The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1848-02-12

of our labors, by meeting with those en-
gagged in similar pursuits. Il
Especially are they useful in discus
sing all measures connected with the
interests of schools, and in carrying on
educational reforms. 1t must be ohSi
Gus that there are i'm 70 rtant principles
& measures connected with the Teach
er's professipn,& the cause ofeducutlon,T
to be discussed. Even when most at
%tention has been given TO those subjects,
much is unsettled, much remains to be
| considered. These can best be consld-
cred bv an association Of intelll gent,
practical teachers. Such associations
at present exist in many counties OF the
| State, and their utility is generally felt.
But an association which would extend
its Operations and influences over the
State il is believed, would be still more
useful. BY concentrating the efforts
and Influences Of the teachers Of the
State, we might hope to see only the
best measures adopted, and those, Wig
orously prosecuted and sustained. Es-
pecially is such an organization needed
at the present crisis. We believe an
| educational reform has been fairly com.
menced in our State, and if teachers and
friends Of education are vIgilant, five
years need not elapse, before the char
acter of the common schools in Ohio,
shall be essentially changed for the bet
ter. -..
With the view, therefore, of promo
| ting both the interests of the teachers
profession, and the cause Of common
schools, a STATE Teachers AssocIA-
TON has beed organized, and is about
to commence operations. That such
an association will meet the approval
of teachers IN all parts Of the State, and
that they win unite their efforts with
ours in sustaining it, is our most earnest
wish.
That it may accomplish the high OBJ
iec!s for which 1t is formed, we most
sincerely hope. That it will have a
salutary and speedy influence upon the
teachers and schools of the State, we
cannot permit ourselves to doub!. We
are conscious that great labor is before
US. To awake or change public sentI-
ment, in a great degree is no easy task.
Yet this is labor which teachers must
perform. To prepare the public mind
for wise, and liberal provisions for the
improvement of schools, is one of the
first duties to be undertaken. 1t is IA
iudIcious and well settled maxim with
legislators, that it is unwise and unsafe
to enact. laws, however salutary, in ad-
vance of public opinion. A disastrous
reaction is almost the certain conse-
quence. However enlightened their
own judgments may be on subjects OF
the first importance, the best statesmen
do not feel authorized to adopt meas
ures which are not demanded, or will
not probably be sanctioned by the PEG
PIE.
The safest and most enlightened pol
icy then, for those who wish well Tor
their cause, is, TO CREATE A DEMAND tor
such legislative provisions as may be
most needed. With respect to schools
this labor is appropriately ours to per-
form. Great, it may be very great,
still it is a happy and gratifying one, and
if faithfully accomplished, must produce
the most important and lasting results.
We propose, th~erefore,a as speedily as
possible, to examine and discuss, re-
specially and courtc ousIy, yet vigl!ant-
Iy and independently, all measures and
principles of interest to teachers and
schools, aside from local considerations
or private interests. To sustain and
defend what is excellent in our school
system or schools, will be Our highest
pleasure. 70 prepare the way for in
PRODUCING improvements where they
are needed, will be our next duty
THIS it seems to US is the safest method
Of conducting our reform, and the one
most likely to save all wise legislation
from opposition or subversion by pref.
udice, and from the influence of politi-
cal %partizanship.
In conclusion, we earnestly invite all
Teachers and friends of Education in
Ohio to cooperate with US in this move
ment. BY our faithful and well di,ect-
ed efforts and labors, and by our united
influence and counsels, we promise our
selves the high satisfaction Of Don be-
holding our beloved State taking as high
a rank in all the means for promoting
virtue and true %nobleness, as she now
holds in all other elements of greatness
and prosperity.
M. F. GOWDERY,
L. ANDREWS,