Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1849-01-19


States stocks or the stocks of those States
that promptly pay their interest when due
This last mode Is certainly attended with the
least expense and trouble, and there will be
greater degree of certainty in the income
The objection to this mode is that the funds
would not be invested among our own citi-
zens. NV conclusions are in favor of the lat
ter system of investment as the most economi-
cal and certain The whole subject however
is left to the wisdom of the Legislature.
learn that the revisers will present in de-
tail, bill for the sale of the School and Uni
versity lands, and investment of the funds
which | commit for your consideration.
The board of regents ofithe university being
vacant, these officers were appointed under
the provisions of law they will hold until the
close of your present session, and until their
successors are elected. The present law pro-
vides that they sh Il be elected by the joint
vote of the two houses of the legislature.
1t is only necessary for me to call your at
tention to the fact, TO ensure the performance
of this duty. The board Of regents is now full
and | learn that they have organized the uni
versity under the law. The importance of =
this Institution to the cause of education in ou5
young and growing state, will not fail to COM
mand at your hands wise and libe al policy
The board of regents are required TO report
their doings TO the Legislature, and not to the
executive. | cannot advise you, Therefore of the
steps taken by them to further the objects of
the institution | doubt not but that they will
submit to YOU as directed by law detailed
account of their acts and such other informa-
ton as will promote the welfare of the uniyeT-
/ sIty.
Your attention is earnestly directed to the
! school system of this state, and the great i'm
portance of establishing one that will be uni
1 form, and upon a basis firm and liberal. No
question of state policy, In the present age, is
eliciting more attention at the hands of politi-
cal economists than the educational interests of
the country 1t IS not only to systems of
| schools and the manner of imparting insruc-
ton that demands the notice of statesmen. but
the extent and character of the education dis
5eminated among orr youth should also receive
investigation. w bile we congratulate orr
selves upon the progress we have made in the
advancement of education, may not the enoui
nv well be made, whether our system of instrna
tion is adequate. and Of that practical char
ter to fit and prepare the youth Of the stat, 10
discharge all the lutit required at their hands
as members Of the social compact and body
petite. Are they taught any of the practical
duties Cflite! Does the science of government
or OF political economy enter into the system
of their educationl Are they taught in yo.r
schools the relative social duties due to and
from society! In fact do they learn ANYTHING
of the economy Of life. or of procuring the
means Of sustaining it! Are not collegiate rra-
duates as destitute OF all practical knowledue
necessary to place them il a useful attitude
as citizens as when they first entered the col
ege portals Is this placing upon a correct
and proper basis the education Of those Into
whose hands viii soon pass The political and
social affairs Of the state
The-system Of public instruction. physical.
moral and intellectual, should be more of a
practical nature and less theoretical, or rather,
the practical, theoretical and elementary
should be blended together and carried forward
in harmony without giving preference to either.
TO the neglect of the other Oar youth sboulf
be educated for the realities Of life; they should
be educated tobe men, 70 know the RIGHTS Of
men, and when thus educated they will at all
times protect those rights, and be prepared ID
meet with frnness all the responsibilities IN
cident to their position The most perfect svs-
TEN Of ilnparting this instruction Vet devised.
is that Of common schools; and the first gr =
object Of our state. should be TO make the -
now In use more perfect. Uniformity in schools
of the same grade as well in text books as in
the manner of Instruction is absolutely ne
cessary to the harm ny and success of the sys-
ten. This uniformity does not exist in cur
schools, and it is rega d d as great evil -
/ As means If creating this uniformity il has
been suggested, and | recommend that the a.
gents CT the University and ate superintend-
/ ChL constitute board 10 prescribe the course
CT study and the books . be used in all schools
OF the state. This board should have the Sc
lection of the Libraries and apparatus of such
schools, and the fixing standard of qualifica-
ton for teachers, and a plan for schoo-houses.
/ L learn that the revisors VIII submit for your
action, at this session, an efficient, uniform
system OF common schools adapted to the
wants ct the People. Your early action on
this subject, and a repeal of existing laws re-
lating TO 1t, is advised. Another important
requisite for a good school is competent in
structors. 1t is therefore the duty of the leg
lslatuTe, IN PeTtecting system CT public IN
+ stfucuon, to secure suitable teachers. TN
/ close connection that exists between the ~
4 phi and tutor has not been sufficiently regard
/ ed. The establishment Of National schools
/ at which teachers can be properly educated,
and prepared to perform their duties, will be
+ the most efIectual method of accomplishing
TINS object. | recommend the adoption of
this co Irse so soon as the finances of the state
will permit.
L respectfully call your attention to the act
providing for the election of state superii-
tendenf, and prescribing his duties This
act requires revision. The term Of service OF
tins officer should be increas ed to two wears
without this increase 10 one can do Justice
+ 90 the satiOn. This officer having been G.
iscted under the constitution and laws. if will
become his peculiar duty TO have general
supervision over the subject of schools. and
10 collect such facts and make such racom-
nendations as the interests Of the school svs
tenn may seem to require which | have ev
cry confidence 70 beIigve y,-iu La c+.lr n