The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1867-02-08
EDUCATION.


more prevalence than the one which uphqids
the doctrine that more than the most LINKED
education is requisite, for those of whom Y IS
intended TO make mechanics or farmers, And
we are quite certain that more pernicipus
one was never advocated. We do not wish
to favor the implication that knowledge OF
the classics is absolutely necessary. in order
that man may become a proficient or ex
eel as mechanic, although We never could
understand Why those intended for mechani>
cal occupations should be deharred the pfiv-
ilege of '.roaming amidst the beauties OF
scholastic lore But we do wish TO be un-
derstood as asserting that thorough, sab
stantial education is radically essential &c
make q good mechanic. The WORKING
class as they are often named in contempt,
are the very bone and slnew of our country
and, in proportion as they study and inform
themselves, they will cease to be the tools
Of the designing their intelligence-no their
passions aud jealousies- be addressed BY
those seeking their influence. They will ex.
ercise, not a nominal, but real influence, IN
the government, and destinles OF the country,
aud at the same time forward their own
growth ard prosperity We know OF no de-
partment in life in which the ignorant man
does not Gall short of fulfilling efficiently, his
duties. We know of no earthly blessing
tina, the man of intellectual refinement may
not procure and enjoy. Il, therefore, his in.
huence is so much augmented, his success IN
the various duties OF life rendered more Ger
tain. all the blessings of the earth secured,
and his sphere of usefulness enlarged by the
attachments of knowledge, IS ii not his duty
to improve every Advantage
Wemght. did we deem il expedient, bring
before the eye Of the reader evidences,
cleaned from modern and ancient history,
corroboratiye of our position, aud hold up to
view, on the one hand, glorious cousumma
tons of grand designs, the product of wis
DOM and on the other, ignoble failures-the
results Of ignorance but we deem such ex>
position unnecessary, for the history of our
own free land furnishes abundant evidence
of the fsct that enlightened, educated, aud
high toned minds alone can lead to truly
great aud important results. The universal
diffusion of knowledge, then, becomes amor
al necessity but where shall the great work
begin? Is not the school room the proper
plece?-and is not the mission Of the teacher
| an exalted as well IS responsible one?
There are. in every school, dormant ener-
gies, which. If aroused. might shake the
| world. There are emotions and passions,
which, if let loose, will, like the iightnngs OF
Heaven, scatter ruin aud desolation, but, il
properly guided, may become q benefit TO
mankind. In the brain of the seemingly
stupid pupil may lie slumbering mighty
power, which il may be the happy privilege
Of the teacher TO direct: TO remove the STUN
bling blocks of ignorance, and bid the pure
stream flow onward. But, while we cult
vate the intellect. shall no moral training be
given? We believe that every educator in the
| land is responsible, to a certain extent for
the example and preeepts set before the
young and immortal minds committed to
their care. But how shall such lessons be
enforced? BY the rod, by fiowning brow,
and severe language? No; we think the op.
posite course far better and daily rejoice tina,
the rule Of the ancient pedagogue, and his
Implements Of barbarity, have been sun erse.
ded by tie twin sis,ers-Pa,ienee and Kind
ness. ] he first step with us is to win the
confidence OF the pupils-whether rich o,
poor; have kind word for all; stimulate the
| idle to new exertions; encourage the despond
ing by words OF hope; dssipate the clouds o
sullenness, b. unwearied good humor; in 9
word, bring the enlivening influence of 8
true Christian spirit within the school room
show to the young and expanding minds ths
evils of SIN and the beauties Of yirtuG ths
advantages of education and the consequen
ces OF ignorance; teach them their own ca,
pabilities and responsibilities, and adapt in
struetions to their capacities and necessities
Then truly may we hope for plentiful har,
vest, and 10 find full sheaves.