The Belmont chronicle, and farmers, mechanics and manufacturers advocate. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1848-1855, 1853-04-22
From the Ohio Journal of Education
To the Friends- of Common Schools
In Ohm

~ inc frtehus- OF Common schools
In Ohio.
Citizens OF Ohio, who have confidence and |
hope in the capacity of the common school
system to make our country more prosperous
and our people more happy, will rejoice that
a school law, so wise and liberal, has found
favor, at last, with the Legislators of the
State. But let it be remembered, friends,
that what has been gained is the result Of
much hard labor and personal sacrifice, not
only on the part of school friends during the
recent session Of the Legislature, but also of |
disinterested private citizens, for many years
past; and that the advantages now proffered !
to the people, can only fully be realized by
the continued exertions Of the friends Of
liberal measures.
Allow us, therefore, to invite your early
attention to the proper administration of the
new school law, as matter of the very first
Importance to its success and permanence.
Within few days it will be necessary to
choose the local directors and boards of educa-
ton for all the country districts of the State
and it should be well understood, that the
first election under the law will, TO a great
extent, determine its success and favor with
the people. If the best men-men who are
true friends of the law and of progresS-should
be chosen at the outset to constitute the local
boards and the township boards of education,
it is scarcely to be doubted, that, with the
aid Of the increased State school fund.- an ex-
cellent school organization can be adopted in
every township in Ohio, within very brief
period. On the other hand, the election of
men Indifferent to the success, or opposed to
the liberaiity of the law, would, of course,
thwart all of its aims at improvement.
BY the abolition of a fee for a teachers
certificate, and the inconvenience, if not inn
practicaoiiity and ilegaty of private ex-
amnations, it is hoped that teachers of better
qualifications only can find employment.
Within few months il will devoye upon
the people of the State to elect an officer
especially entrusted with the duty OF guard
ing and promoting the great interests of
popular education in our State. 1t is scarcely
to be questioned, that the best talents and
the best virtues which the country can furnish,
will find ample scope for active exercise in
the duties assigned to the State Commission
or of Common Schools. 1t becomes, there
fore, matter of the gravest Importance, that
The selection Of this officer should be made
with reference singly to his ability to meet
the responsibilities of this station. No greater
calamity could well, at this period in our
educational history, occur to our common
school interests, than to suffer partizan an
imosities and prejudices to govern the people
, in the selection Of the man to preside over
these sacred interests. 1t is greatly to be re-
GREETED that the provision in the original bill
should have been SO changed as to afford even
poor excuse for selecting this officer from
party ranks.
In view, therefore, of the interests involv-
ed, and of the manifest impropriety of max
ing any mans political opinions basis for
preference md nomination, we, whose names
are appended below, practical parties of the
State, would most respectfully and most
cordially present, for the suffrages of all
political parties, the name Of our highly
esteemed iellow-aborer and fellow-citizen,
! Lorin Andrews, as every way worthy of the
confidence of every good citizen of Ohio, for
our first State Commissioner of Common
Schools.
Mr.. Andrews is q scholar. He pursued
MS collegiate course at Kenyon College,
where he afterwards received the degree of
A. NJ.
Mr.. Andrews has been many years
practical and successful teacher, considera-
ton of no trifling Importance to one who
shall direct the educational interests of the
State.
Mr. Andrews has pursued the course of
OF Iu rad in tha
has for some years held license to practice
law in our State.
Mr.. Andrews has been almost continually
engaged, for the last five years, in labors for
the cause of general education in Ohio, and
for considerable portion of the time, at
much personal sacrifice. These considerations
alone, we think entitled to great weight, in
comparison with whoever may now suddenly
espouse this cause, in view of the honors or
the patronage to dispensed.
But, .fve years. experience we believe worth |
to the State more than the salary of an mex
perienced man for ten gears. Plans that are
practical can be adopted without loss of time
or money to the State. Wants that are now
felt are now MISUNDERSTOOD, and the agencies
to meet those wants can be most promptly
provided by man Of the requisite experience.
Mr.. Andrews capacity as business man is
such, as everywhere to command public con-
fidence, where he is known.
Lastly, Mr., Andrews integrity and honor
as man are above reproach or suspicion. A
clear head, good heart and a wide range o.
active sympathes, are to be added to the
qualifications before enumerated.
We therefore commend him to the conf
lence and sutlisgcs of all classes of our fell
low-citizens, and most respectfully & earnest
y request the political papers of our State of
1I parties, TO publish this circular, and then
10 place the name of Lorn Andrews in a
proper place as suitable candidate for all
parties to support for the office OF State Com
miss ioner Of Common Schools.
HEALTH OF VICE PRESIDENT KING.
MOBILE, April IA.
Mr.. King, since his arrival, has been af-
ie,ed with severe spells OF coughing Last
light he rested well, and seemed decidedly
better this morning, but his cough returned
lurny the day Should he however he no