The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1849-01-20
For the Examiner
Con, mon sclsools.-No. a


Csmnssn seisesis.-Ns. y.
Let me show you that not only will the COM
munity at large, or particular classes be bene-
flied by an efficient Common School System,
but that every individual, whatever be his silu-
alton or employment, unless he depend for a
livelihood upon quilting the unwary, grinding
the face Of the poor through the means Of their
ignorance, or Preying, yalture-liks, upon the
carcasses of men, after the vital breath Of NOR
islity has taken its departure; that all, say
who have the least well founded pretensions TO
respectabiiity and moral standing in the COM
munity, would be benefited by such system,
more than they would be taxed to support it.
And here permit me 10 say that | believe no
system which does not depend, at least one half,
upon direct tax upon the property Of the citi.
rens, can be successful. An ample fund, the
proceeds Of which shall in all coming time be
devoted to the support Of schools, may give dig
nity to the Common School as State institu-
ton, but every man needs TO feel that he has
in reality, personal interest in the school, be-
cause it is supported by money drawn from his
own pocket.
Then will all feel that they have direct and
personal interest in seeing that their funds are
used TO the best advantage, and that they avail
themselves of the benefit to be derived from
that, which, whether used or unused, they must
pay for.
But how is the man Of great wealth to be re-
Enumerated for the School Tax which he will
have to payl Whatever tends to increase the
prosperity Of the State, to make the mass Of its
citizens more moral. enterprising. wealthy, re-
hned and hsPPy, or to make our State an attrac-
tive one for citizens Of that class from abroad
certainly tends TO benefit the property holder
by enhancing the value Of his real estate foster
ing the spirit Of public improvement, and MA
king his situation more desirable by surround
ing him with state of society in which he
can live more happily, and enjoy, in a more
rational and refined manner, the blessings which
a beneficent Providence has bestowed upon him
What man Of wealth, that has lived in the midst
Of an ignorant and depraved community, has
not experienced more vexation and injury from
their stupidity in all things useful, and their
artfulness in committing thieyish depradatiOns,
than would accrue from the cost of educating
the whole Of them, under a well regulated
school system.
But lis eheaPuess must commend il to all
those who have children TO educate, and those
who have not, can certainly fRd no better way
Of sPPrOPriating part OF their wealth. The
4 -0mmnn - If
for an average Of less than FIVE dollars per
scholar, privileges for education unsurpassed
by any system Of private schools in the United
States. These privileges too are brought with
in the reach of all, are entirely free TO rich and
poor, and all classes alike avail themselves Of
them. On the contrary, where private schools
are dependent upon, those of the lower class are
generally Of very inferior character, while to
reach those Of a more respectable class, the
scholar must generally be sent from home, al
an expense Of at least one hundred dollars per
year, which is more than almost any man,
however wealthy, would have to pay for a
school tax. believe it will be found to be a
practical fact, that any man Of ordinary wealth,
who has one child to educate, will obtain pecu-
mary advantages from an efficient Common
School System, more than equivalent to the tar
he pays.
Citizens Of Kentucky, will you not show a
sufficient regard for your reputation as,chris-
tians, as Philanthropists, and patriots, for the
honor Of your State, which is now furnished by
the fact, that one fifth Of your adult population
can read neither your own laws nor the laws Of
God; for your own peace, prosperity, and hap
piness, and, finally, if all these considerations
fail, (which will not fail with Kentuckians,) for
your own Peouniary advantage, to establish on
4 finn basis well regulated and efficient Com
non School systomi PHnLos.
Tbs following article 10 from one who has |