Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1854-04-20
For the Democrat.
The pnblic SnhanIs.


MEssEs. EDITORS We had the pleasure Of
visiting the school Of Mr.. c. D. Steele, at the
time Of the public examination on last Friday.
and feel inclined to publish word on the sub
ject. This in one Of the Common Schools which
have been established in our Borough, and which
like the others, have been in operation during
about nine months Of the past year.
We shall not attempt to distinguish the boys
and girls who seemed to stand a little above
their peers in excellence at the examination, for
this indeed, considering the general promptness
displayed, would be doubtful task. We will
say, however, that as a school, all acquitted
themselves beyond our expectation, and much
beyond what we accustomed to look for or
find in such cases.
The scho lars were examined in reading, men
tai and written arithmetic, grammar, and geog-
raphy and the various classes, particularly those
in geography and arithmetic, showed singular
aptness far they had gone in their studies.
The exercises were interspersed with declama-
tions of selections, from grave to gay, during
which the usual excitements, enthusiasm and
cheering, so common on greater occasions, were
manifested.
With what pride ought every American citi-
zen, as well those who have not as those who
have children, look upon this institution, the
Public Schools. Education, it is admitted upon
all hands, is one of the highest and most ennob-
ling objects to be obtained by mankind, and to
impart it to the child is considered, next to his
maintenance, the first duty of the parent. But
unfortunately it has long been a treasure locked
up with the Golfers of the wealthy, and in great
l. l a.
oily, it has been the work of Free Schools to des-
troy and disband. The latent sparks of genius,
wherever found, are now brought within their
tanning influence, and the true wealth of mind
as it is born into the world is supplied at once
with the food it Graves, and the nourishment to
sustain it. Seldom do we find a young man
raised in Pennsylvania, who cannot read and
write, while among the old, and particularly if
sons of foreign lands
< Where tyrant kings and tyrant laws restrain,
the individuals are by no means scarce who can
not more than make ricketty mark with pen,
and who cannot read at all. God never mani
tested his blessings to this State more obviously,
than when he moved the hearts of the people to
this common cause oc education. 1t is an indie
pendent scheme, founded upon the ndisputablc
doctrine that it is the duty Of all, according to
their means, to contribute to the welfare of each
1t is a plan by which the smallest expenditure
produces the most gigantic, the most momen-
tous results Of all public works it is the great
est, and had its foundation been laid with the
foundation of the State, the difference between
this day and that, considered with respect to the
ACHIEVEMENTS of mind, would be as marked as
the Improvements in mechanism, or material art
1t this day are different and superior to those of
hat.
The Legislature of the present session has
passed bill which, it is believed, will advance
he system of Free Schools to greater perfection,
md if so, the greater Will be the public good