The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-24
miscellaneous.
From the Detroit Daily Tribune.
Popul InteIliRence.


In no country in the world, perhaps, are the ru-
diments of learning the popular branches of edu
cation generally diffused as in our own. II has
even become matter of observation by foreigners,
and, whenever any thing Of this nature is conceded
by them, we may be sure il is an incontestabe
truth.
bill was introduced in the British House Of
Commons recently, by Mr.. Labouchere, for the
reg uation Of the merchant service Of that country
during which he paid a merited tribute TO Ameri-
can intelligence. "He heartily wished that the ed
ucation of the people of Great Britain any
thing like the average education IL the United
States. He saw the other day statement with re-
spect TO the plan of education in Massachusetts,
where the schools supported by the public were so
good that the British citizens Of the State were dis
posed To send their children to those schools rather
than to private schools; and this had the effect of
raising up class ofmen, whether as ship-o owners
belonging to other professions OF great intelligence
They were not, therefore, to suppose, because the
United States could go without this examina-
ton, that they could do So"
In commenting at some length upon the speech
OF Me- Labouchere, the London Morning Chronicle
concurs with the sentiments expressed in the fol-
lowing language: +" In knowledge of the science of
navigation, in acquaintance with foreign Ian.
guages in the general requirements necessary for
the conduct of business and in the elevation of
mind and department which arises from mental
cultivation, large proportion Of English masters
are, fear, inferior TO men Of the class in north
ern Europe and America. When in Massachu-
setts with population Of but 800 900 souls 200 900
guncas of public money is spent annually upon
instruction, in addition to quarter of that sum
expended by individuals, it is not surprising that
Boston merchant captains, as well other classes
there, should possess superior qualifications
This was well said, but the Chronicle might have
said much more and still been within the precincts
of truth. The city of Boston-the Athens Of Amer
ica-boasts of an investment Of ,0OO, 900 in school
buildings, while the combined salaries of the
teachers amount annually to the sum of $l67, $50
rs. Add to this the superintendents salary, appa-
ratus, fuel, and other incidental expenses, and it
al L.. ..A r..
school plan originated in Boston, in 1895, as is
shown by the records of that city. 1t then could
boast of one school, and notc, it contains a Latin
school, an English high school, twenty grammar
schools, and one hundred and sixty five primary
schools; while the money expended in them ex-
ceeds the whole amount of that appropriated by
Great Britain for the same purpose.
But the mental cultivation of the masses must by
means be attributed solely to the superior school
advantages of their earlier years. Our system Of
government is most thorough school for children
of larger growth" Ii is constituted that every
man feels himself responsible for its veal. II is
government in which each Of the citizens is di-
rector, and each feels it incumbent him to
thoroughly understand the measures presented for
his support. He forms the habit of comparing,
analyzing, and generalizing issues which daily
present themselves for his concurrence or dsprova
He feels ii his duty TO know when things are right,
and his right to be heard when things wrong.
Thus he is ever thinking and active He possesses
the gift of debating, and ready powers of reasoning,
from the habit of marshalling together often the
forces of his mind, at primary meetings, and in
private consultation with his neighbors. These are
the causes of intelligence among the masses. What
a contrast does ours present TO government of a
few persons where nothing is expected from the
great mass Of the community, but a blind adher-
ence TO all the measures proposed by their masters;
where they not called upon TO think, held
sponsble for the welfare of their country and
where their ntellects are, by habits of unremitted
labor, blunted to the common sensations of hu-
manity. To be governed, is TO be servile and de-
pendent in feeling, and weak in mind. To govern
is TO be patient in mind, active, intelligent and
sponsible in word and action.