Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1854-03-11
sALEM, February 2sth, 1851.


interest which shall increase in the ratio of its
success.
SALEM, February 2sth, 1851.
DEAR SIR: ! was surprised and sorry to hear
that there was some uncertainty not indeed about
the efficiency of the Salem School, not about the
zeal and talent of its teachers, for these seem un-
disputed but about its permanency on account
of the heavy pressure of the school tax.
AS well wisher to Education all over the world,
and particularly in this the land of my adoption,
should be sorry indeed il any modification should
be made in the system Of the school for any other
purpose than for establishing it on frmer basis
and extending the range Of its usefulness.
surely need not waste words to show that all
the inhabitants of this locality are deeply inte-
rested in its continuance in order that they, and
their children after them, may enjoy the advantage
of living in the midst Of well informed popula-
tion trained in habits of method, industry and
selfreliancc. Apart from appeals to motives Of
duty and philanthropy, even a matter of mere
selfish calculation, it must be evident that the
money thus expended is moro than repaid by the
absence of those instances of waste, disorder and
crime which generally accompany ignorace.
40 dwell long on such views would be superfu-
GUS in a country like America, so distinguished by
the lbcrality of its provisions for securing, even
in the widest districts, good education to the
poorest WHITE inhabitants. Alas that there should
be such restriction,
But in addition to the general benefit which all
derive from such a school as yours, the parents Of
children have a more peculiar and direct interest
in its continuance and prosperity.
have too lately come to this country, and l am
as yet too imperfecty acquainted with its laws
and customs, to know how far my views are in
accordance opposition with them, but il appear,
TO me that, in order to secure to any school moi
only paramount existence, but the means Of
adapting itself to the increasing wants and expand
ing views Of the community, it should be, in a
great measure, selESupporting.
My experience in England land human nature
is much the same overywhere,) has also taught
me that what seems to be got for nothing is seldom
properly valued, and that neither parents nor chill
drcn will ever feel the same interest in a school
which is open to them as a matter of course, as
if they had directly purchased the right of at
tendance.
would therefore suggest that the general school
tax he lowered 80 as to silence the complaints of
its undue pressure, and that the deficiency be
made up by charge ON all tho pups-sufdeient
to meet current expenses, and allow some surplus
for improvements, for the purchasing of maps,
models and apparatus and of books Of reference
for teachers aud pupils-and, at the same time 50
moderate NJ not to he very burdensome to the
humblest means
ia Jour happy land, poverty is almost unknown
and bsth the yeung and the old seem general,
anxious fSr selfimproSement. So hope tha
very few parnHts wOoh grudgc paying for
school which aaJrds 10 their children the means O.
working their way ia lite-a school which does 81
much.ercdit to Salem, and which must offer suel
inducements to people from distance 10 com,
and'scttle IN your ncighborhood.
Lastly and hope that IN old tearher who can
e,nfE,f,i-r with iLe eelirgs and irials of his lr
.;'~'f:."