The Union flag. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1865-187?, 1866-03-16
COMMON SCHOOLS.

What we have always needed most, are
needing most nov, and we fear, will continue
10 need most, Is good Common Schools, ?ri-
uary education is the basis Of future intel
~lectual Attachments, and hence should be
thorough and ineffective, An error, or some
thing unpereeiyeG or only acquired in the ru-
diments Of learning will mar the beauty and
symmetry ofths whole structure, whereas a
perfect understanding ofthe beginning priaci-
pies will rear the A;tainmen.s of talent and
genius in corresponding ezaclness and pro-
portion. ae
As most Of our rising youth on account Of
oar impoverished condition, must receive
their education at " old FIELD schools, " 1t is me-
cessary that we a:onee inaugurate a system
that will secure to them as many and great
advantages az possible. In the first place
the salaries ofteaehers must be raised to \
respectable standard at least. At the pres
eat rate Of cOmpensatiOn competent aud Ell
cieat instructors can rarely be procured and
they, like all other men, considering the dol
lars and cents question in embarking in an
enterprise, go where their services are the
most highly appreciated ard rewarded. As
u consequence, the persons who train the
minds Of our youth are, generally speak
ing, q 90. Of iSnoramusGs who have mistaken
their calling, or are trying to avoid active
smploynont We must have trustworthy and
competent instructors, and to secure these
We must pay remuneratiye salaries.
Thea there should be an uniformity Of text
bookE, in order that a class system may be
introduced. In this way ambition will be
aroused in the pupils to exec! each other aud
the result will be rapid progress AVID prof.
cheney in their studies. But few children
have any idea ofthe Importance Of mental i'm
provement, audthe great need they will have
for It. when they enter the arena Of unaided
s~1ertion. The uniformity Of text books would
render the laLors Of the teachers easy and
pleasant, and introduced "eiuss system the
advantages ofwhich we havs just mentioned.
But few schools were in operation during
the war, and tbs ignorance that prevails
among the younger portion Of our society Is
truly startling.
The people shoull testir themselves in the
important concern Of education at once. We
suppose they fully realize the disastrous and
appalling consequences of its neglect. They
should discard the niggardy financial policy
Of Employing the cheapest teachers, for they
are the Iearcst in the long run, and before the
opening Of the next winter SCHOOL,, they
should secure those to whom can be safely
iatrusttd the mental and social discipline
und education Of their children, and pay
them EsH for t..
Eov 10 the tims for this movement. a
large portion Of our educating talent are
,urniag their attention to more lucrative en-
uloyments or emigrating 10 more inviting
h.lds Of labor 10 the South and West. An
educated youth should be the pride Of the
State as il is its hope, ornament and strength.
We trust that a greater interest will be taken
10 our educational affairs, for they more deep
y and nearly concern US, than the success
Of political parties and the acquisition Of
sosdid wealth.