Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1856-02-14
For che Fayetteville Observer.
E DU @ A Ito N:
NUMBER FIVE.
FEBRUARY 4th, 1856.

EbhUah1 ftI, 1OoUs
M. ~ o. Walzace:-In asmuch as
a new year has dawned upon us, and
many new aspirations have fixed them
selves in our minds, the subject of
Education should claim part of our
efforts. To become pious and good,
it is necessary that we should become
instructed; but the great matter with
many, is how can we establish the best
system of general instruction. We
have had school law after school law
passed, and in the aggregate what
great advantages have We derived?-
Effort upon effort has been resorted
to by many skilled in the proper train
ing of youth, but up to the present
hour we are almost wholly wanting in
the proper development of any school
system that will supply the pressing
claims of the rising generation
There are several essential prerequi-
sites in order to the permanent loca-
ton of good schools, few of which
1 will proceed to enumerate:-lst.
The people in vicinity must unite
their energies and efforts. I'd. There
must be good, neat, comfortable and
roomy school-house, with good inside
arrangements, and well ventilated
Sd. The services of a thorough teach
er must be procured. 4tb. He ought
to have good price in order to carry
on matters properly. Agreat many
persons do not really appreciate these
things as they ought, or else | think
surely more interest would be mani
tested than appears to be at present
There is no teacher of classical fin
iished education, who is going to set
down in the common smoky cabins in
which our free schools are taught
While our farmers are adding farm to
farm and increasing their stock Of ne
groes, subscribing vast sums to build
Railroads and Turnpikes, would it not
be recommendable to expend some
few dollars in the erection of Acade-
mics and School Houses-such, too,
las would be comfortable, and that
would bespeak the generosity of the
neighborhood? Living in the country
as ! do, it would seem, necessarily,
that would be in favor of the per-
manent location of good Country
Schools; not, however, that | believe
there are not good city and town
schools, but from the sad experience
of many woe-stricken parent, whose
son or daughter, leaving the country
and going to town, became ruined,
and brought the parents otheir graves
in sorrow. For it must be admitted
that there are more allurements and
vices presenting themselves in towns
and villages than in the country; and
If we have good houses and good
teachers in the country, we evidently
can educate our children as thorough
ly, and also much cheaper.
We have been fostering the hope
that our public money would be suffi-
cient to impart a common education,
but those days are gone. It's true
that "every little helps" but the time
has come when we must do our part.
Let us remember the old Lark story
in our school readers, that when we
resolve to do cur own work, then it
is sure to be done. Therefore, we
should regard the culture of the minds
of our children Of more importance
thanthe investment of money in such
things as often have tendency to
debase the mind, and render it mise
rable in time present and to come.
Yours very truly,
G. r. DARNELL.