The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1855-07-23
ocuonI STEERS IN VIRGINIA

SCHOOLMASTERS IN VlhsiSiA
The washington Sentinel has long ana
very able aud interesting article IN ieP'J ~
the stereotyped cant Of the New England 30,
clifton press in respect to the 20" s''''' y
education in Virginia.
A norton of the article which strikes us
as particularly just and forcible Is TINS. "n.ou
speaks of the high estimation IN wnlcn .ne
profession of schoolmaster is held IN VIZ
ginia. It is not here, as generally ia the
North, mere stepping stone to the oa. on
the pulpit, but it is recognised as IN user
profession, worthy by its dignity, usefulness
and we are glad to add emotument, to take
high rank among the other learned profess
sions and to command exalted talents anu
lifelong devotion. This is proper view Oh
the vocation of teacher, for what can Do
more honorable in itself and mere benencial
To society than the development and Tram
inc of the minds upon whose inteiiecsuai
ADD moral capacity depends the preservation
NJ our free institutions, the conduct OF the
affairs of state, and in short all the best IN
terests of society," 1t is to the honor OF
Virginia that her schoolmasters are so much
honored by her people; that they are not
and are not regarded. as mere pedsgogues;
that they rank in public esteem with the
other professions, and are often able to &C
cumulate handsome fortunes. The Sentinel
mentions by name number of these gentle
men, who, when they concluded their studies
at the University of Virginia, were esteemed
aHd Justly esteemed, IS gentlemen whose
abilities, high attachments, and moral charac-
ter, would enable them to compete success
fully with the most; distin guished in any
walk of life they might incline to select
Others might be added to the list, but 1t Is
unnecessary. Without desiring to dispar-
age the educational facilities offered III the
North, we think we do no injustice when we
say that the profession of teacher, whether
male or female, is more respected, more re-
| munerative and influential here than there,
| and that consequently it commands the SER
vices of more high toned and more eff
cient class of instructors. The Virginian
educated under such auspices, whatever may
be his profession, is generally found to pos
sess valuable general attainments, as well as
| those which belong to his particular pursuit
| in life. Our lawyers, physicians, clergymen
| and farmers, are men of general intelligence
| and refinement result for which we are in
debted to the high character of our school
| masters.
If education is not as widely diffused in
Virginia as in some of the New England
| States it is at least thorough and practical.
| Even in regard to the large number unable
to read, it is justly remarked by the Sentinel
that reading is but an artificial instrument of
education, not education itself, and that even
of those who do not read, it may be said that,
under the able instruction of the great ora
tors of Virginia. the masses of our State are
unsurpassed in political education and famil-
lar acquaintance with the teachings of the
patriots and sages of the era in which was
| framed the Constitution, and with the prin-
ciples upon which it was framed