Wheeling times and advertiser. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1839-1849, 1846-06-11
ron THE riars.
MR.. WHARTON:

MR.. WHARTON:
Ii is with great pleasure that notice in the |
Times OF yesterday, call upon the citizens OF
Ohio County, to assemble for the purpose OF
discussing the subject OF Popular Education.
Many Counties in Virginia have already Ia
ken the subject under consideration, and acted
with reference to il in such manner, as to
give additional encouragement to every friend
OF his country, and especially every true citi-
zen OF Virginia. and we earnestly desire that
there may BE- such spirit manifested in this
County, in the advancement OF so noble a cause
as that OF the peoples education, that the high
est hopes OF its friends may be realised.
The subject of Popular Education has come
to be regarded with the deepest interest by the
greatest and best OF men in all parties and
professions IN our land. The pres, in MANY
parts OF our country. has lent its indispensable
aid TO the furtheronce Of this glorious cause:
Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, all the
New England States, New York and Ohio.
have systems of public schools in successful
operation, and many other States are wheeling
into the ranks--and shall Virginia, the noble.
the magnaniinous State, the State which com.
mands the respect of all her sisters from Maine
TO Texas, shall she come late 10 the contest?-
contest where upon one side, are found the
vicious, the Ignorant, the superstitious. the
demagogue; while upon the other, in uncom-
promising zeal, stand the virtuous, the educa-
ted. the Christian, the true souled patriot
Who, that hasever witnessed the successful
operation Of free school system, can doubt
but that it is one of the surest supporters of
our free institutions In country like ours,
where the pulpit, and the press are unframed
ed. where the poorest and most ignorant man.
with ballot in his hand, is in one sense as
strong as the rich and the learned; where
the demagogue may have influence and pow
er, in proportion 10 his talents and cunning
how necessary, nay Indispensable is pnbic,
free education. II is this kind of education
which the masses of Virginia should receive
as the free gift OF the State; it would be in vain
TO attempt TO eaumente the blessings of such
gift.
Not many months ago was visiting the free
schools OF one of our sister States, and attend
ed the public examination of one of these
schools in an important town.
There was one feature in the Exhibition.
which has never failed TO give me much plea.
sure, and which excited in my heart, the sum-
mer warmth of gladness, and called into my
eyes the dew of delight. ], was, that in the
exercises of the school, no stranger could tell
from intellectual and moral manifestations.
md scarcely from bodily apparel, who were
lie high born and who were the low born:
nd when, after having listened to an admira.
lie exercise, from some girl or boy in the high
studies OF the school, | was informed that !
hat was the daughter of poor widow. and !
hat the son OF a poor laborer, could hardly Il
eirain from shouting out from the hcayinp i
ullness oimy heart, glorious! glorious God /,
'n'y knows the rdiue of our public schools.
dodhelP us all more justly to appreciate them.
But how are we to appreciate and value a
good thing unless we are engaged in rendering
II valuable TO others2 1
No man ever yet, became deeply interested
in a subject without desiring his fellow men
10 LOOK x act upon IT, IN the same light if such /
be The iaci, we hope to find many at Triadel- !
phia, on the 10th inst. whose feelings and ac-
tons shall emtitle them to be enrolled as the I
last aud abiding friends of the State.
Leteach friend Of the cause exert himself |
to secure full attendance at the meeting
and we have no doubt that when once there.
all will be interested exceedingly. and encour-
aged TO put forth renewed exertions. to send
the advantages OF practical education to the
door OF each mars dwelling throughout the
State.
We would humbly suggest the proposition,
to establish town associations throughout Ohio
Co1nty-lt would certainly be productive of
great good, bat whether advisable or not we
leave II to the Convention to decide e.
IldEs OFFICE, June 10, 1916.