The Ohio star. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1830-1854, 1853-12-28
For. the OHIO Star

MR. HAEL:--Your neighborhood seems to be
becoming theatre of agitation. sincerely re-
joice to see the direction it is taking, and feel
somewhat disposed to help it on. 1t has loug
seemed to me that if ary subject reeded agitating
now it that of education, especially as conuec-
ted with Common Schools. l shall endeavor to
give my reasons for the opinion somewhat in de-
tail.
Circumstances unavoidaby connected with the
first settlement of all new countries, render it i'm
possible to bestow that degree of attention 10 the
subject of education which its importance demands.
The sparseness of population, the badness of roads,
the absolute necessity for time, at least of be-
slowing ali their labor and care on the cultivation
and improvement of their grounds in order TO pro-
cure present support ne cessarly leave the schools
in the back ground. What is MORE this state Of
things connected with the fact that these worthy
tage of acquiring any but low grade Of education
and the occurrence of occasions which re-
quire the exercise Of any other tend to form and
confirm habits which are very difficult of eradica-
ton, aud which frequently stamp permanent i'm
press community. This state of things we
have said is unavoidable and degree ofignorance,
which in different state, would become Disgrace
full, is here perfectly excusable. But a kind of
system becomes established and consolidated,
which it is difficult to disturb without agitation.
But when a totally different state of things obtains,
when highly improved and cultivated fields occu-
py the site of the forest, and elegant and costly
finished buildings have superseded the lowly. but
omftrtcbtc cabin, giving uudenable evidence of
II, SC
ing change is demanded in the condition of the
schools. Population has become dense--the pros
porous condition Of the country induces emigration
from older states, among whom often found
educated men, to settle with the pioneers; business
becomes active and occasions frequently occur re-
quirng the exercise of considerable educational
talent. 1t has now become disgraceful for indvid-
uals ,ufyIng high official stations 10 be un, BILE
to discharge their duties. without at every
step numbering the kings Eugsh,a and betraying an
inability to decipher plain superscription upon
a letter or paper.
1t seems TO me- however, that some of your ag-
itators are unwarrantaby severe on the examin-
ing Committee. have not the pleasure of per-
sonal acquaintance with either of the gentlemen
composing it, bat trust they are all honorable men.
That in the discharge of their very responsible an
laborious task. they may have taken some injudi-
cious steps, which time and experience will reme-
dy is not Improbable; but it really seems to me
that the philippe 10 your last was unca!led for.
have learned of nothing in their procedure ohec-
tionabe, unless it be the practice of proposing
absurd and impossible questions. This, though
frequently practicsd, has always appeared to me
OF doubtful utility, aud would respectfully suggest
to the Board, a careful consideration of the ques-
ton of its abandonment Their firmness and de-
cision are commendable and necessary and con-
trast well with the lenity Of some former Boards,
who, have been credIby informed on tho recep-
ton of name and fifty cents, have forwarded GER
| tfcates to candidates they never saw. Had our
present Beard been as flexible and fac!e, we
should have had more teachers to let, than one of
your correspondents says we have school houses
The houses would have been TO let still, as they
have too often heretofore 10 the otrest bidder who
is generally the poorest teacher. Should the
course of the Board be sustained, land have too
much confidence in the good sense of the people
of Portage County to doubt it,) our schools will
soon exhibit marked Improvement B,