The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1853-03-12
For the MinnesOtian.
Schools and School Books.

MEssRs. EDiTORs Not long since an article
appeared in the MinnesOtian with regard to our
common school system, and your remarks upon
the subject, in my opinion, contain more truth
than most readers would be apt to imagine up
on a hasty perusal. 1t is certainly matter of
far greater Importance than is generally at
tached to it by those who are seeking new
homes. But little has been said, heretofore,
either in the papers of the Territory, or by the
host of letter writers, about that excellent fea-
ture of Minnesota, which, above all others.
gives her decided advantage over any and
every other new country. We may well boast
of the liberal provisions heretofore made for
the education of the present and future genera
tiOns that are to dwell in this fair land And
the memory of those who founded such glOri-
Gus system will he remembered by millions yet
to be-
Ofcoursc, am not praising the present de-
fective law, altogether or the few schools now
in operation allude to the great principle of
the law, to wit: That our schools shall be free;
or, IN other ,cords supported by tar. What a
precious boon has been committed to us and
how anxious then should we be to let the world
know what noble stand young Minnesota has
taken with regard to the great question of mod
crn times; and that, on this account, if on no
other, she pre-cmincntly deserves to he called
New England of the Vest"
If then we have such a foundation upon which
pOrtant is it that we make wise and judiciOus
commencement! The present Superintendent
| and the pioneer Teachers have a good deal to
do in this matter. No effort should be spared
on their part to have the schools begun Alright
One of the surest means of accomplishing this
most desirable object is, to adopt series of
text books, and resolve to use no others. Moth
ing, perhaps, would do more to advance the in
terests of education and make the schools what
they should be- am well aware that our wor-
thy Superintendent has done good deal to Sc
cure uniformity of text books throughout the
Territory. No inconsiderablc effort, too, has
been made on the part of Teachers and others.
to Introduce the books recommended. Some of
the works, however seem to meet with a vast
deal OF opposition and more especially the
Readers. The Eclectic Series seems to have
been quite generally introduced, and with most
Teachers they are still very popular. | have
cOnversed with good many Teachers from DIFF
fefeht parts OF onr Territory, and find most of
them are in favor of using McGuffy's works,
especially for smaller scholars They, without
doubt. at least in the opinion of those have
seen, possess adecidcd advantage over Parkers
in many respects All feel the necessity of
having uniform series in the Schools, and
would gladly use those recommended. could il
he done without making too great a sacrifice of
merit and money. Both series are now used
and sometimes in the same school,
| "h"t thcI Is 10 ne done. 1t is quite evident
that something should be done while there are
but "A small number of districts in the Territory.
Inc welfare OF the present and future schools
! lmperlously demands some decided action on
the subject 1t is also matter of vast pecuni-
AIRY Importance. II a cOnvocation of Teachers
and others interested in the educational pros
poets OF Minnesota, now and hereafter. were
called by the Superintendent, some plan could.
doubtless, he adopted that would secure great
uniformity icts
something is done, the better it will be for ali
concerned In one year, there will doubtless
be twice the number of districts in the Terri
tory that there are at the present time. How
important Is IT, then, that something should be
done Immediately to settle a question that is
destined to become an exciting one sooner or
later FOR my own part, l should be glad to
see notice from our Superintendent request
ing me ieachers and others to meet and confer
upon this and other matters connected with tho
Schools of our Territory. TWE
GRovELANp, NJ. T.. March 5, 1853.