Litchfield enquirer., 1860-08-16
For the T,itchfeld Fnn

MR. EDITOR :-lIaving received Report of the Superintendent of Common Schools to the General Assembly of Connecticut, by your per mission, I propose to lay before your readers some facts suggested by it's perusal
 ltrequires but cursory glance at the Report, to see that Connecticut still maintains her supe- riority among her sister States in Common School education, and that her system, one of the best in the world, is accomplishing for her youth a good and noble work. And when we reflect that large majority of her children never attend any other School, it ought to be impressed upon all how important that these schools should be the best possible. And hence our only object in presenting these few facts and the comments we may make thereon, is to incite livelier in- terest in the people of this to,cn and vicinity, in matters pertaining to their children.
 Litchtield, the largest County in extent in the State though but the fifth in population, con- pares very avorably with the others in this Report Possessing no large city, and but few large villa and of course scattered, it would not be surpriS- ing if less favorable exhibit had been found.
 In length of schools and amount of money ex- pended for School purposes, this County IS above the average for the whole State, while in maps and apparatus she ranks among the first, but in libraries and condition of School Houses, makes poorer show in comparison with the other Counties.
 But let us turn our attention to the statistics for this town, the largest and most important town in the County, and certainly tho one of all others to take the lead in the business of educa- ton but, alas it hardly stands on an average with the rest of the County.
 Nearly one half of the towns have moro months of schooling during the year, and more than half pay better wages to their teachers, while in maps, libraries and apparatus, the Re port is less favorable for the shire-town. Tho Schools are less tax upon the people in this town than in many others, and this fact, which to many would appear to offer an inducement to take up residence here, is in reality one of tho worst things which the Report shows against Litchfield
 'ris true Litchfeld has been long and justly celebrated for it's loricote schools, but those have been supported as now, mostly by non-res- idents and though it boasts of one of the best schools for boys in the country, tis no part of it's design to furnish the means of education to resident pupils; and as for young ladies' semi naries in this town, they are things of the past, and the High School lately started under very favorable auspices, would do moro to educate the youth of Iitchfeld, were it incorporated into the District School as the Academic Depart ment.
 But even if all the private schools in town were supported by the town, less money Would be paid for schools here, in proportion to the population and wealth of the town than in majority of the towns of the County.
 1t may be said, all such statistical reports are deceptive, because they fail to take into account the peculiar circumstances and disadvantages of different towns; but with all due allowance for these, land noting the fact that there are but few children of foreign birth in this town,l tho case is, am persuaded fully stated and fairly represented. .,
 Is it any wonder then, that some of our nelgil- bors think it high time to remove the County rank than we have so long maiptained2
 I propose hereafter few practical thoughts and suggestions on the following divisions of the subject: e
 H. Teachers.
 TIT Interest that Parents and Guardians should feel in the Schools and Scholars.
 Yours, &c. A. B.