The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-01-04

ed, uncultivated; and it is educated, en-
ightened intellect alone which contributes
to the development OF tho ply sical resour-
ces Of country like ours. II is the edu-
Gated intellect Of the masses, which has
given such mighty impulse to our pro-
gress as nation, in all that is great and
good. 1t is this which evokes the innate
energies OF genius, subordin ates the NIGH
ty physical agencies of nature, elevates
mans aspirations, ennobles his impulses,
and clothes him with power equal to ev.
cry demand upon him for lofty enterprise.
b.
NO. ".
To the Editors Of the Enquirer:
The memorialists say: I'VE believe
that every organized township in the State
has citizens therein fully qualified to ex
anime the teachers ofthe Common Schools;
and we hereby ask the privilege Of eleoting
a suitable number Of school examiners a,
our annual township meetings."
In reply. we say the real question at is
sue is not whether there can be found in
every township persons competent to ex-
tCuCuCiS, Jul WHctncI tuc IIOu0 Vi
selecting them proposed by the memorial
lists will be as likely as that prescribed by
the School law, to secure the services OF
such men as would discharge, intelligent
ly, efficiently and faithfully, the delicate
and responsible trust confided them. We
insist that it would not, and take an appeal
TO facts
Many Of our schools are languishing be-
cause they are taught by those who are
immature in years. immature in judgment,
and, worse than all. immature in educa-
tion. II is momentous responsibility to
undertake the education of youth, even
with mature years. ripe Judgment, and the
advantages of a thorough education. But
the consequences are really fearful when
this delicate and important task is assumed
as is too often the case, without any o.
these qualifications. The profession ol
teaching is rising in the public estimation
and there is now an earnest demand 70,
teachers, who have patiently studied fol
many years, and made themselves thor
ough!y familiar with the elements of a good
education, and the approved plans Of or.
ganizing schools and conducting all the
various school exercises.
For ten years we had an excellent op
portunity Of Witnessing the practical opera
tion OF just such plan as the one pro
posed in the petition. In those townships
where they had backwoods schools, and
wanted cheap teachers, the people seemed
in many instances, to take especial pains
not to elect board OF examiners, who
duly appreciating the Importance Of theil
trust, would insist upon careful and
searching examination of the candidates
and then certificate only such, as in thei
candid judgment. possessed the requisite
learning and ability TO impart instruction
in the most approved and effective man
ner. The mode of, selecting examiners is
a grave matter; and the manner in which
they execute their sacred duty is of meal
culable importance. However admirable
in other respects our school system may
be, if our teachers are not intellectually
and morally qualified for the discharge O
their responsible duties, the result will bt
little better than failure. The age de-
mands well educated, efficient, intelligen
teachers; ten chcrs fully competent in every
| regard, 10 dispense the benefits of thor
ough education; teachers that know how
10 instruct children. not specifically bu
thoroughly; teachers that can develop
equally and hea,thfully every faculty o
their pupils, every capability Of their be
ing.
We need, then, School Examiners who
will respond to this demand as under
standingly, and as faithfully. as il they ex
pecied to be held pecuniarily responsible
Tor all the irreparable injuries which in
competent teachers must, Of necessity. in
fiict upon the rising generation. The
adaptation Of the provision in the schoo
law, which aims at this important end
merits fair trial. The law. in this re
gard, is framed nearly on the model of tn,
school law of Holland, which is considered
the best for securing school inspection, ant
the thorough examin alton OF teachers, tina
the world has yet seen.
There each province is divided into
number of districts, about equal in popula
ton to one of our counties, and an inspec
tor appointed for each. Cousin, the Frencl
Minister Of Public Instruction, pays higl
compliment to this plan, and Mr.. Wander
Ende says. referring to the matter Of Schoo
Examiners: "Take care whom you choos
for inspectors; they are class OF mel
who ought to be searched for with a lan,
tern in ones hand" This duty, then
should be committed to the hands OF thos
only who are well qualified to discharge il
and who will pledge their honor to do
with the utmost care and deliberation, fol
upon its proper fnillment depends. in
very essential degree, the elevation an
improvement of our schools.
:. elf none but properly qualified teacher
, are permitted to find their way to ou
schools; if the certificates of the examinin
officers and the sanction of their authorit
are given only to those who are intellee
tually and morally fitted adequately to di.
charge the duties Of instructors Of you'll
E"apt to teach,"' competent to communicat
INSTRUCTION in the mode best adapted |
! develop the various faculties of the 9,
panding mind, patterns alike Of moral an
social excellence, our schools will speedil
lbecome the fitting temples of science, Il