The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1856-12-03

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are so thoroughly trained in 4 knowledge 9
the "Shortar Cathecism,' by paternal and min
lsterlal instruction, that it is rare to find on
who has entirely renowned the principles Q
religious belief taught therein. New creeds ant
new doctrines may spring up, but 70 the Scot
whether practically religious or not the cate
chism which he conned in youth, until its ques
tons and answers. were stereotyped on Iii
mind, remains The source and indestructibl
foundation of his theological opionion. Thu
same remark would undoubtedly be true of any
other doctrine, or any science, thoroughly i'm
pressed on the mind in youth, when indelliblt
impressions can be made. Applying the ex
perience on which this remark of the Westmin.
ster Review is based eto tile question of politi
cal education, we can at once see the great i'm
portance to people living under written con-
stltuilon, as We American do, to have their
children trained to thorough knowledge OF
that constitution and the principles Of govern
ment which it embodes. 1.-THE constitution of
the United States was daily taught at home and
in all ou7 high sounding academies, catechis-
tically, to every child a ground work of truly
American republican education would be laid
which time, with all its mutations, could not
destroy How many, even of our more edu-
Gated citizens, can quote correctly single sec
ton single article of the constitution of the
United States without referring to the printed
copy? How many of those "talened, - 'elo-
quent'' and ''great' stump orators, who were
a few weeks ago periodically traversng the
country, for the purpose of enlightening the
benighted people on national questions, could
have promptly and correctly repeated single
article Of tlle organic law, without having first
to refer tothe book for the purpose of refresh
ing their memory? Pretty political tutors, in
deed, TO teach the people! How many of our
most noisy, vehement and active politicians, in
all sections Of the Union, have never even read
the constitution Of the United States to say
nothing oft that of their own State? How ma
ny even OF oar senators or representatives in
congress can, lmpFomptu, quote accurately any
article of the federal constitution?
There are at least three political documents
With which every American ought to be per-
ectly and thoroughly conversant; and if con-
-ersant with these, lie would have within him
he basis of a sound and indesructible political
ducation. We refer to the declaration OF, in
ependence, me constitution of the y. States,
nd Washington farewell address-the three
OLDEST state papers ever penned. With the
rinciples, doctrines and teachings of these fun
amentals of our republican system thoroughly :
impressed on dis mind, his patriotism would
ever falter, and lis devotion to the political
18th which animated and guided the patriot
urders of our republic would end only with
S life. The value of free constitutions, plainly
ritten for The instruction and guidance of all,
well as for the protection of the rights fall, p
SITS in their being fully understood and faith
Ily maintained by all who live under them. If y
Institutions are Hayrantly violated, if they are
er-rIdden By officials and disregarded by the y
opIe in their political struggles, the reign of r.,
archy has conmeA~d, because the consttu- CT
nal safeguards of freedom are broken, and the 81
n of passions anil partisan interests RACES OF
er their ruins. Constitutions are sacred vi
dges, compacts which cannot be violated in he
! slightest particular without opening the way vi
train Of evils and abuses which may in liz
ase until the binding force of these 'guaran- OF Of
$ of rights is wholly destroyed. The road a ~
despotism lies over broken and despoed in CO
lments designed to protect popular rights, mi
| if people cannot maintain their freedom BY lns
holding, in every 5ot and title, the consttu- co
! which was designed to secure it, they will -.
maintain it by Reckless disregard of it. ito
have iorious constitutional constitution as
perfect as the wisdom of man could frame err
md we should cling to it, and maintain it us IN
palladium OF our rights and libertics but to S''
ain and defend it rightly, the people should err
W and understand it. It's precious provi- ccs
s should be household words, and every ely
tn IN the land, before he attains the aye Id"
n his voice and vote are to tell in the gov n,i'
nent of his country, should be as familiar lea
every part of it, as if each word and clause
aeathed to him a rich legacy of worldly .
lth, as well as a priceless inheritance Of per ann
j and political freedom. Then why should bv
It be made the catechism of all our schools ers
made the daily study ofevery boy through me,
The land? NJ.
Acc1DENT.-The new steamer 7
. r. Douglass, captain TarbaIl, from New an
ans for this pert, struck snag or sawyer, Of
le evening OF the ESD ult., nearly opposite fc
'ldsonFlIIe, which tore up one her guards to s
carried away, the cook house, and broke NOR
81 the engines and the steampipe The lat fave
urst through the cabin floor, and scalded roa,
J, N. G. Williams, Of DeSoto, Mr.. VIM. # from
'han, of New Kent county. Va, and Mr. sion
arnes' OF Georgia, passengers, and Ham sam
the barkyeper. Hamilton and Vaughan s,r,,
badly scaIded, but will soon recover; VIII of -
and CarHes were but slightly injured tim.