Tribune and telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1855-1856, 1855-08-02
Correspondence of the Tribune and Tele-
graph.


ALBANY, N. Y, July, 1856.
MEssRs. EDIToRs:-The fifth of uly number
ofyour paper fell under my eye, a day or two ago.
and was much pleased to see so large a portion
of it devoted to School matters Most assuredly,
this is as it should be. Not more is the army or
the Nary, a necessary appendage or arm of Ma
tional Government, protection and rule; nor is Ell
Their one or the other, more likely to be efficient
in preserving the liberties, and extending the in
Auence of our Republic, than is general, or rath-
er universal education. Hence the propriety of
public journalists giving school matters perma
nent, and prominent place, in the Newspaper col
umns. Never should this be overlooked. Week
y, if not more frequent reports, or remarks Of
some kind, tending to keep up an interest in our
Schools, and draw no small portion OF our atten-
ton to the position and progress of the Education
of our Youth, should appear in every public print
The FREE SCHOOL SYSTEM is rational not on
y, but philosophical, and if the perpetuation and
extension of Free Governmental institutions be
the object and desire of the American people, it
is highly polite ard obligatory, also The youth
full and vigorous Wisconsin State may, if she
to early and general education. Her soil is good
and her climate temperate, and other resources
abundant, and favorable to healthful physical de-
velopement; why thenmay she not take highyank
not to say great prominence, in pertectlng plans
for intellectual Improvement? Already has she
free schools in Kenosha, and perhaps, in other
cftieasf sts,se. Il i4saes'-, all her
schools may be free. Certainly, in every State
they should be so. National revenue, from what
ever source derived, should be burdened ormade
chargcable with this, not less than with the sup
port of any of the other departments or branches
of the public service.
Every youth of the land whether foreign or ma
tive born, should be compelled to obtain in some
way, within a given time, a certain amount of
knowledge Of national principles and republican
practice and duty. l do not say that children or
youth should be compelled to go to any particu-
lar school, or take LESSONS either OF science or pub
lie duty, from any designated individual, but do
say, that none should be suffered to let the sea
son of youth pass, without obtaining competent
measure of knowledge for the discharge OF the
duties of citizenship. Annually, at least, quar-
tery if possible, should there be appointed days
for general muster and examination of all the
youth under 81 years of age in regard TO their ac-
QUESTION of necessary knowledge Neversh should
even single individual of foreign birth, ofwhat-
ever ace he naturalizcd admitted to citizenship
till he give evidence under examination, or IN
some other equally safe and certain method, OF
his having acquired sufficient knowledge OF, and
3 proper love and regard for, the principles and
practice of Republican and free Institutions, be
they of Church or State. This knowledge, and
this regard and love, when clearly evlnced and
asecrtained, should in all over II years OF age,
be the passport TO naturalization, rather than the
number of years residence: Aud never should
even the native born among us, however remote
or recent may have been the immigration Oh thelr
rarents or predecessors, be admitted TO the PRIV
iIepes and franchises of citizenship, without sat
isfactorily passing an initatory ordeal.
The first twenty years of life may or may not
suffice to fit for this ordeal. Individuals may DC
careless, negligent, disobedcnt or refractory IN
which case. never should the mere fact OF oeihg
twcutv-one wears of age, in the ease OF the na''e
born, or any given number of years residence
in that of those of foreign BIRTH be deemed OF 1t
self. qualifying. The possessing and giving ev'
idence of competency alone, should quaiify' u
: least on and after majority
To ascertain this, should board OF examiners
be appointed and organized in each schooi ais
trict, or some other convenient section OF 'il'
State The school trustees, for instance, assoe'
atcd with the teacher, would be very conFeh
lent; and in great majority of cases (they sho"i'
be in au) very competent board OF eensors' oe
fore whom parents might examine their children
teachers their pupils, and youth one aho'iiei
S w.tl.e the ccn>ors gave countenance ana eiioo"'
e agemeat to ALL ca,ecully putting such hecess''
questions as might seem TO them omitted oy IN
elders. Visionary and impraeticab!e as TINS p''
iect may appear, only can il be SO N the e.es
. those who have cherished the idea that eaue"'io
of the youth is private, not public AFFAIR."
it may or may not he ineulcated and elected d
parents or guardians see ft. That rank, postum
. or poverty. among men, exonerate or exemE
$ them from the acquisition of useful knowieue'
OF submitting to the usual or instituted means
giving evidence Of that acquisition. None rish
ly comprchending national duties and social OBJ
cations or earnestly desiring the elevation o. sael
race, and the increase and extension OF Repuol
2. can influences and power, Will look on any sue
CT similar scheme with disiavor. On the contra
~, shey will cheer every effort made in this d
II Yection and for purpose SO enn0bling, not
i say obligatory as that of promoting univers'
education. YOUR vigorous and young State
- admirably adapted for making the experiment
, No ancient usages, no hereditary preiudices. n
i = II.