Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1854-01-26
AN ADDRESS on EDUCATION.
HI Riy- J. NoLAg.

education, which hope may be instrumental IN
increasing the interest which is already awakened
| throughout this community, on that momerh ous
topic. i need no apology for the introduction OF
such rnen,e. The wants and desires OF the peo
pie call for it.
| Although engaged and laden with another enter
prise of magnitude and general utility,
willing to devote par, of our time and little ofour
means TO the pressing wants Of the rising genera
ton around us. Every good citizen who feels in
terested in the morals and intelligence of the town
| in which he lives, Cannot fail TO have his sympa-
thes interviewer with such a cause can he
fail to open his hand literally in its support In
tie town and suburbs We have not less perhaps
I than one thousand persons who ought at this time
| to be enjoying the advantages of our common
schools and schools of higher 81 ade. No dispo-
sition seems lacking on the part OF pupils. They
cheerfulIy crowd orr diiapdated buildings,
Easements, and even cellars in search of that
triment which strengthens and enlarges the mind.
But in reality they have only the crumbs which
fail from the educational board, and are compelled
to gather them up in most unfavorable circum-
stances. The parents ere essentially 10 blame =
and their negligence should De held up wildly TO
their view, until alarmed at The sight they hasten
10 retrieve their characters by vigorous, untiring
industry, in this MODEST of enterprises. The prin-
! cIpal proposition winch shall try 10 sustain is
as follows Parents and the con.aauaify at large
under strong obligations TO gre the youth commit
ed to their care sound practical education, they
are 10 proride healthy food then physical ,rants-
There is a striking analogy between the physical
md al ,cet,a al
tender infant cannot be perpetuated, wthou, the
fostering care of the rurse. Wiihou, the sunshine
and raindrop tears Of maternal kindness he open
ing flower would soon told its beauties in sadness
and its leaves, wiiheTed and decayed would soon
ulingle with their mother dust. Should its food
be administered with parsirnonious rand dwarf
ishness would undoubtedly ensue should that
food be mingled with ingredients antagonistic 70
! life, the evidence would soon become palpable-
1t is necessary TO administer that quality OF nuri-
ment suited to its frai and delicate constitution,
SO as 10 increase the vital principle throughout
the system, and give hardness the bone and sin
ew TO the iesh.
| The relation of the parent TO the child makes it
imperative the former watch over the develop
ments of the latter However lavish the paren,
may be of food 70 sustain life il is requisite also
that the child, whether creeping in lis innocent
gatnoois on the carpet, or occupied with satches
and books IN the school room. should have good
| exercise, and proper sphere in which 10 exert
its growing, physical powers. BY this method
the proportion, vigor and elasticity of the frame
/ IS preserved which small items in the
simple yet mysterious history of human life
/ lac ancient Greeks understood full well the value
/ of physical training. Their youth were exercised
, and Injured 10 fatigues so that they might with
strong hand impel the invading enemy, and rescue
their rights from the oPpressor Their early his
tory is iraught, and enriched with deeds of noble
daring, and ieats OF the most astounding agility.
! With sinewy arms they tossed the iavelin with
! deadly power; from their machines they hurled
I cible hosts, aud with their battering rams they
shook the mighty walls OF the fortress and forced
an entrance into the beseiged city. There is
sort of sickly effeminacy stealing over our young
men, which is regarded as almost insepa able from
refined, polite life, which infuses kind of languid
| sentamen;a!ism, detrimental both 10 health and
| good morals Various reasons may be assigned
| for THIS They confined to close heated rooms
when they ought 10 be out on the broad praries,
lnhailng the pure air of heaven. Instead of good
substantial food, they live on hot biscuits hot tea
and ,nince pies, all of which have a tendency 10
dry up the very fountain of life. They use every
effort TO obtain situations where they must neces-
sariIy be confined or tley almost starve them
| selves 10 get hold of few items of business in
professional life instead of resorting to the pow
|
| we possess.
! These tendencies should be checked by making
the science OF agriculture attractive and perfect
as possible. 1t should be taught our children il
should be eulossed in our addresses and oratons;
1t should be sung in patriotic ballads; and the
| public should be directed TO this department In
this physical training there is another particular
which ought TO De included he scenery with
which surrounded has great influence up
on us for good or evil.
! What is the principal design of those vast goth
] ic churches dark stained windows burning can
dies, and pealing organs but 10 inspire supersti
| tious awe and reverence for their ceremonies
/ Nor DO they fail 70 effect this. In few genera
tons the votaries OF these IDOL houses become
| groveng and debased and unfit Tor the noble en-
terprses OF life they sink state of bar barism the
! only vestige OF energy remaining, being DISPOSE
ton 10 light fires around those who happen to diff
Ter from their opinions; in their superstitious
frenzy 10 shed innocent blood Ii This be the ten
d.ncy of such things we ought 10 tie very jealous
OF all approximations This shows the power
] of association on the human mind II is natural
for us then 10 infer that when our school houses
are dark. gloomy, contracted, and badly ventilated
the most disastrous effects will follow Low, grow
cling dispositions, views of men and
| things will characterize the inmates of such es
adjustments. We should have good buildings
spacious apartments, neatly painted and furnished
so as 10 make them inviting to pupils. The play
ground should be large and beautiful well shaded
/ with lofty trees, and iutersected with gravel
| walks.
/ or.lin to y, -,