The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1854-11-29

81 fa< Maze cf Aorn C1roisnas
In communicating nv regular Mes
sage TO the General Assembly, a fit
occasion is presented for conrratulzt-
ing members upon the blessings which
kind Providence has bestowed upon
the people Of the State. and especially
upon their exemption, to consider
able extent. from the diseases and ca
lamities which have visited other states
and Nations with such sad aud devas.
tating consequences. II is also SUBJ
ject Of congratulation that the spirit Of
progress and Improvement which. at
present, animates our people. presents
a bright prospect for the destiny OF our
beloved State.
Agriculture, in North Carolina, has
undergone an important improvement,
which has increased the reward of the
husbandman, aud impaired an addi-
tional interest to this great pursuit; the
amount Of crime committed, it is be-
lieyed, will compare fayorably with
that uf any other State the laws have
been executed as faithfully, and justice
administered as impartialIy as in any
other country; the faith Of the State
has been scrupulously preserved, and
her credit stands teservedly high, both
AT homo and abroad. improvements
are being extended to afford the farmer
aud mechanic cheap and expeditions
mode OF transportation for the surplus
products OF their labor, and for the sup
plies they are TO- receive in return a
University, Of the highest rank, aided
by numerous Colleges and Academies,
oil high order; aud system Of Conn
mon Schools, which will som be second
to that Of no other State, are rapidly
extending the facilities of mental im-
provement to every class Of our citi-
zens; the Geological examinations are
almost daily disclosing valuable addi-
tions TO the inexhaustble mineral
wealth Of the State; and, added to all
these, we have a population that is uE-
surpassed in the essential elements of
true greatness. But, Notwithstanding
this gratifying condition OF things,
there are many subjects intimately
connected with the welfare and pros
perity Of the people Of the State, which
require the action OF the General As
sembly.
i In a government like ours, where
the yuice Of the people, to great ex-
tent, controls public measures, Educa-
ton is not only subject in which eve
ry good citizen feels deep interest.
but it becomes one Of great Importance,
aud demands the fostering care Of the
State. Hence that clause in the Con-
stitution which declares
"That school or schools shall be establish
cd by the Legislature, for the convenient in
structon of youth, with such salaries to the
masters, paid by the public, as may enable them
to instruct at low prices: and all useful learn
ing shall be duly encouraged and promoted in
one or more Universities"
The University of this State is in
successful operation, sustaining the
high reputation it has long and deser-
vedly enjoyed; aud. at each Commence.
ment, sends forth a number Of gradu>
ates to engage in the various pursuits
Of life. This institution is every year
educating, gratuitously, no inconsider.
able number OF meritorlous young gen.
tlemen, who have not the means for that
purpose. Ii would be difficult to esti-
!, mate the beneficial influences the Uni
yersity has exerted in North Carolina,
! and in other States of the Union.
Our Common schools have been ia
operation but for comparatively short
period, and are progressing as we'll
perhaps, as we have right to expect
, , when we consider the many difficulties
that have been encountered in the com
mencement of such system. There
are doubtless still many defects in tn,
: management Of these Schools, which
time and experience will enable US t.
correct. The system, however, is do
: ing lncalculable good, and its beneficial
influence will be more strikingiy obyi
Gus to the generation which succeeds US
There is no subject more worthy o
favorable consideration than Common
: Schools. The greatness Of a State de
pends upon her people. 10 few years
those who now direct public affairs viii
s pass from the stage of action, and tn,
0 welfare and destiny of the State ant
! the Republic will be committed to tn,
!. charge Of a new generation. Ii tina
generation shall be found wanting il
e wisdom and virtue, what is to be til,
Ii fate of the monuments Of greatnes
: erected by its ancestorsf The edu
# cation of the masses Of the people i
! the best security for the rights Of per
f sons and Of property; and, in fire.
:. government, where intelligence ant
). virtue are the true passports to fam
s and distinctisn, it places the poor an,
d obscure upon an equality with the ric
IS and powerful, and will prote the bes