New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-07-15

incompetent teachers from the desks winch tuey
Disgrace; but when we find out that the object
aforesaid is not the good Of the children, but the
maintenance of those who by courtesy are called
instructors feel that there longer any just
reason, in New York especially, for complaint. We
ssy particularly here because here we have reversed
all those rules which were once wont to govern
public service aud compensation, and it is, we
admit for not doing that most Of our functonaries
draw their stipends. Whenever any attempt is
made TO disturb this serene and delicious condition
of affairs whenever it is demanded by the foOlishly
Dor est or BY we'queezed tax payers that the work
shall be performed before the money is paid, there
is always a cry about Democracy" and "equal
rights" and oppression" quite loud enough to
drown the protests Of the swndled. Considering the
general abstraction and pec1lation which has
been, for 20 many years, going on in al other
branches Of the public service we are not surprised
to hear that our public schools have suffered from
this lsrceDous epidemic. If some men can get rich
by contracting to build bukheads and pave streets,
without building and without paving, pray why
should not other men secure a livelihood by con-
tracing TO teach grammar, without either the
ability or will to teach it 1t seems to US, there
fore, that what our correspondent says about the
public examination of Candidates for the Office OF
instructors is quite 'uperhuOus. AT least it must
be so considered, if personal friendship or certain
political sentiments are believed TO be the qualldca'
tions most urseIt lily required. Perhaps impudence,
the sole stock in trade of that well. known peda-
eogue, DR.. O'TOOle, or talent for toadyism which
II at other ornament of the profession DR.. PaDgoss,
found sufficient are all that are here considered
qualifications. Besides. were examinations intro.
duced, who knows but it might be necessary, in
the first place to examine the examiners
However, should any grumblers insist upon an
investigation of these thick. coming accusations
against our present school system, far be it from
us to interpOse any objection. A great many dis
tinguished men in all ages have written and specu.
lated upon the subject Of education. None of
these have happened to hit upon certain theories
which appear to have been afectionately and
enthusiastically embraced by sundry people in
these modern times. Perhaps due research may
reveal to US truths unknown to Locke or Rousseau,
or Edgeworth or Arnold. Perhaps Murray, the
bore Of our childhood, may become the butt of our
age. Perhaps it may be found that folly is the true
wisdom; that error" as Voltaire asserted, has
its value;" that, as little learning is dangerous
thing, so great deal Of learning is still more dan
gerous. Will the Board of Education try to find
leisure to look into these important matters
Whatever, in the abstract, may be our different
view, scrutiny like that which we recommend
cannot but fail to be interesting to us all. 1t is
quite evident that there is something which certain
parties are interested in covering. The articles 10
this paper written with an honest desire to pro-
mote the nOblest of causes have Occasioned in GER
tain quarters most suspicious uneasiness. There
can be no harm in knowing precisely the condition
of our schools ard the character of our teachers.
We do not say that the lifting of the curtain would
not disclose a binding blaze of erudition, but we
are quite willing to run the risk On the other hand
if We should find but somber twilight, will not
all acknowledge the necessity of snufing some Of
the feeble candles, even il in doing so we should
stuff them out, never to be rekindledl