Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1860-01-13

nd to properly direct, this fountain head Of So
ia influence, is, it seems to me, the great duty
of the law maker, in his highest and most re-
sponsible capacity, as the Trainer Of the future
State.
The attention OF The General Assembly was
called, somewhat at length, 10 the existing con-
dition aud further requirements of our school
system, in the annual message OF last year
It is not therefore, necessary TO repeat the scg-
gcstions and conclusions then presented. They
are again, however, commented to your favor
able consideration; the events and experience
of the enterreuing period, having increased the.
conviction of their propriety. This is especi-
ally the case in regard to the plan devised by
the act Of 20ihof May, 1857, for the due train
ing Of teachers fer the common schools of the
State A full supply of competent teachers, is
admitted by all, to be ibe great need Of the
system, ard the first want TO be provided Tor.
Unerrirg Indications, in every quarter, moi only
establish this fact, but point to the general adop-
tion of the proposed means, at no distant day.
Tho efforts of the teachers, themselves, for pro-
fessiural Improvement, encouraged and sustain
ed BY all who duly estimate the value and iu-
fiuence of the teachers Office, no; only foretell
this, but tha strong public sentiment in favor
OF institutions for The purpose 10 question, con-
firms the probability of this result In every
quarter, indications Of this kiud are perceived
more or less strong ia proportion to the force
Of local circumstances. In The Second Normal
district, composed of the counties of Lancaster,
York and Lebanon, an institution, up to the
full requirements of the law of 1857, has been
established and officially recognized, and is now
iu successful operation, as State Normal school.
20 IA tls tbo l.,
referred TO the annual report of the Superin-
tendent OF Common Schools; but, should do
iojustice to the Intelligent enterprise which
moulded, aud the enlarged philanthropy which
produced, this noble institution, as we'll as to
my own feelings. we're 10 forbear congratula-
ting you upon the result. 1t is the first fruit
of law which seoms to be as much in accord
anee with tue cautious, yet generous character
Of our people, it is admirably adapted to eff
feet the great end in view.
All taat seems requisite to give fun effect and
general success 10 the plan, Is at this nncture,
guard it from mutilaton, radical change. II
the intelligent and liberal minds that now
weighing the project and contemplating its extern
sion 10 other parts of the State, be assured that
Ibis is thesettRf policy. their efforts will be con-
contracted, their activity increased, and final sue
cess be fastened. Whereas, radical or important
changes will destroy this growing confidence, crush
The hopeful efforts now being made and postpone
for years, if not totally destroy, all hope of sue
cess in this essential department of public instruc-
tion. The true course win be to cherish the law,
aad bring it into general operation, by holding out
the certainty of State aid to each institution
tablished under it, rs soon as certain number, to
ls fixed by law, shall have been legally recognized.
and are in fun operation. The money of the State
appropriated in this manner, will effect more bene-
fit, in proportion the outlay, than in any other
of the operations of the system. The instruction
of the Child IS duty; but the instruction Of the
teacher is economy well duty. 1t will proba-
bly, be advisable to make such appropriations pay
lss esaiy Sshsn the schools Legality recogrizel
4na or stimulating into elr1y existence sufficient
number Of institutions to supply the xsting wan;
in every quarter OF the State
The period for the third election of County Su.
perntendents is rapidly approaching, and the pub
tic mind will naturally be turned to the results OF
the office. Ny own observation, as well as infor-
nation from various and reliable sources, leads "a
the opinion, that this Office, when flied by the prop
person, and its duties discharged in full conpl
with the design and spirit of the law creating
it, has been of great advantage to the schools
Indeed, no candid person can deuy the fact appa.
rent to even slight observation, that more improve.
ment has been effected in the workings and results
Of the system, Since the creation of the office O
County Superintendent, than in any previous peri
cd of even double duration. 1t is true. that wher
exercised by incompetent officers, crippled BY in
sufficient compensation, little, if any, advantage
has accrued. But this is argument against the
otce ITSELF and it is to be hoped that the directors
OF counties thus heretofore deprived of the bene
6ts Of this agency wil at the next election acting
under the teachings of experience at home end ths
light of success from other parts, correct this eyi
and realize the fall benefits Of this provision OF u,
law.
The increasing and soundness Of our inan
elai conditions Will. at no remotc period, Justify al
addition 10 the common school appropriation
The general policy of the State has been that eacl
district shall raise within itself the main support
its own schools; but annual donation distribu-
fable amongst them all, in proportion TO population
has also been part of that policy. The object O
this State grant seems to be two-fold: First--It il
means OF securing regularity in tbs proceeding.
and reports Of the several districts SO that the De
paitment of Common Schools shall have the reqni
site information for the due DISCHARGE OF its flpc
lions: And second--It iightens in degree the bur
den of local taxation, to the relief Of the poore
and more sparsely peopled districts An increas,
f'i the annual appropriation wond enhance botf
these objects, and, whenever the finances Of iii,
government will justify it, commends itself to the
favorable consideration OF the Leg!slifure
The aid which the Legislature has hitherto ex
tended TO the establishment Of the Farmers High
School of Pennsy ylvania, strongly evnces their hirE
appreciation of the advantages which il is anticipa
ted viii grow out of that institution While 4
must be admitted that knowledge is as essential e
the art of farming it is to all the other empoy-
InerAts OF life, we cannot but feel deeply Interested
'tnat a community so peculiarly agricultural as we
are should have all TIE advantages of an education
which combines in itself, as well the knowIedqe ot
the practical art Of agriculture, as scientific ac-
auirements in all those branches of learning which
are especially applicable to its profitable pursuit
A school where agriculture is practically taught il
new field to which attention has been called
apd one which, because Of its great Importance
we'll deserves our attention. II embraces ths prn.
eipie, that while youth Taught habits OF indus
sIy, they are impressed with the proud consiiera-
tion that the labor of their own hands contributes
to their acquisition Of knowledge And thus. too
education IS brought within the reach of many a
bright genius, who would otherwise struggle and
anguish Tor The want OF lhs neaus of acquiring it.
Our school, within its limited MEANS has been in
successful operation during the past year, having
under its charge one hundred boys, who while they
carefully instructed Ia all thnSe inanchos rf