the system in such a shape as
to enable the people of this State event.
ualIy to secure, in full, the important BEN
eits which we may confidently believe
will result from this new provision.
1t is believed, however, that these ben
efts need not lie wholly and exclusively
in reserve for the distant future; but that
we may begin to experience them, in
some degree, even during The coming
year. And in order 10 bring the system
10 bear bene6ciaIly upon our present win,
ter schools, as well as to urge forward the
process OF collecting such facts and mate>
rails as may be necessary for the purpose
OF framing and putting in operation, here
after, a more mature and complete system
of measures, adapted to the wants Of our
schools, and adjusted to their actual con-
dition, it seems important, that we should
without delay, commence our IaborS. For
whether we look 10 distant or immediate
good, it is apparent that the sooner the
system is put in operation, the sooner will
its beneficial effects be realized. And
believe we should be justly regarded as
derelct to our high trust, should we fail
TO address ourselves TO the work before us
with promptatude, as well as with energy
and zeal.
Under this conviction have deemed
it my duty to address you, by way of Of
fering some Suggestions in regard to the
work which believe may properly and
advantageousIy be performed during the
present winter. 1t may, l am aware, be
thought that this proceeding is not, under
the present circumstances, specifically re.
qulred of me by the provisions of the act
already alluded to, but still it is believed
to be in accordance with the spirit and
The motives which prompted the passage
OF that act; and in view Of the considera-
tons which have already been stated, ia
ken in connection with the fact that some
embarrassment might be felt by you in en-
terng upon course of duties new not
merely to yourselves personally, but new
in the history of the State, deem no fur.
ther apology necessary for step which
strict construction might indeed regard as
uncalled for, but which seems necessary
TO secure concerted and confident action
on your part, in the discharge of duties
which you are clearly authorized O enter
upon Immediately.
1t might seem, at first view, impractical
BILE 10 accomplish much during the ensu-
ing winter, because, in the first place, that
part of the law which provides for the ex>
animation OF teachers is not obligatory in
regard to our present winter schools; and
in the next place you will lack in the per-
Torrance of your remaining duties some
facilities which will hereafter be afforded
by the cooperation of Town Superintend-
enls, when these shall have been appoint
ed. But Notwithstanding this Limitation
of your duties and this want of the desira.
BILE assistance which will be rendered
when all the agents in this new system
shall have been created, yet much still
may and ought, in the meanwhile to be
accomplished. If you are not called up
on to examine teachers, you can "visit
schools" "deiver public addresses"
counsel with the prudential committees,
&c" as provided in that portion of the
law which prescribes your duties. You
can also commence the work of collecting
various important facts in regard to the
condition of the schools under your super.
Intendence. 1t is obvious that no system
OF measures can be framed with view
to future operations, that shall be accurate.
ly adapted to the actual condition of our
schools, without previous full knowledge
of that condition. Those general def
ciencies already well known may indeed
be met, in some degree, by general meas
ures, which might now be Instituted; but
more minute knowledge of those def.