Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1848-04-06
bartholomew County.


HAwcREEK TOWNSHIP, March 20, 1646
Fellov citizens Of the State Of Indiana: We have
commenced to discuss the great school subject which
is to be into action In short time. We have had for
some time, debates every Saturday night, and will
continue for some time vet The people agree unani-
mousy that all the children should have a chance to
be taught, But is the present scheme on the princi-
pie Of justice On this subject is founded the COM
mon debate. We have had eloquent men and
even lawyers in the affirmative; but none have been
or able TO show that 1t is just TO impose a tax
without compensation for the same 1t is true that
many parents not able to send their children to
school, and various the why they
Some poor by accident, some by inability to per-
form labor but the greater part are poor by indo
ence and inattenton to their proper business. Care
less and indoent people have always been, and we
may expect always will be. Without taxation, this
scheme cannot be carried on. Shall the industrious
citizens be taxed aud forced to pay TO favor and sup
port the indolent! This cannot be just and right.
The affirmative plea is, that the people should be
charitable and benevolent. But If they will not be,
then we must have law to force them TO be benevo-
lent. Is this consistent with liberty We think
not. We at this time under the CALLING yoke of
taxation and no can tell when we shall get rid of
it. Taxation is just TO support government and
to defend rights and liberties But to be taxed to
make US benevolent, is quite different subject A
free man ought to do with his own what he pleases
Now do seriously ask all free men to consider and
investigate this present school system. Who brought
it into this State who they that formed it
Was it the working industrious people of this State
On the twenty-sxth day Of last May, convention
was held in Indianapolis, when the farmer had to be
planting and replanting and tending his corn. How
many of the farmers there ! Few, if any.
But the clergy had time to attend. 1t is true that
Legislative body did recommend that day. But who
dare to say that Legislatures destitute of de-
signing men! OF all men, none are more danger
Gus than combination of the clergy. Their greedy
disposition is Unsuitable make their living off of the
industrious. Among the clergy we can no doubt find
the most responsible and good men. But the good
ones very scarce /; and according to mV view, the
designing ones are very numerous. All men ought
10 know and bear constantly In mind. that no combi-
nation of men did ever lead the people greater
wickedness, than did the designing clergy. We
know that they have in time past captivated some of
the greatest statesmen when they get their cobweb
over their eyes. Then they can lead them as they
please, and that is always TO something evil. If all
the children must be sent to school, is it not
Just and equitable to force the cUrcless and indo-
lent parents to send their own offspring But the
very poorest children cannot go school in the win
ter season, without little more taxing; that is, for
to clolhe them and furnish them also with books for
know that many parents too careless and indo
lent 10 furnish shoes for their children. We know
that have to see and suffer many things in the
human family that we cannot alter. When was a
child, was brought under the direction and tuition
and confession of Priest. | taught that all the
clergy were holy. thought to speak lightly of a
Priest surely sin. But 10 my sorrowful aston
isement found, and must saw, that among them
are the most deceitful and wicked of all classes.
They not for the poor Children. Our poor chill
dren not the objects of their benevoence. But
our money. what will they not do for money, and
what will they do for money And if they cob
web Legislative bodies and persuade them to tax
the industrious people, then they will make long
prayers and bless the sweat Of our faces.
If this unj Just taxation goes into operation, how
much money is subject to be lost by swndling and
otherwise This is not told But mills are now
proposed. After while it will be millions. There
is Priestcraft in this scheme. We nave now free
schools. All parents can send If they WILL We are
now compelled by law to build school-houses.
This present school scheme is disguised, deep laid
plan of Priestcraf. again say, that all chill
dren ought to have chance to be taught; and it is
every Parents duty to send his children to school
and If they turn out well il is their benefit. But if
they out bad, it is their loss. Unjust
ton ought never be tolerated in free government.
For our internal improvement systems we have to
bear heay yoke of taxation /; and this benevolent
school yoke will be an iron one. As the common
people are of slow apprehension in such a scheme
this request the different printers insert this,
if they please, and say about it what they please. II
| am in error, wish to be brought out.