Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1858-10-22
THE SCHOOL LAW.

We have looked through carefully and
with interest the printed copy of the second
annual report of the Board of Education,
to be presented to the Legislature this
week. The report of the Board proper is
very brief, They refer to what forms the
chief portion of the pamphlet, the report to
them Of their able and industrious Secretary
j. s. Adams, ESQ, for fuller exposition Of
their views.
Mr.. Adams deserves the thanks of the
public for the earnest zeal and good sensC
which he displays in the important Office
which he holds. We are happy to believe
that his labors are well appreciated through
out the State
An important part of the report is occu
pied with the consideration of draft of {
bill to be presented to the Legislature for thu
emendation of the School laws of the State
The reasons for its enactment are briefly anc
clearly given in the report, in connection
with the several sections OF the bill itself
There arc appended the favorable opinion
of large number of persons in the State
whose opinions are entitled to great respect
We are sure the views of the Board of thci
Secretary, and of the persons referred to, vii
be regarded worthy of earnest and candle
attention by the General Assembly.
1t is not to be expected that on ever,
point of the proposed bill there will be an en-.
tire concurrence of sentiment in all who arc
to act upon it. No bill of sixteen or eight.
cen sections escapes disagreement of opin-
ion about some of them, yet we think it will
De difhcult Tor most men to get by the force
OF the reasons given for the proposed enact
ment,as to all of its main drift and as to most
of its details also.
1t can not be too steadily kent in mind
that these proposed cancellations of the
school law are in no sense to be regarded as
intended by the Board to reroIution;.e the
school system of the State. Contrariwise-
they think our system one of great merit
one which has been productive of great GOOD
IN the State, and as far as its essential snirit
is concerned, one in harmony with the
genius OF the civil and political institutions of
the State, generally. Nevertheless there are
defects in tie school law which greatly inn
pair its efficiency cause a great
waste OF money and labor,-defects for the
most part elsily remedicd, which thousands
In - state have long seen, and see every
year with more clearness. The common
school system of Vermont las it is, is now like
machine, admirable for its object and FIR
the Idea on which it is founded, but which.
because few pieces in it are not rightly nd.
Justed, and few screws are loose or left ont
works with great loss OF useful effect. Onlv
remedy these defects and supply these wants,
to do which will cost but little time or money
and the machine will turn out double the
work and of better quality.
We hope the subject will receive the ,or1v
attention of the Legislature. We have OBJ
served for many years, that if an impor.
tant measure, especially one which neces-
sarily embraces good many parts, is kent.
In the back ground till the latter part Of the
session, its failure may he looked upon as al
most certain, unless it be a measure whose
progress is pushed by large individual inter.
ests involved in it. Business of all sorts nc
cumulates upon the last part of the session.
1t must do 50, unavoidably. Add to that,
members get tired, irrtated, confused. and
oited reckless as the session draws to n close
av,l
ana the responsibility of voting for any thing
tnat is opposed, though only by Il few if they
oppose strenously, is felt by many to he much
greater than the responsibility of voting
yam" IT, and they are ready to 20 in squads
or motion to dismiss that which thew have
strong suspicion ought to be sustained but
Which they think can be more clearly so,n
INTO, next session, or at least can be- safely
got rid Of for the present.
Now, the school system Of the Stat. has
40 large private interest, to back up its claims
or consideration before the legislature. All
ldmit Its great importance to every child, or
ather to every person in the State, but there is
10 money to be made by lobbying for it. Bank
interests and railroad interests can ofE,rd 70
Jay : town questions and county questions
AVE strong local influences to urge their
'ialms for attention. But IS for the educo-
ionai interests of the people, while all are
oud In asserting their great Importance, and
'dignantly repel the least intimation Of
Willingness to neglect them, a great monv
re ready to push attention to them aside.
'r the sake of measures far inferior to them I
consequence. So much the more impor. Q
mt is It, that they should be brought for a
ard at an early day, while the minds OF
embers are yet fresh in the labors of the +
sson' and unembarrassed with the compli- t
ltions which are sure to multiply around Il
lem more and more as it proceeds. d