Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1866-02-09

Education In burlington
The subject Of Education, as related to
the wants and interests OF our own COM
munity, is one which bas weighed heavily
upon the mind Of every thoughtful and pub
lic-spiritcd citizen for many years past. 1t
is true that it has not been mace remarkably
prominent in public discussions. Other
TOPICS Of more immediate and moro absorb
ing interest, have, almost Of necessity.
crowded 1t INTO tie background. But he
has been a poor observer Of tie workings of
public sentiment in this community, who
has not remarked a quiet, but steady gather
ing Of interest around this important sub
ject. And unless We are greatly mistaken,
the conviction has for some time been firmly
established in the minds Of all our citizens
who take any interest in the public welfare,
that lust 50 soon as We should De freed from
the Ircs urc Of the unusual burdens brought
on US by state Of war, it would be our i'm
perative duty to take up vigorously this
great question OF Education At hume.
That time las now come. and We find 1t
favorable one for action, in many respects.
Oar minds have been expanded by the ideas
which have occupied them during these last
four or five years. Probably every loyal
man among us would now advocate, or at
least approve, more generous policy IN all
public measures than he would have done
four years ago. Again, our city is iwitness-
ing a very cheering revival of enterprise.
We not only cGn, but what Is of more con-
sequence, We feel that We can afford to carry
forward public reforms vita more energy
and litcrality than at any time for twenty
years past.
But besides all this. our own seil-rcspect
compels us to 90 forward in this matter
without delay. La no5lesse oJdge The
position which Burlington OCCUPIES in the
State and in the region, requires that its
educational facilities be very greatly i'm
proved. 1t Is not perhaps necessary 10 sub
ject ourselves TO voluntary humiliation by
contrasting our schools Of different grades
with those in other towns around Us. 1t
may be sufficient to contrast them with what
we all know they ought 10 be in such place
as this that We are so proud Of. Nature has
done her utmost to make Burlington an at
tractiye place to live in. Its scenery will
always secure tie admiration Of those who
delight to live in the midst Of outward nat
ural Leauty. Its favorable position for pur.
poses of commerce and manuiacture-es-
pecially it's prosp, etiye relation to the great
lines Of transportation between the lakes
and the sea-board, will draw to 1t the atten-
tion OF men Of capital and enterpri'e. But
unless it is to degenerate to a mere summer
residence for pleasure seekers, or mere
depot for commerce-il it is ever to attract
in any great numbers the most desirable
class OF residents, families Of intelligence,
refinement and public spirit, we must seek
above all things TO make it place where
education OF all grades, and each the very
best Of its kind, shall be within reach of
every one who has ambition enough to avail
himself of the privilege.
There is reason to believe that this whole
question IN all its various bearings, Is soon
TO be brought before our citizens in shape
for definite action. 1t is understood that
the forthcoming Report Of tie City Super
intendent will urge the necessity Of vigorous
reform in the management Of our public
schools We have already been called to a
public consideration Of the prospects and
needs Of the University, and committee Of
our citizens has been appointed to commend
Its interests to the patronage Of our com
munity. Let us hope that all these measures
will be welcomed with that spirit OF enter
prise and liberality which We all rejoice to
see working out such good results in other