The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1853-08-24
coNMC \ SCHOOLS.



u HIS Err ltRey D1riS $. ksids a
SR: s nee my appointment As Gene
Al sure, snicndent At Csmnon Sehonis
far he State, have occupied ms time
n travelling, in corresponding with
he friends and subordinate officers Of
die system. and in the study Of pnpu-
lar systems Of Edneatisn in other
States and countries
I desire to 70 into each county in
ske State 20 examine The records OF the
Common Schools, TO see for myself
what has been done. what i doing, and
what are the difficulties in the way Of
greater success; and while travelling
in the different Counties | wish 10 DIFF
fuse all the information can, as well
as to obtain the views Of other friends
of the cause. On this account ! have
made anappointment 10 deliver DIS
course at the county seat &c each Goun-
ny visited; plan which very material.
Nv inpedes my motions. but which
/. nevertheless deem best to pursue,
even if but Few persons should attend
INV appoints, and if | should, as ] of
ten do. have TO expose myself a good
deal to al kinds of weather 10 fulfill
engagements made withnut the power
Of foreknowing the contingencies Of
the future.
Nv object in making public talks, is
20 diliuse inl0rmti0n, correct what !
conceive TO be erroneous opinions. and
TO stimulate 90 renewed efforts the
friends Of popular enlightenment and
Improvement; aud to give 10 The sub
lance Of these talks the widest possibl,
circulation, have concluded 10 address
them 10 you, as mark Of respect TO you
as the official Head Of the State-hoping
also that your interest in the success
of our system Of Common Schools vii
induce you to lend your aid 10 all ef
forts directed to lis Improvement
The least Acquaintance which humal
nature teaches US that men will no
labor hopefully in the dark aud eve
slaves, having no interest in the re
suit Of their labers, will soon tire an
put forth but feeble exertions whe
they cannot see or know, in any way
the effect of the blows which the
strike. To know that We are maxim
progress is the great stimulus to huma
exertion and vet, in regard totbe op
erati0ns Of our system Of Commo
schosls, we have for ten years an
more been kept in profound ignu
rance. The experiment being move
aud an arluous one, needed all the en-
enlargement which the fullest ligh
could aifogd, as well to stimulate on
zeal as to learn Us TO avoid errors bu
the earfain has not been once lifted {
give us even a glimpse uf our genera
progress. In such state of things
j. bnt natural that doubts and misgi'
ing should arise aud among any pc
pie less tenacious of purpose, sysie
requiring SO much light and so mu,
nursing care, would not have numbe
ed decade Of years, en,eloped as gu
has been in almost total darkness.
Ii will afford me infinite pleasure
lift BIS the aid Of recent laws. the VI
which has concealed the growth a
development of the Great Hope of I
State aud although some unplcasa
defects may be exposed, the necessa
result of circumstances, | feel su
that every true friend of human ha
piness will be gratifed at the progre
already made, and at the cheering pre-
poet &c future advancement.
On account Of the ignorance preva
ing in regard to Che general results
our system of Common Schouis, sol
persons have considered it a failur
and it is generally agreed that Q
n lure, il We nave failed, is to be ;
tsiAs;sd 10 The want of funds,
| feel myself able TO prove, in I
first place, that oar system Of Comm
Schools has not been failure and
the second place, to demonstrate h
the cause alleged is the rue eau
which has prevented greater succe,
And trust that If your Excellen
should see fit to have those vie'
brought TO the attention Of the publ
they will be seriously read and exa
ined BY all interested, whatever 81
they take /; that the facts and argnmer
ad .uced will be well considered, a
if found to justify the coaclusio
drawn, be generally recorded IN t
mipds of the people. This is said
be a stirring age--it is certainly \
remarkable for its memory of form
misfortunes, blessed as it is with
mans advantages and glowing vi
ans,ciPaiions 9. s.ill better taings
the.llfCfs.
I1tLs MULTIPLICATION of 'olleges a,
tAcademlss, Weave forgotten our f
mes dearth Of LisraFy Institution
and having schaoi, IL rs perfect
We could wish. ilpat evesv Esan's Dc.
We gs;easiir irritted al IS 8 fiiilCO
ties. and talk Of failing ssa Q
subscription system, ash - IS g
Inyed such system
SIR, although you hayayeapesa sNI
popular honors, il is neitser IN sop
>2ar srrspectfui 10 cali sm 4 cN.SlD;