Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1849-02-22
From the Standard and Fountain.
EDUCATE THE MASSES.

EDUCATE THE MASSES.
II has pleased an overruling Providence
10 give US our birth in an age of intellectual
advancement, and in country whose ci,i-
zens are not only permitted to enjoy the
fruits of their own inclina,ions, but where
every person may exer. controlling influ.
ence in the affairs Of State. Our fore-fa
ers, discarding the aristocratical principles
of monarchica system; and believing in
the integrity of the people and their capa-
bility ofgoverning themselves, threw off the
yoke Of the oPpressor. and laid the founda-
ton of this now mighty republic. Their
doctrines was liberty and equality; they
claimed for themselves and their posterity
voice in the counsels Of the nation--a
right to choose their own rulers, and to ap-
point their own agents to make the laws by
which they we're governed. Time has tes.
ted their decisions, and twenty millions of
enlightened and happy freemen are the
monuments of their wisdom.
But though they were successful, and we
are now reaping the rewards of their toll,
there is much to be done. If we would pre-.
serve the liberties so dearly purchased; if
we would shun the rocks on which other
republics have foundered and gone down
to oblivion; if we would heed the warnings
of Greece and Rome, once, each in their
turn, the masters of the then civilized world
if we would profit by the civil disorders
of the French Revolution, and the dissen.
sions in the sister republics of our own
continent, we must educate the masses. In
so doing, is our only safeguard. The power
of an emperor is not enhanced, nor the
permanency of his empire insured by the
intelligence of his subjects. On the con-
trary, ignorance is the chief supporter of
despotism; but the stability Of republican
institutions depends altogether upon the in.
tellectnal, moral, and political education of
the people. A king counts upon military
power to enforce obedience to his mandates.
His authority is hereditary, and from his
lordly tribunal there is no appeal. BE his
measures liberal or tyrannical, his subjects
must be made to submit to them, peacably
if they will, but forcibly ifthey must; and
just in proportion as they are regarded in
the scale Of moral end political science,
just in proportion as they are ignorant of
the true principles of government, and Of
their rights as citizens and relations as man
to man; just in that proportion will despo,
be enabled to tramPle them under foot, or
make them bow in humble submission "a
his power, and "kiss the rod that smite,
them"
How different is it in our own nation
Here the chief magistrate and the law max
ing body receive their commissions directl,
from tho people. Though nominally rulers
they are literally servants, and may be re
quirsd at any time 10 surrender their brie
authority into the hands of those who CAV,
it. Inasmuch, then, a. every citizen o
our republic is emphatically a sovereign
how important 10 il that each and ever,
one should be Literally educated, in orde
that our council halls may be filled witt
those who are "honest, capable and faith
full" and the pages of our statute books b
covered with wise and just laws. Educs