Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1846-11-27
From the Cincinnati atlas.
EDUCATION IN OHIO.

We were much impressed with the truth Of
the remark of Gov. Morehead, in his address,
on Tuesday evening, before the Young Mems
Library Association, that, in this age of physical
improvement, too little attention is paid TO the
great and permanent cause of education. That
in our race to excel each other in Railroads,
Turnpikes, Canals, Steamboats,, Tolegraphs, spe
culation and money-making, we seem TO over
look the cultivation ofwhat is Of vastly more i'm.
porlance than all these-the proper training, edu-
cation, and culture of the human mind-parti-
cularly of the rising generation. That our FORE
fathers bestowed much more care and attention
10 this Yital subject than the present generation
that universal suffrage, and universal educa-
tion and intelligence should 60 together; that no
people are fit for selfgovernment without it,
and that the Institutions, which we so much
prize, cannot be sustained if we neglect it. This
is a selfevident truth, and has so often been re-
peated and assented 10 by every intelligent states.
man, that it may be considered political axiom.
1t has been acted upon as fundamental prnci-
pie in New England and many of the older
States of the Union from their foundation, as the
corner stone ofrepublican liberty.
Deeply impressed with its truth, Ohio was the
first, and we believe the only State in the great
Mississippi Valley, TO establish by legislative au-
thorty, and direct taxation, broad and univer-
sal system of education.
Our system Of Common Schools was establish.
ed by an act passed in 1926, and had its origin
in the same enlightened policy which, at the
same session, laid the foundations of those great
internal Improvements, since accomplished
which have so rapidly developed the resources
of our State. Since its adoption, The system ha;
been regularly progressing and improving, unit
it has become favore with the people, and will
it is hoped, ere long become the pride and glory
ofthe State.
1t becomes the duty Of our Legislature, ant
should form the study of all the friends Of educa
tion-and who is MOTTO improve and periec
the system TO the utmost practicable extent.
What can be done 10 effect thisl
1t appears 10 US, that State SUPERlNTEN
DENT and General BOARD OF EDUCA
TlON are indispensable TO the proper organza
ton, management, right instruction, unity, ant
efficient action Of the Common Schools through
out the State. Such a board would have ih
power-as it would be their duty-to ascertain
the condition oflhe Schools, 10 observe and poin
out the existing defects, to suggest the proper re
medies and Improvements, TO gather more per
feet statistics, and above all, to arouse public ant
individual attention to this most important OF al
sublunary concerns.
We would therefore recommend 10 the mex
Legislature to appoint competent and zealou
Superintendent, whose duty it shall be TO visi
every part of the State, gather all the informa
tion in his power as TO the present condition Q
our Schools, and report to the next Legislator
the best plan for The organization of Genera
Board Of Education, defining their duties, &c
: The Board need not be expensive. The Super
intendent who should be man of talent, ener
gy, and experience, and who should devote hi
whole time to his arduous duties, should receiv
a fair compensation for his services. But tn
local members Of the Board who should be Sc
lected for their zeal in the cause Of education
r and who would not be called upon to devot
: : much Of their time in the discharge of the
duties, would not ask or require much comper
salion.
At all events, voice from every part Of tn
: State demands the appointment Of Superinter
= dent, and demands 10 know why the office wa
abolished. Under the administration of NJ
9 Lewis, it is universally admitted, that much goo
u was done-many evils corrected, and public a
tenlion turned 10 the importance of public edl
e cation.
u Our older and more experienced sister State
IS Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, &c
l. have long since found the necessity, and a
knowledged the advantages of this general suPe
vsing power in their system of pablo instru
ton. They have selected their abest and be
n men as Superintendents-an office not infer
% in dignity 10 any other in the State. Let Oh
. follow their bright example, and as she is ami
tious 10 excel in every thing great and good,
not her system Of education be the least of h
is glories.
10 =, o,. O,