Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1846-11-27

der the control of this Board, has been some.
what reduced, in consequence OF collections OF
principal which have been lent to the Puoilc
Treasurer as directed by the General Assembly.
A school for the education OF poor persons,
who may be Deaf and Dumb, has been establish
ed bv the Board in the CITY of Ralelgh-the
advantages of which are also open to pupils
who may be able to pay at reasonable char
ges. Twenty State benefciaries and two pay
INC schools are now instructed in this institu
tion. And it will doubtless be an agreeable
part of your duty, to examine the progress
made by these children of misfortune in their
course of mental education, as well as in some
of the useful arts. A like school for the Blind
has been in contemplation by the Board, and
was at one time resolved upon. But for want
of information as to the number, residence and
situation in life of this class of afflicted per-
sons, the fewness of those offering themselves
as pupils, and the difficulties encountered IN
employing teacher. having all the qualifica-
tons needed to begin such an enterprise, and
conduct it to successful issue, have OCCASION
ed postponement of that work OF benevolence
for the present.
For the support of Common Schools, there
has been distributed from this fund Tor the
wear, ending September 1st, 1845, the sum OF
S95,578 ID, and on the like day in 1916, the
sum of S95 1913 65 Official information has
been received of the adoption of the Common
School system by the popular vote at the late
election in the Counties of Edgecombe and
Rowan. Its advantages are therefore now
to be extended to every County in the
the State Itwould be gratifying to me to be
able to announce to you, that these advantages
were now commensurate with the munifcence
of the Legislature. in providing this fund, and
the expectations of the public, in advancing
education among the rising generation. 1t is
apprehended however, that much less good is
effected at present, from the actual operation
of the School system, than ought to result
from the amount of funds raised and distribut-
ed for its support And yet, from the nature
of the defect, it is difficult to apply a remedy:
From all the Counties in the State, only thirty
eight Chairmen of the Boards of Superinten-
dents for Common Schools, made any return
to the Literary Board, of the operation of the
system in their Counties for the year 1915,
and still smaller number in 1916, although
the time appointed by Law has expired. This
is probably imputable not so much to their
delinquency as 10 the failure of the School
Committees in the districts, to furnish the
reports required of them. Indeed, as might
be expected, in matter depending for success,
quite as much on administration, as Legisla-
tive direction-a matter new to our population
and our authorities, there are at present too
little intelligence, uniformity, and efficiency,
in the execution of the School Law. 1t APP
pears to me, therefore, of the first moment,
that a Commissioner of Common Schools
should be appointed, charged with the superin-
tendence of the system throughout the State,
and devoting his whole time and attention
in imparting to it vigor and usefulness. The
subject is of sufficient weight, especially in
the infantile stage of these institutions, to
engage the best talents and most exalted patri-
otism of the country.
In many of the Governments Of Europe. the
Minister of Public Instruction ranks with
those Of War. Finance and Diplomacy, their
rqual in dignity. perhaps more than their eq"a
In usefulness. In those States of our Union
in which Education has most extensively pre-
vailed, and in which, from the maturity ofthe
system, there would seem to be the least oc
cason for such supervision, it seems to be
settled point Of policy, to keep in superln'
tendence over their Common Schools, some
citizen Of tried ability and zeal in that depart
ment. whose time and energies are devoted to
the observance and study of the system. visit
ing the Schools in various sections. and 81
counseIIing and directing the whole. as tt
produce the greatest amount ofbeneft. Ou
experiences, thus far, Of the opposite course
nrops the necessity Of following their exam
pie. The Literary Fund affords the means
of reasonable compensation for such service
with but slight abatement from the amounts
annually distributed.
Applications have been made to the Board
| tn Of and,
, drained by the State, and pertaining to thu
School Fund. But their Agent, who has in
structions in respect to terms, has reported NJ
, sale actually made. 1t is in contemplation
, to visit these lands in the course of the mex
year. and If the drainage has proved as eff
, fec;uaI ds has been expected, to dispose o
some tracts at public sale, if not otherwise
in order to promote settlement and cultnr'
{ thereon.
In the month of May last, [ received from
: the War Department rrqnsiIon the Presl
dent of the United States for one Regiment O
! Volunteer Infantry. to be enrolled and hell
in readiness to aid in the prosecution Of IN
existing war with the Republic of Mexico -
A general order was immediately issued, call
ing for Volunteers by Companies. and with
most commendable promptltude. more tina
: three times the numbtl required. rendered theI
service. From these, ten Companies wer
Il drawn by lot, to form the Regiment. In tn
absence of any law of The State, relative t
raising and organizing such force, the dut
d seemed to devoive on the Governor, under tn
5 Constitution, DIS the Executive and Conmar
der.in-Chief of the Militia, to determine VIII
> should be accepted among those volunteern
. for service. and in what grades. The Pro
{ camation for Volunteers, however,, announC
. ed that this determination would be made b
e lot in accepting the Companies; and tina, tn
: Company Officers would be commissioned
whom the men thereof mi o hit elec--leavin
e the Field Officers only to be accepted and ar
IS pointed by the Executive. This con>tructio
: of duty and power in defect of any staiutor
v regulation, was adopted after mature cons:t
II Grafton, and enquir!ng into the precrdents d,
J ring the last " ar with Great Britain. 1t ha
l. been acted upon by the Governors Of othe
6 States, having no provision of law in sue
/ case, and seems to accord with the views ,
/ the War Department., and President of TIL
II United States. Il is, however, wisest to req
I, ulate such levies Of Troops by LegislatiV
Il enactments; and, therefore. it is brought I
:. your attention. Whether you shall decide
u direct the election of Field Officers by all til
er Volunteers, Privates as we'll as Officers, {
lie is the case in some States orby the Con
N mssiOned Officers only. IN conformity to OIL
I'd Militia regulation for ordinary training; o!pe
u init II to the Executive "a at present existin.
is submitted for your wisdom TO determine.
IN The Effectiveness of our Militia Code
n