The Evansville journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1834-184?, 1846-12-19

lumber of Votes rcfurned as having beeI
ash upon that question is less than one-ha
II The number of voters who attended ib
polls and voted upon other questions, AM
that from l3 counties, no returns whatever
upon that question have been received.
cannot close this communication without
submitting few remarks on the deeply i'm
porIant subject o, education. The success
| Of our Two Universities and our colleges, has
been all that their warmest friends could de-
sire, and is subject of just pride and con-
graduation to The State. have received
from The Indiana University, the indiana
Asbury University, The Wabash College, ano
The franklin College, yearly catalogues, ex-
hibning their actual condition; and my in
formation leaves no doubt upon my mind that
our other collegiate institutions are now, in
common with the four above named, in
more prosperous condition than they have
ever before enjoyed. This may, doubtless,
in some degree be attributed TO the return
ing prosperity of the State al large; but it is
mostly owing TO the superior inducements
held out TO those who are DESTROYS of ac-
curing sound educaion-ihe healthful sit /
uations, the means of economical living,
able and accomplished Presidents and Pro-
lessons, and viriuous associations.
Blu, under this comprehensive topic, there
is another subject which challenges our at
tenton by its far greater importance. | al
lude 10 the condition of our common schools.
/ Under our simple and sublime institutions
all citizens are regarded as politically equal
But to enable the citizen TO protect himself
in the enjoyment OF his full share of political
rights. he must be armed with al least an ell
ementary education, He must. know how
to read and write his mother tongue. This
is too frequently regarded merely as ques-
lion of expediency. But il should ne yer be
forgotten that il is a sacred debt which we
owe TO every son and daughter of Indiana,
however poor they may be, 10 place them
upon an equality with their more favored as
sociales, as the means of acquiring COM
mon school education. Until this is done,
they are not as equal as they ought 10 be, nor
as we have it in our power 10 make them
By this means they will be better enabled
TO ''know their own rights and knowing, TO
maintain Them" They will be better pre-
pared TO sill and analyze public questions
to scrulinize The conduct of their public of
fcers end hold Them 10 proper accountable
ity.
Very general dissatisfaction is expressed
with our present school law. 1t is objected
hat il is incoherent, and that its provisions
are vague and conflicting. careful revis-
ion of lbe entire school system is respecful-
ly recommended.
Great advantage would arise from the a.
doption into our system of soch provisions as
the experience of other States shown TO be
productive of happy results.
An obvious mode of accomplishing this
object would be the appointment of suiia-
| BILE person TO examine into the condition of
the schools of some of the older States, by
correspondence, travel, aud personal inspec-
ton, and 10 report to a future legislature |
am informed, however, that MIR. II. F. West,
a gentlemen who has recently become cit
izen of this place has for several years de-
voted his attention TO this phlanfhropc OBJ
lJeci, aud is ready 10 communicate the results
OF his inve siigations. IL is very probable
that this will obviate the necessity OF resort
ing TO the measure above indicated. and ia
cIhiaie action on this subject.
Whatever system you may see fit 10 adopt
il is recomme nded that provision be made for =
The appointment of State Superintendent,
who shall be charged with the supervision of
the enlre school system, and particularly with
procuring full and prompt reports Of the con-
dillon aud management of the schools
in this S Iate.
The ASYLUM for the education of Deaf
Mutes, continues 10 grow in usefulness, UNI
der its present able instructors The num-
Der of pupils in the institution since il was
established 10y the State, has increased from
! 10 to 45; and here are already assurances
that they will amount 10 fifty before The close
of your present session. Well situated
grounds in The immediate vincinly of this
place, have been purchased as site for a
suitable edifce; and it is recommended that
authority be given for lis early construction.
! Considerable progress has been made du.
ring The past season in The construction in this
vicinity OF Hospital Tor The Insane. which
was authorized at the last session OF the
| Legislature. tits recommended that the
former appropriations be SO far increased or
rather anticipated as to insure its completion
with The least practicable delay. This is alike
required by economy, humanity, and sound
policy. -
Permit me in conclusion to express the
hope that your deliberations my be charac-
tiersed by wisdom and moderation, and TO
pledge my cooperation in whatsoever NAV
be promotive of the prosperity, the happiness
and the honor of our beloved State
JAMES. WHITCOMB.
Dec. TN, 1876.