The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1849-01-18
IN. Free Public schools,

State contained provision for the establishment o
free public schools. The object of the Gamers o
the Constitution, in embodying such provision il
the organic law, and thus making it part of tn
fundamental policy of the State, wise and bene
fcent The subject was no longer to be left to thu
chances of legislative action, but might be consid
cred as much part of governmental machinery, a.
the gubernatoriaI office ITSELF Our Legislators, ant
the Executive, have shown commendable zeal il
putting in practice, far as they were able, tn,
njunctions of the Constitution. The Legislature
which closed its session short time since, having
been called together for that express purpose, made
an appropriation of funds, which we hope will b.
found sufficient the purpose to which it will b.
applied. If it be not enough, a succeeding Legis
lature will, we doubt not rectfy the evil by more
liberal donations. In matter of this kind straight
laced economy would be out of place. Where sc
much is at stake; where the future welfare ant
glory of the State depend, to so great an extent
upon present outlay, it could scarcely be considered
the best policy to draw the purse strings very tight
We would, in case of this kind, rather incur the
imputation of lavish proflsion than the stigma Of
niggardliness. The legislative and executive
departments of the government have performed all
that can be expected or required of them; but the
work is not yet finished. There is something more
to be DONE 1t is true that, theoretically, the COM
mon school system is in existence in our State, but
no child can receive education until the system
is put in practical operation In order to achieve
this end it is necessary that the people should enter
into the work with all their heart and SOUL and give
an efficient cooperation to the efforts of the State
Superintendent 1t is too true that far as educa-
ton is concerned, Louisiana is at the present
moment, far behind many, and perhaps majority,
of her sister States. That she will long retain this
humiliating position, we cannot believe; and we
feel confident that people will second with all
their power, the exertions of the government. The
time and labor will not be thrown away, even for
the present. for although it is chiefly prospectively
that the State is to be benefited half generation
will not have passed before the good effects flowing
from the universal education of youth, will be
abundantly manifest. OF the gentleman who has
been selected to fill the higl9 responsible, and noble
station of State Superintendent of Public Educa-
ton, it would be almost superauous for US to say
anything. No one doubts his qualifications but
every one must bear testimony to his exalted abil
ties and great learning. The name of Alexander
Dimitry, is known, not only within the circum-
scribed boundaries of the city of New Orleans, or
the State of Louisiana, but throughout the length
and breadth of the land. As ripe and accom-
plished scholar, deeply versed in classical and
modern lore, he has few equals, and probably no
snperiors in the United States He therefore brings
to his office great Abilities vast erudition, and
enlarged experience. We cannot too highly COM
mend the sagacity and discenment which selected
such a man to superintend the establishment, and
nourish the growth of the common school system.
So far, MIR. Dimitry has left nothing undone which
could aid in carrying out the intentions of the
Constitution. With his accustomed energy, he has
prepared and published a most valuable document,
Hints on the Qualifications of Teach
ers, and suggestions to them on the management of
the Free Public Schools of the State" The smpli-
city and modesty of this title scarcely convey an
adequate idea of the great value of the paper ITSELF
Its many suggestions, the result Of the long expe
renee and reflection of the author, will be found
invaluable to the Parish superintendens and
teachers, to whom it is directed, and for whose use
i is chiefly intended. We had intended to publish
this interesting document in our daily paper, but,
we are prevented by its length, from executing our
wishes. We shall, Notwithstanding, publish it
entire in Weekly, and we think no article will
mpart more practical knowledge of The subject of
education, or be more generally acceptable to our
eaders throughout the State.
HAVANA LoTrERY.-Thef following are the num-
'ers entitled to the principal prizes in the drawing
IF the Sd inst:
No: 4,5s7. $4,000; No 1875, $4,000; No. n.So7.