Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1847-10-16

among thousands OF applications for books large proportion
is by the pupils Of the public schools
But il is impossible within the compass oil leerto
minute detail of the operations OF the schools For
the peculiar duties of the directors the associations Of the teach
for mutual improvement, the examinations, and hundred
other interesting particulars of this admirable school system
must refer YOU several documents which shall accompany
this letter Suffice say that in nearly every ward Of this
Municipality commodious and costly school edces have been
erected and all the suitable apparatus for the different depart
mens provided Fifty teachers now employed ana an
average attendance through large portion of the year oil two
thousand pupils of both sexes gathered IN from all classes OF
society In these schools the rich and poor equally partpae
and you will the children of the humble as well as
those Of the favored citizens seated side by sde sharing
all their advantages, and contendng for intellectual supeno
ty, the only distinction recognised among them.
The complete of the system OF free schools IN the
Second Municipality, Of which have just given you an inn
perfect sketch, has invited the imitation Of the sister Munich
palics Of New Orleans Similar organizations have taken
place the First and Third Municipalities and doubtless the
results will follow and public education VIII shed the
same blessings those portions of the Crescent City In
the whole city taught about 500 pupils IN the public
schools.
Nor has the influence of these schools been confined to the
limits of New Orleans So firm hold have they taken upon
the admiration and affection of the community that public
opinion the State has been strongly moved towards
the importance OF the subject II not too much to say that
the splendid of the free public schools IN this city con-
buted largely the noble and unanimous determination OF
the members of the Convention of lS45 who framed the
constitution OF the State of Louisiana, incorporate article
into said constitution imposing upon the Legislature the duty
of establishing free public schools throughout the length and
breadth of the State BY this constitutions and by the subse
Suent action Of the Legislature you will what universal
in the subject of public education was felt by the
representatives. of the people.
By article 80 Superintendent of Public Education is to be
appointed hold his Office for years his duties to be pre-
scbd by law and to receive such compensation the Lee
gsature may direct
By article 1874 the Legislature shall establish free public
schools throughout the State and shall provide for their
support, by taxation otherwise.
BY articles l35 and 1856 certain specified funds such the
proceeds of public lands &c TO be appropriated 10 the
support of such schools.
BY articles 1877, 1885, and 1879 university shall be estab
shed in the city of New Orleans to be composed of four IA
cues, TO wit of law, of medicine of the natu
raj Sciences and Of letters. For its further organization
and government the Legislature shall provide by law.
The Legislature which after the adoption of the const
tuition thoughtfuly vigorously and with consent set
about the great work Of wing out to their full development
the provisions Of the constitution.
BY the explicit and minute legislative enacments the
representatives the people, general assembly convened
have devised and matured system Of free public schools
which, confidently believe destined to accomplish great
results in the general diffusion of knowledge and intelligence
among all classes OF society The law provides for the sup
port of the schools accurately defines the duties of the State
Superintendent directs the appointment of Parish Superin
tendents and defines their dues directs the police ures Of
the several parishes lay off their respective parishes into
school districts provides for the election OF school directors
every district pescrbes their duties also the duties the
teachers and svey respect has arranged the whole school
system to
he State superintendent man OIL emlEent ability and
enlarged experience has already entered upon his arduous
labors and abroad through the State, enlghtening the
minds Of the people, and making arrangements for the estab
lshment Of the schools
The Legislature has manifested the wisdom in the
organization of the University Of Louisiana, and nothing
mains but to begin is PRACTICAL operation The Board Of Ad
mnistraors have elected the President and every thing is
now satisfactorily progressing
From this hasty aud imperfect sketch you will acknowledge
that the people Of louisiana keeny alive TO the importance
Of public education. deal has already been
pished, which accept earnest and token Of what will
hereafter be done And may not cok forward TO the
Rod when the State Of louisiana which highly favored
by Nature shall receive the largest Of cultivation from
the plastic hands Of Art and Science when public education
shall be coexensve with public virtue and when our Free
Schools the nurseries q learning and morality, shall stand
side by sije in holy alliance with the institutions Of Free
dom and Religion
Respectfully, yours, &c. CHARLES FAY,
Minister ofthe Gospel
To 5. 5. RASnaLL, Esq.
Prospect HI, Farfdr County, Virginia.