Democratic banner., 1849-01-08
ton. These are primarytruths which will
command unqualified assent 1a p

There are a few subjects, however, the
Importance OF which justify special notice.
In government based ON the popular will,
general education is among tie objects Of
executive and legislative action. The di.
~rectiOn which may be given: to public at.
fairs, depends upon the intelligence, not Of
the few alone who fill important Offices, bu,
also of the masses who are the source OF
political power. Hence It becomes one Of
the first duties Of the State, 10 provide as
far as its immediate resources, Ind the con.
dition of the people will permit, for the ed
u~cation Of every child within its limits
Such is the best mode of perpetuating the
rights and privileges ~bequeathed to ALL
The force of public sentiment is the lever
by which free governments are moved, and
that those governments may receive q
heslthful direction, it is necessary tina, pub.
lie sentiment should be ~virtuous and en-
lightenod. Let US therefore, Senators and
Representatives, upon whom our common
constituents have devolved inpertant trusts,
give all PsSsible countenance and efficacy
to that spirit which leads to moral and in
te'lectual culture, SO that ultimately every
farm house and log cabin NAV be stored
with useful books, and each inmate become
qualified for all the duties which society
imposes. Intelligence would then beam
from every eye, contentment smile in eve
ry countenance, and each fresi1e become
the scene of purest pleasure. Although
our present means may not enable us to en-
JOY these blessings at once; lei US not des-
pair Of finally reaching the very maximum
of u wishes. tits emphsticaly the cause
OF the people. Each year we may advance
a little-slOwly-but surely-sbould we ex-l
tend our schools into every township and
elevate them to an intellectual standard
worthy a free and exalted people.
Our University should be the pride of
the State; reared as it is in one of our GEN.
trail counties, and munificehtly endowed by
It's intelligent and hospitable inhabitants
| shall ever feel the most lively interest in
ITS success. And while ] entertain a lust
soilcItude for that and every other literary
institution in the State, | must urge espe-
claliy the importance of encouraging Com
mon Schools, which are the great maya
zines and store houses whence education
Is dIftused among the masses. 1t may be
proper to establish ere long, a National
School or Department in connection with
the University, in which competent i~nstruc-
tors may be prepared for the Common
Schools Uf Missouri. Let western Uni
educate teachers for the vest
ln all that appertains to this important sub
Ject, as the chief, Executive Of the State,
| here stand pledged to the people, that in
the inception and contamination of such
as may be necessary for the sue
cess of the educational cause, l shall at all
times give my hearty cooperation.
The rapid progress of Missouri in popu-
Iation and wealth, has demonstrated the
Propriety Of reforming the organic law of
the State, and outstanding its IL for
the fuller development of its vast mineral
and agricultural products. Within one
generation, it may be said, Missouri has
outgrown her constitution. The mode ORR
ginally~ adopted to secure to the people con-
troll of the government, has ceased in its
practical operation to give due effect in
legislation to the popular will.
Perhaps no State in the American confed-
sracy can boast mightier natural resources.
Although we have a soil unsurpassed in fer
and adapted to the growth of nearly
al the great staples of the country-min-
sral deposits of inestimable value, noun
aims of iron, vast beds Of copper, lead, CO.
'alt and coaI-a and nsvigable streams
stretching in nearly every direction, yet on
y a small portion of that soil has been cul-
and few of those mines worked, or
extent and existence become
known. A geological survey is
lanandod hv O duo ra1and Hnr tha nraoactIs