Nashville daily patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1855-1857, 1856-05-30
For the Patriot.
Alfred Hume, the Founder of our Free
school System.

PAAphOic udo bteu OOuS 70 lHc ueluOIJ VI
one by whose praiseworthy and self.sacrifciDg ex-
ertions in the of free Education our city and
citizens are mainly indebted for that degree Of adj
vsncement originating from the establishment of
that system.
The article ia question was probably penned
by the senior editor Of that paper, who, it seems,
possessed no knowledge of the facts in the case
The junior editor, it is presumed, was better &C.
quanted with the prime mover of this noble scheme
(oeing in its incipiency pupil of his) and doubt
less with the writer, has heard him frequently
converse in regard to its plan and mode of opera
ton; it is therefore, matter OF no little astonish-
ment to him that be permitted such an article to
appear in his journal with the sanction Of his
approval.
Seeing, them that the remarks set forth in that
editorial are about to pass uncontradcted, IA few
days having elapsed since its publication and not
wthstandng it is with some degree Of distrust that
the writer thrusts any communication of bis before
the public eye, yet, he ventures to bring forward
some facts, few though they be, to prove that the
need of praise and honor is justly due to Alfred
Hume as the originator Of this wise system. Ifhe
succeeds in counteracting, to some extent, an IN
favorable impression which has been made, or is
likely to be made, on the public mind in this par
ticuar he will feel satisfied that an object has been
accomplished, in which he, in common with many
others, manifest some degree Of interest. Indeed
such an editorial as the one alluded to- excited the
surprise and modification OF many old and respecta-
D. lii (nb 10
sary) who cognizant Of this fact and who like
the writer, had never for a moment dreamed of an
others name being associated with the origin of this
great enterprise. But to the article in question:
1t is asserted that Mr.. A. B. Robertson Chased
the entire claims to his election" (of Mayor "upon
the immediate necessity snd Importance of the es-
tablshment OF this system" True and did not
Mr.. Hale, Capt. Horn, and other candidates have
similar "claims" upon the regards and support Of
the peopleS Is that evidence conclusive that Ell
Their of these gentlemen first conceived the idea Of
the establishment Of these schools in our midst! If
80. and the plan met with the hearty concurrence
and appreciation of the good people, las was after
wards the case) why did not he "a. B. r. obtain
his election upon this ground!
His speeches in that canvass and his articles con-
tributed to the press prominently distinguish HIM
as the founder of tnis system, destined to achieve
poor children of the city Of Nashville in all time to
comel These are nearly the exact words of the
Gazette. So likewise then il must be through the
concentrated efforts and combined talent of all the
candidates mentioned that our goodly "City OF
Rocks" has been so happily favored in its education
al facilties!! By his speeches" and ''oration,"
delivered on various occasions, each one, accord
ing to the reasoning of our respected editor has an
equal right or "caim" to the distinguished honor!
And to their efforts alone the lever grateful remem
brance" of present and succeeding generations are
especially indebted Can not, then, our worthy
Board, in order to satisfy the conflicting claims Of
EACH with respect 20 the disputed honor, so alter
or modify the present name of our schools as to
represent and express the disinterested and patr-
otto motives of each one who contributed so large
share of his talents pro bono pu6lico. Should not
the cognomen of either, with equal propriety, be
pre-fxed to that of the school, inscribed upon its
walls and written indebly upon the records of the
building. in order that his or their services might
be perpetuated and cherished by the sever grateful
remembrance" of an afectionate people!
"The immortality of this enterprise" then, be-
longs to each alike. We would respectfully sug-
gest that such step be Immediately taken for the
mutual benefit of all the parties concerned.
10 this communication the writer intends no dis
paragement whatever to any of the gentlemen
above mentioned. If the first one named is emit
tied to the credit of introducing aud perma neutly
establishing the planof Free Education amongst u.s.
we say, then, in all candor and justice accord to
him that honor. II, on the contrary, 1t is conced.
ed that the cams" to that distinction Of right be-
longs to another, we say then "render unto Caesar
that which rightfully belongs to Cesar"
As far back as ls45, the writer was so fortunate
as to be a pupil OF the late Alfred Hume. Some
remarks which be made that year in regard to such
system as is at present adopted we're very forcibly
impressed upon his mind. HI alluded to the plans
pursued by many cities in the East, discussed heir
various modes Of working. and expressed repeatedly
his wish and hope to have them carried into
successful operation here. Their praeiieaJility he
never for moment doubted. But the first stet
which he aimed to accomplish, was to favorably i'm
press the people and their Representatives who com.
pose the then Board Of MAYOR aud Aldermen, with
the utility and necessity OF the course he urged
upon them to pursue. He knew from twenty Ave
years experience as teacher land he was highly es.
teemed for his many excellent qualities in that ca,
pacity,) that he could elicit Information on thi.
subject which no one else possessed; therefote he
permitted his name TO be used as g candidate fol
Alderman from his ward, 10 order, IL elected thai
he might have an opportunity OF introducing and
fartbering his cherished ideas in relation to sub
ect that eugrOssed his whole attention and enlisted
the best impulses OF his nature. BE knew that uui
citizens had never before considered the imperative,
necessity Of a scheme by which the children OF al
elasses might receive equal educational advantages
| by which they could all repair to the same pure
crystal ount Of knowledge and drink together AnC
freely Of it's healthfal waters He considered fur.
! Their the immense moral and social benefits end re
suits that would in few years accrue ,hererom, b.
having the poor educated 10 our midst The means
he argued, we're no; always placed at The dispose
of the poorer classes whereby their children coul,
receive instruction from the lips Of private teachers
Bu, hos diHsrent would IL be u his system Va
adopted By imparting free, sound, and libera
sdaesiion to the children Of moaeyless parents
unedueAIed parents themselves would be reaches
and benefited
These and other enlarged views he plalnly GD'
fOreibly laid before the board during the term Q
bis membership. Finally he desired The whOl
system TO be effected upon liberal and msgniheen
pIse-tO be perfect 10 is adaptation 70 ell the end
designed.
His cpl Ions wsre faiy and freely discussed viii
/ al The sFdor and earnestness which be eould con
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