Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1857-10-12

schools; and from Stree schools and Congre-
gational churches, what would naturally re.
suit but Republcanism, that indomitable
love of freedom, that hatred Of oppression so
nobly manifested when she grappled with the
British lions nd in most unequal and peril.
GUS conflict, was mainly instrumental in pluck
ing the brightest jewel from his crown.
Let it be remembered that free schools orig
mated IN Massachusetts, and the fruit thereof
has been for the healing of the nations.
What has an entirely opposite policy effect
ed in another State for instance. the State of
Virginia? In 1871, Sir William Berkeley, the
first governor of Virginia, wrote to the king
thus ID thank God there are no free schools
nor printing presses here, and l trust there
will not be for bundled years, for learning
breeds up heresies, sects, and all abomina-
tions.''
Who is there acquainted with the past and
present condition of Massachusetts, and Vir-
ginia, but will admit that there is wide and
enviable difference between them While
Massachusetts has been steadily advancing in
all the elements of true greatness, as great
industrial and producing State, rapidly in
creasing in wealth and power, Virginia has
been waxing poorer and feebler.
The natural result of one system is to
degrade and stultify, to extinguish the love of
freedom, to weaken and demoralize with sla-
very, to pinch with poverty, and to curse with
immortality and vice; of the other, to kindle
and cherish a regard for liberty, the equal
rights of man, to invigorate and expand with
wealth, and to bless with Christianity.
In the number and variety of her benevo.
lent institutions, having for their object the
impartlng of instruction to the ignorant, the
raising up the debased and fallen, in the high
character of her pulpit, of her judiciary, of
her schools and seminaries of learning, in
the wide diffusion of the means and elements
OF knowledge, in the general prosperity and
happiness of the people, and in the general
affairs Of its administration, Massachusetts
presents an example that excites the admira-
ton of the world; one that may safely chal-
lenge comparison with the most distinguished
and proudest of her sister states. An exam
pie that displays the wisdom of the fathers
who moulded her institutions, and of the sons
who framed her laws.
There are other countries which surpass US
in wealth, in magnifceuce, and display of the
expensive arts, but none which can so well
lay claim to the glorious character of free
and happy commonwealth.
"What constitutes State
Not high raised battlements or labored mound,
Thick walls moated gate,
Not cities proud with spires and turrets crowned.
No men, high minded men,
Men who their duties know,
But know their rights, and knowing, dare maintain,
Prevent the long aimed blow,
And crush the tyrant, while they rend the chain:
These constitute State.
And sovereign law, that States collected will,
Der thrones and globes elate
Sits empress, crowning good. depressing ILL.,"
Such is Massachusetts. Her strength and
her glory consists not in castellated walls,
and moated gates, but in the diffusion of the
light of education through all classes of soci-
ETY., to every one, even to the humbest of her
sons; in her educated, high minded, and
patriotic men. 1t is this, and those who have
made Massachusetts what she is, great,
powerful, glorious Commonwealth, light
and glory among the nations of the earth.
But, gentlemen, have already detained
you too long by my crude and prosy remarks.
In conclusion allow me to give as q sentiment,
The State Of Massachusstts- The land of the
Brave, and the home Of the Free"