The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1858-11-13


A short time ago noticed an article in
your paper with regard to German School
here. 1t affords me great pleasure to inform
you that this young institution, although only
some three or four months in operation, il
now in a fourishing condition, much beyond
the expectation Of its patrons and the found
ers thereof. To the credit OF the German
citizens Of this place be it said that they do
mated very literally toward it, and the conf.
dence in the permanency of the institution is
established. The school opened under not
very favorable auspices, and only twelve pu-
pills to begin with. The number Of the young
students has now increased 10 some forty,
and there is a prospect for great many
more.
This institution is founded upon very sound
and liberaliprinciples and sectaranism is en-
tsrely excluded. A great number Of Ger
mans, without distinction of religion, have
organized society, adopted constitution
and by-laws, which have to be strictly ad-
hered to. One main feature Of this institu-
ton is, that all applicants, without distinc-
ton Of their religious views, or the religion
of their parents, have to. be admitted, and as
secsarian teachings are entirely prohibited by
the institution, it places them oil in an equal
position. The department Of intoxicating the
minds of the young pupils with any Of the
religious ideas Of any creed whatsoever, is
altogether left to the parents or themselves.
1t is the objec. of the society to give oil sxch
practical, thorough education, that they
may become capable to enter upon any of the
svocations Of life /; and il then they choose to
join this or any other creed, it is left to their
own free choice. After the students will
have passed the different branches Of this in
stitution they will make their choice with
clear knowledge Of what they are about.
A great many Of our native friends have
serious objections to German schools, origi-
mating partly from religious prejudices, and
partly from excessively melted patriotism. -
There is not the least ground for either OBJ
lection. In the first instance, sec.arianism is
entirely excluded; secondly, the plan of in
struction is calculated to make free, good and
unbiased American citizens. An objection
is raised against the establishment Of Ger
man schools as having tendency to create
national prejudices, or because the German
language is said to be prevalent. Now this
is altogether q mistaken idea. Both Ian.
guages are being taught as near atpossiblt
to perfection. But there is onevcry seriou,
reason why the German language must b,
retained. There are great many pupil,
visiting these schools that never had the ad
vantage to acquaint themselves with tn
English language, and can neither speak
read or write it. Their parents come her
perfectly ignorant Of the English tongue
Their children are sometimes already some
what advanced in their agcs and most Away
| have had the benefits of the German school
in the old country. Nobody will contend tina
they would derive any benefit by going to
school where they hear nothing but the Eng
lish, Of which they understand as much %
| Ho,tentot. 1t is true that some OF these BIO
come acquainted with the English languag
| through their intercourse and business rela
tons with their English speaking neighbors
but it ia hardly ever that their knowledge ex
tends very far. Some children, then, groy
up, and by the time they learn to speak Eng
lish, they have to devote their time to some
thing else than going to school.
| Now is it not far better that We give then
the advantages of German school, wher
they have an opportunity to gradually acquir
knowledge Of the English language an,
receive the benefits Of oil other educationa
| branches. A man cannot know nation i
| he knows not their language.
The expenses Of this school are mostl
borne by monthly dues Of the members an,
liberal donations by other citizens, and it i
hoped that the citizens Of this place will con
tinue to encourage such a laudable object.
Reception OF wissionmries by IN.
Tho King Of Durmah.
Intelligence has been received from Ava
OF . magnificent reception given to Rev. Mr.
kipcaid, and Rev. DIR. Dawson, Baptist mis-
sionaries, by the King Of Brmah. Mr.. Kin
caid, it will be remembered. WAS the beare
OF letter from the President of the Unite,