The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-03-01
positions In society, with very respectable salary
He may even rise to be Master" in the sssemi-

P0oAeASAAo Y.
He may even rise to be Master" in the "semi-
nary" E
But it novor enters his head to alb .ndon his pro-
fess:on, and take up" this or that employment,
With . S;cE OF bct.ezing his condition. Indeed, if
the truth must be told, he is not altogether at
liberty to do In the countries of tho old world
man cannot lay down one trade or profession and
take up another as ho does his coat or his carpet
TO obtain "the mastery in any pursuit, prepara-
ton is necessary and this fact has strong tenden-
cy to mako man content with whatsoever con-
ditiop he finds himself in. He must either do that,
or emigrate.
But is the Prussian system the all-potent educa-,
tor it is claimed to be2 There is an ancient
proverb saying that Mercury could be made of
every tree; but there were those who made bold to
say, that Mercury could not be made OF every
tree. There is homely old English proverb, cor
roborativo Of the latter position, and declaring
that silk purse cannot be made nut of every kind
| OF material The Prussian system is the best for
tho State but takes little account Of the ndivid-
ua; in this respect resembling the Spartan train
irg. Tho ''apt can learn, and have every facility
| afforded them for progress, the sluggard, and he
who is less gifted by nature, receives cuffs and
blows but no other saids to reflection" Hence
we not unfrequently meet, even in Prussia, boys
and girls Of seventeen or twenty, who can Mother
read nor write, Notwithstanding they had attended
school from the ages Of six to thirteen, or from
seven to fourteen. However curions or even in
credible such statement may appear it is strictly
| true.
| But compulsory attendance Mt school has here
tofore been held at variance with the Constitution
Of the United States and with the spirit Of our in
stitutions, and very properly so, think Liberty
Of conscience, perfect tolerance oil matters Of
l
most characteristic privileges of American liberty,
and these would soon be found incompatible with
q compulsory system Of common school education.
If the State prescribes who shall teach the young
on Monday, it will extend this prerogative
| and designate who shall teach them and their
| elders also on Sunday. If the State appoints
teachers Of science and Of tho arts, why not o1
morals and religion? The experience of every
country has proven this. n
based upon the principles Of our government, as
twas. They do not apply with the same force tc
the existing state Of things. We think it not un.
likely that after We mlitariy and civily recon
structed, we shall be put through a similar pro.
cess, morally and religiously, and bc taught the
three Rs by gentleman nominated by the Presi.
dent of the United States, and confirmed by the
Senate in Executive Session, Q11en saOe?
The PEABODY FUND, it is suggested, should be
devoted exclusively to the education of teachers
We fully approve such use OF the donation. Ou
educationa! wants are perhaps greater now than
they have been for years, and State is not in
position to do much at present. Assistance from
abroad is welcome therefore; and it should be put
to the best use; and this we INTERESTINGLY say
IN the education Of teachers. Proper precautions
should perhaps be taken, however, that the per
sons educated for the purpose, should carry out
the design, and make teaching their profession,