Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1851-08-01
For the Journal.
Educat ion-No. 3.
COMMON SCHOOLS

COMMON SCHOOLS.
Mr. ED1ToR--It would almost seem useless in me
to add anything farther to what have already writ
ten the subject of education. attempt to prove
the efficiency of Common School instruction as part
of that system In this age, peculiarly distinguished
of great progress in all the elements OF physi-
cal, moral. and intellectual improvement, it would
seem like undertaking the intelligence of the people
not to consider them fully capable to appreciate all
the benefits and blessings resulting from well-reg-
ulated and well-patronized system of Common
Schools Their influence has continued to in
crease and spread chasing away the clouds OF men
tai superstition and darkness that would seem u-
reasonable to suppose that any yet questioned
their utility, yet hugging the belief that ig
norance is bliss, and it as folly to be wise Though
it would seem unreasonable, it is nevertheless true
that the language of ignorance is yet heard abroad
in the land uttering complaints against the cause OF
education and inducing the belief that its attain
ment only increases mans facilities for wronging or
cheating his fellow-man. Talk to such men about
educating their children and the reply is, do not
wish to qualify them more successfully to cheat their
neighbor." Then, as good fathers you are more
ciing for them to remain in ignorance, to be cheated
by all who Rave been schooled than you to let
nave JuT PtuY uEoH SASo0 heiO "a SUNNI
Early acquainted with the existence of this prejudice
and impressed with the Importance of providing
means for its expulsion from the popular mind, the
trainers of laws engrafted provision in the con-
stitution, enjoinng that schools should be estab-
lished for the convenient instruction of youth, with
such salaries to the masters ght enable them to
instruct at low prices" Until the year 1926 no act
passed by the Legislature avalng itself of this
salutary provision in the fundamental law. And
from whence came this all-important move ? You,
Mr.. Associate Editor may be appraised of the fact,
and draw consolation from it, that the citizens of
Long Acre District in your native county-the coun-
ty of Beaufort-were the first to in the matter,
and are therefore, entitled to all the credit. Pc
tition, calling upon the Legislature to enact some
law on the subject, was drawn up by MIR. JOSEPH b.
HINTON, now of Raleigh, numerously signed by the
citizens of that District and sent to the Legislature
and Mr.. JOHN STANLY, of Craven county, father to
the Hon. EDWARD STANLY, the first there to
make speech in favor Of Free Schools in North
Carolina. At this time law was passed setting
apart certain sources of revenue, the proceeds of
which should form Literary Fund. This fund was
placed under the control of board of managers,
with the Governor oticio President. In 1910, the
interest and profits of the investments of this fund
had SO increased as to warrant the Legislature in
passing law for its distribution among the several
counties according to their federal population. In
addition to the means thus provided by the Legsla-
ture, large bonus was received from the General
Government Through the economical management
of public affairs, by that good old patriot AN
DREW JACKSON, the General Government was relieved
Of considerable debt, and large surplus revenue
created in its place. This, in the opirion of some
of our wsest statesmen, national blessing, and
in that of others national curse. Their financial
powers taxed to the utmost to know what to do
with it. 1t was very wisely determined however, to
make half gift and distribute it among the several
States according to their federal population with
the understanding if called for the States should
refund it. The several States appropriated this bo-
according to their choice. Some gave to build
ing railroads and increasing their commercial impor-
tance while North Carolina threw it into her Lite
rary Fund The amount received was 81 ,433, ISL
| 81. believe l will send you the sources of the
whole of this fund, as think you have meyer pub
, lshed statistical statement:
| -5, 1922 shares in the Blk of Cape Fear, worth
SlOO per share. 90
| 2.-5,O27 shares in the Bank of the State, worth
| $lOU per oOI,tUu w