The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1858-02-11
THE GERMANS AND THE PUBLIC
SCHOOLS
To the Efitor ofthe journal:

THE GERMANS AND THE PUBLIC
SCHOOLS
To the Editor ofaie journal:
We, as adopted citizens of the United
States, and as old residents of this city,
feel deep interest in all that concerns +
the welfare Of the country and the pros
perity of the city, which VIC hope to
make our home and that VI our children.
Our desire is to become truly American
citizens in every feeling of the heart and
by every attachment Of interest; and es-
pecially do we desire that our children
shall become so thoroughly American
lied that there shall be discernible no
traces of difference between them and
the children Of other descent, either in
education, mode of using the language
in feeling. thought. sentiment or man.
ners. We wish them to be thoroughly
imbued with the sentiments of the coun-
try-the spirit Of its institutions, and in
unity with the habits Of the people. No
institution can accomplish all these ar
dent desires of ours SO effectually as our
FREE PUBLIC SCHOOLS They are the
true nurseries Of democracy-where all
are made equal and admitted 10 perfect
equality Of benefits and rights. Odr Free
Schools are the amalgams that reduce all
national differences Of birth into a CON-
mon homogeneous American character.
No child, let his parentage be Of what
nationality it may, can pass through
them, and graduate with any other than
thoroughly Americanized character
As great as may be the benefits of the
knowledge impaired in the schools, we
esteem much higher the national and
democratic spirit they impart to our
children. If far higher education was
offered to US for them in more select and
exclusive or sectarian schools, We would
reject it for our truly democratic and
national free public schools. They art
in accordance with the genius of Que in
stitutions-the structure of our society
and are the safest foundations o,
which our rights and Liberties rest. Tn
man who raises his hand against then
In any form, strikes blow at the dear
est privileges Of the laboring man-ant
at the best interests of the community
He who insidiously assails them by in
direct means and specious arguments is
masked plotter Of treason to the institu
tons of our beloved and adopted coun
try; and at a crisis when the question
of their maintenance is before the people
for their decision, every man who doe
not come boldly up to their defense. an
give them his hearty support is false t
his duly to the pubic, and recrsant
his parental obligations. Ifthere be an
one who from selfish designs to concil
ate class or sect, with a view of gain
ing votes at future day-keeps silenc
en- this important question, we sha
mark and remember him.
We have but one organ in this city j
our native language, and we are sorry {
see that it has not yet discovered tina
the School question is being discusse
by the public. Will you. Mr.. Editor
call the attention Of Mr.. Peter Schmucl
the proprietor Of the "volksbote," to tn
subject Of the Schools and ask hir
where he stands on this question No
is the time for him to express his sent
ments before the popular breeze sets Ii
political weathercock. We learn he
to be q candidate for city office
April, and his course on the School que
ton now, may influence our votes the
1.-The remains silent we shall understar
his motives and treat him accordingly.
We appeal to our fellow citizens
German birth to stand by the cause
education, knowledge, and what we dee
the test supports Of the freedom of o.
ouOPaSu Souneiy. 6ct uS SuOW VI
world our appreciation of the value
learning. Most Of US have come fro
countries where free education was o.
birthr;ght, aad to that privilege in O
native land, We owe all the respectable
and influence we possess in our adopt
country. Do not let us suffer our Oh
dren to be deprived of a similar inhe
lance in country where it is more v;
liable and necessary to the citizen. L
the German Protestant population
least-pro,e to their American fello
citizens that they are hand and hea
with them in all that will promote I
intellectual and moral welfare, as we'll
tho material prosperity of the city.
Such union and effort Of heart and mi
will mako US more truly kindred pc
pie, than descent from common stot
An affinity Of mind is stronger bond