The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-02-10
CHARLOTTE MECKLENBURG COUNTY NORTH CARO-
EDUCATION.

parents and others interested in relation to
the comparative advantage of public and
private education, by which we understand
or, for the most part, domestic, and one
that is wholly, or, for the most part, public.
Our attention having been invited to it,
again, quite recently, we are induced to
give expression to few thoughts on sub
ject of no little Importance.
We know that the question, relating to
the comparative advantages of domestic
and public education, IS often an embarrass-
ing one to parents. There are, unquestion-
ably, advantages and disadvantages pecu-
liar to each; but we are fully convinced
that the preponderance is decidedly in fa-
vor of the latter.
We will assume that public institution
is well organised-well supplied with able
and faithful teachers, who maintain a wise,
parental, and uniform system of discipline.
We will, moreover, assume that the course
of study, the system of instruction, is judi
cious and comprehensive, and that proper
attention is paid to the manners, the moral
and religious instruction, the expenditures,
the diet, andphy ysical education of the young,
and then institute comparison between
the two modes in question.
At home, surrounded by its endearments
and engrossed by its affections, the boy is
very liable 20 be injured by excessive in
diligence. He studies alone, with little or
nothing to stimulate his exertions, no COM
petitors or associates with whom to COM
pare ideas, and to measure attainments.-
The rewards proposed to him are not imme-
diate, and, therefore, feeble in their infu-
ence. He is confined, for the most part,
to one teacher, who, from the absence it
SELF of the proper incentives and stimulants
is also very liable to fall into a dull and
monotonous way of communicating instruc-
ton. He may also become negligent or
exacting in the absence of associates, or
competent judges of the manner in which
he performs his duties.
On the other hand. place youth, of a
good mind and ingenious disposition, in
College, and you, by the very act, bring
him in immediate contact with the very
elements that are most calculate4 to excite
his powers into activity, and to evoke his
best exertions. In surveying his position,
he finds himself subject to government
devised with care, and administered with
impartiality. He rises, studies, recites,
takes his food and rest and recreation sys-
tematically, and with those of the same
age. He thus has the opportunity of COM
pairing his strength and proficiency, his
physical and intellectual power with those
of his associates-those destined to be hon.
orable competitors for the rewards of sue
cessful study. in subsequent life. Some,
he sees before him; some about equal !;
others following after; and thus it is, he is
guarded, on the one hand, from excessive
sef- confidence, and, on the other, from in
glorious and desponding Incidence. He
has the superadded advantage of attending
tho instructions of several teachers, whose
various manner and method of illustration,
if nothing else, will sustain his attention,
and whose sense of obligation, responsible
tyof self-respect always conspire to secure
to him every assistance and encouragement
that can be reasonably desired. His hopes
and fears-his ambition-his sense of honor
and regard for the wishes and expectations
of parents and esteemed friends, are all thus
kept in constant activity, by system of
honorable distinctions and moral correc-
tives. In fne-for we have attempted
nothing more than a mere summary of the
grounds of our preference-the student
here dwelis in little community COM
munity, however, in which he may learn
much of human nature, may habituate him
self to right distribution Of his time. and
form acquaintances and friendships of the
most valuable and endearing character
friendships which may prove of inestimable
value to him in the toisome journey through
life Columbia Times.