The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-01-01
J. F. MCCLELLAN, Printer.

UeUtUb may anu SUOulu Ue lelt 10 pdTeutdl
and other natural influences. 1t is the
unquestonable right of every parent to
subject his children to such peculiar sec>
tartan influences as his own conscience
may approve and direct and this right
should in no case be violated or infringed
upon.
And the same rule Of caution will apply
in regard to party politics. 1t is not i'm
agined that you would be under any temp
taton to obtrude upon schools sentiments
of such bearing or tendency but that
you would be liable 10 be drawn into the
expression of Them amongst some with
whom you might have intercourse, willis
abroad upon your official duties. But
politics should constitute no part of your
mission-not even a remote ancident-
You are of course free in your private ca.
pacity 10 be 2arlisans, and active TOO, so
far as your sense of duty may require
but what is 10 be deprecated and guarded
against is, the bringing two incongruous
subjects into connection, or attempting to
accomplish two so distinct purposes in
close proximity with each other for
party politics, and the cause of education;
are not congenial elements which, "like
kindred drops" can "mingle into one."
Let every other object then be kept aloof
while you are professedly engaged in
advancing the cause Of Northumberland
ing this as far above the interests of party
or sect, and ever bearing in mind that the
ignorance and vice which it is your ap-
proprate province to aid in removing. are
calculated not mere to degrade and de>
stroy all political or religious parties, but
to undermine the very foundation of free
government, and TO give all that is dear to
us in life to the blight of ruin and desc.
ation
l have pressed the suggestions under
these topics thus strongly, no, only be*
cause your usefulness liz regard TO the
special objects of your labor would be-
impaired by different course, and per.
chance our new born system with all the
benign influences and results which it
promises in the prospect be endangered, -
but also because believe the principle 10
be right and just--a principle not dictated
by mere policy, but one which should be
carried out in good faith. Our school
system is the cherished favorte Of no
party but the people, and should serve no
purposes but theirs. know that these
views would be in accordance with your
own best judgment, and these Suggestions
may seem to have been prompted by an
overweening and unnecessary anxiety;
but the danger lies in our lilbiliiy TO for
get the principle, in our own conscientious
attachment TO particular creeds or forms.
Again. In advising or recommending
that involve the expendi-
ture Of money, whether by way of obtain
ing better qualified teachers, erecting bet.
ter buildings, orsprocuring suitable books
or apparatus, you will fairly estimate the
ability and means of those concerned. In
reference to the subject of books we might
say that it is presumed you will not deem
it expedient 10 attempt at present, any
systematic introduction of new ones. -
This, it is believed, could, if found ne.
cessary, be better accomplished hereafter,
upon more full knowledge of the chang.
es required. Our projected system of i'm.
provement must be looked upon as pro.
greSSive; and many measures which
might hereafter be deemed expedIent,
could not well be undertaken now. We
cannot expect 10 step al once into the pc.
sltion which some Of our sister states have
reached in relation to this great enter.
prize.
But if in consequence of delay in com.
mencing the work we are now somewhat
in the rear, let US hope tina: by Increased
diligence and zeal we may soon make up
for past Deficiencies, so thut ere long Yer.
mont may stand in this respect " upon a
footing of equality with the most favored
of other states of the Union" Nay
more, we can easily, though gradually,
reach yet higher standard. It cannot
be doubted that under improved modes Of
instruction, as high attainments might be
made by the pupil when he reaches the
age of fifteen years, as are now ordinarily
made at eighteen so that three years or
more would be left 10 be devoted to the
higher pursuits of literature and science.
BY this process the great mass may reach
rs high attainments as are ordinarily Sc.
cured in our colleges, with the exception
perhaps Of some few branches. We know
hat others have set the standard still
higher, and sustained their calculations, 10
say the least, by strong probabilities
But our aim is, 10 speak safely beyond
Ill room for quesion--basing our esti-
nate upon the adoption OF mensures.4-not
such as are possible, yet not likely TO be
adopted because of their expense or other
such as are practicable,
clearly and palpabIy within our reach.
And on this supposilion, the at,ainable.
less of the result is no wild extravaganza
If an ardent imagination. 1t is complete.
y tangible. 1t is certain under the es-
ablished laws of mind, as deduced from