The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1846-12-08
Education at the West.

Education at the West.
The following correspondence, aside fro n
the importance Of the subject. has special
interest for the people of Vermont. The
parties, 10 our view, are far enough from ex-
aggeralins the importance Of the subject
Correspondence 6eticeen Prof. Sto,re ana
Gorernor Sidde.
LETTER FROM DR.. STOWE.
WALSUr HILLs, Cincinnati, }
June 5, 154G.
His Excellency, Gov. SLADE:
My Dear Sir-You have already been made
acquainted with the general plan and purpos-
es Of The Central Committee for promoting
National Education located at Cincinnati.
We are engaged in the never appreciated al
ways unrewarded, and generally unsuccessful
work Of awakening and keeping alive in the
public mind, useful, and practical ideas on
the subject Of education, that people NAV
learn haw to treat themselves and their chill
dren desently. and make human life worth
something. This is an object which de-
mands talent. devoteduess, patience, and a
vast amount OF hard work, all for the good Of
others, and without prospect or hope of re-
ward, except in the kingdom OF heaven. As
this kingdom has no political prefermerts, OF
public monies; no cotton or sugar planta
tons. or bank stocks TO offer, and does moi
speculate in produce. manufactures. mer-
chandise, or wild lands, stock in it is gener
ally considered bad investment, and govern
ment bonds or Texas scrip are generally pre-
erred.
But there are minds which are not ami
malized and money blinded; minds which
have glimpses OF the truly good and great and
are capable OF Hiring for an idea and hich.
consequently, are willing to labor for the iu-
tellectual and moral good Of man. without
the expectation Of wealth or worldly honor,
and simply because their sympathlcs and
Christian principles lead them uhatwa To
such mind the educational wants Of our
country. especially at the West, open an ex-
teusivo aud inviting field. The work needed
cannot be done by dn ordinary, common
place mind it can be done only by man
who is capable of succeeding in any line Of
business, and worthy Of holding any office in
the Gift Of the people: man vino will have
great deal TO sacrifice for the cause which
be undertakes.
We are ledby knowledge Of your char
acter, and the interest You have taken in the
cause Of popular education, TO ask you To
take this subject into consideration, and see
whether you may no; find it practicable, and
consistent with your feelings and sense oil du-
~ TO relinquiSh your present honorable posi-
lion, and devote your time and talents Ia
this great cause. As to remuneration, YOU
would be assured of "a decent. frugal living.
and nothing more: but Jesus Christ says. d
mans life conSiSteh mol in The abundance 81
The things rhich he possessed :; and had We
not supposed that your mind and heart are
fully capable Of perceiving AMI approaching
this great, and to most of The world, unknown
truth, we never should have laid this thing
before you.
We are fully convinced that there is very
deep and increasing sense OF our dangers and
duties in respect TO universal popular educa-
ton, among the most ietelligent and benevo-
lieut. of our countrymen; aud that there is a
'vast amount Of female talent in our older
Eastern States now unemployed. viii, b
might he most effic emily and most happ l.,
occupied in doing a the West the ,drcallon-
al work Of which there is SO much need.
But though the inclination and the means for
=
ly; though the benefits to he secured are 81
immense, and the evils TO be avoided so ap
Pallins. nothing can be done al all commen
surate TO the great end in view without some
single. strong. experienced, benevolent mInd
entirely devoted to the object. to form Il NJ
cIeus around which others may cluster, t.
ascertain wants, TO developo r. sourt eS. and IN
bring together the needs and tie supplies.
perienee and honorable Gisiinc tiun in p0liti-
cal life would all he made available towards
its accomplishment. Leaving Tho ihorny
nazes Of party politics. your whole energies
would he directly employed IN The achieve
ment of that which all parties profe.s 10 Lave
most at heart-fhe largest good OF the ,ch0ie
people.
In behalf Of the Central Committee for
Promoting National Educa'ion.
G.. L. STOWE.