The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-02-27


ID as this, will be able to enter into a
full investigation of all the causes which
tend to retard the progress Of our
Schools, and make them as they now
are, reproach and shame, instead Of
glory and an honor to the county,
The School law itself is doubtless de-
fective. But any law that could be de-
vised, we care not how intrinsicaly
valuable in itself, or how well calcula-
ted IN its own nature, 10 secure all the
objects for which it was framed, only
administer it as our School law is at
present administered. Let all the Of
ficers selected for the purpose of carry
ing its provisions into effect, discharge,
or rather refuse to discharge the duties
enjoined upon them as they do, and our
word for it, the law will soon become
'as sounding brass and tinking cymbal.'
Your committee aftergiving that subject
the consideration Its importance seemed
to require, are of opinion that all, or at
least nearly all the defects in our Com
mon Schools, have their origin in the
lentitude and Indifference of the people.
In the low estimate placed upon their
importance 10 them, their children, and
their country. II we could only satisfy
them that sit is better to get wisdom
than gold" Could we but induce all
classes of our citizens TO feel that the
education Of the rising, and soon TO be
the acting. generation is Of transcend
ant Importance; that it is paramount TO
every other earthly consideration, and
that all else in the world beside, when
compared with the mental and moral
culture of our people, dwindles into IN
significance, our object would be ac-
colnplished. .... ..t..
Could the man Of wealth but see that
the best security for the protection OF
life and property is in the intelligence
Of the people. And the poor man un-
derstand and feel that it is the only
thing, which amid the vicissitudes Of
life, can afford and ensure TO him and
his children true, substantial, permanent
happiness. Could we but impress these
truths upon all our fellow citizens, in
all their varied circumstances in life;
could we but make them feel one half
their importance, the friends of educa-
ton would have no further work to do.
If we could only enlist the feelings Of
the people Of the county and State, half
as highly in this noble enterprise as
they generally rise during a political
campaign; could we only influence
them to spend half the time, and money,
and thought, and anxiety they do in a
Presidential canUass, we honestly be-
lieve that all the complaints and cries
against the defects in our Common
Schools. would soon be numbered a.
mong the things "which were, but are
not" ''.
We are bound to admit that our Com
mon School system is imperfe CT in ma
nv particulars, but at the samestIme we
are compelled to say, that. a greater i'm
perfection exists in that careless indif-
ference manifested by parents with re.
gard to their children, and the training
of immortal minds. Is it not passing
strange that we should bestow SO much
anxious care upon things of the most
trifling Importance, which can neither
elevate humanity, nor afford US the
slightest joy? And is 1t not more
strange that we should neglect the only
thing which gives man pre-emlnence
over the brute, and creeping things;--
that we should be careless Of the intel
lect, the only source of substantial hap
piness, which renders man great and
good; distinguishes him among his fel-
low men and asslmilates him to God?---
If we were going to start on a voyage,
we would be very careful in examining
the ship, to know that it was built by
skilful hands; that it was firm and safe,
and that the captain and crew could be
rallied upon. We would be certain that
we had good pilot on board, who,