The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1860-01-12

mon Ocbools; Dut, L sbouid do lDlustlC,
to the intelligent enterprise which mould
ed, and the enlarged phlau,hrophy whic!
produced, this noble institution, az vel
as to my own feelings, we're | to forbear
congratulsting you upon the result. Iti
the first fruit of a law which seems to tc
as much in accordance with the cautious
yet generous. character Of our people. a.
it is admirably adapted to effect tho great
end in view.
All that seems requisite to give ful! e.
feet and general success to the plan, il, al
this junoture, to guard it from nutiIation
or radical change. II the intelligent and
liberal minds that are new weie hing the
project, aud conte Gplating its extension
to other parts of the State, be assured
that this is the settled policy, their efforts
will be concentrated, their activity IT,
creased, and final success be bastened.-
Whereas, radical or important changes,
will destroy this growing confidence, crush
the hopeful efforts nov being made, and
postpone for years, if not totally destroy
all hope of success in this essential de-
psrtment Of public instruction The true
course will be to cherish the Law, and
bring it into general operation, by bold
ing out the certainty of State aid to each
institution established under it, as soon
az certain number, TO be fixed by Law.
shall have been legally recognized, and
are in full operation. The moUey of the
State, appropriated in this manner, will
effect more benefit. in proportion to the
outlay, ,hsn in any other of the operations
Of the system. The Instruction of the
child, is duty; but the instruction Of the
teacher, is economy as we'll as duty 1t
will probably be advisable to make such
appropriations, payable only when the
schools are legally recognized and in full
operation This course will have the
double effect of guarding against loss by
the State, and Of stim ulating, into early
existence, sufficient number of insttu-
tions to supply the existing want in every
quarter of the State.
The period for the third election of
County Suporintendents is rapidly sp-
proachins, and the public mind will nat
uraIy be turned to the results of the of
fee. My own observation, as sell as in
form alton from various and reliable sour
ces, leads to the opinion. that this Office,
when filed by the proper person, and it's
duties discharged in full compliance with
the design and spirit Of the law creating
it, has been of great advantage to the
schools. Indeed, no candid person can
deny the fact, apparent to even slight OBJ
servatiop, that more improvement has
been effected in the workings and results
of the system, since the creation of The
Office of County Superintendent, than in
any previous period Of even double dura-
too. 1t is true, that when exercised By
incompetent officers. or crippled by in
sufficient compensation, little, If any, ad-
vantage has accrued. But this is no ar
gument ag,inst the Office itself; and it is
to be hoped that the directors of counties
thus heretofore deprived of the benefits
of this agency. will, at the next election.
acting under the teachings of experience
at home. and the light of success from
other parts, correct this evil and realize
the full benefits of this provision of the
law.
The Increasing ease and sounduess Of
our 6nsncial condition, will, at no remote
period, justify az addition to the con- n on
school appropriation The general poll.
cy of the State has been hat each dis.
trict shall raise within it-elf The main
support of its own sehools; but, an anuuul
donation. distributable amongst them all,
in proportion to population, has also been
par. of that policy. The object of this
Stste grant seems to be two fold: First
1t is means of securing regularity 10
the proceedings and reports of the seve.
raj districts, 80 that the Department. of
Common Schools shall have the requisite
information for the due discharge of It's
functions: And second it lightens, in
sone degree, the burden of local taxation.
to the relief Of tho poorer and more sparse
ly peopled districts, An increase OF the
annual appropriation would enhance both
these objects, and, whenever the finances
of the goyercment will justify it, com
ncnds itself to the favorable considera-
tion of the Legislature.
The sid which the Legislature has
hitherto extended to the establishment Of
the Farmers High School of Pennsylva-
MIA, strongly eyinces their high appreca-
ton of the sdgsuts geS which it il antici
pated will grow out of that Institution
While it must be admitted tia. know ledge
is as essential to the art of farming, as il
is to all the other employments of life,
We cannot bat feel deeply interested, thst
a community 80 peculiarly agricultural
as we are, should hayo ali the adyaDta
ges of an education Shich combines in
itself, as we'll the knowledge of the prac
teal art Of agricultural, as scientific ac-
quirements in all those branches of learn
ing which are especially applicable to its
profitable pursuit. A school where agri-
oulturs is practically taught, is new
field to which our attention has been call
ed; and one which. because Of its great
importance. we'll deserves our attention.
1t embraces the principle. that while youth