Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1867-02-01
i'm North Carolina for the Future.

Nothing received a greater Shock III the
great and disastrous struggle through which
the South has passed in the last six years
than Educationin al its useful branches.
No subject ought at any time to command
more earnest consideration, or receive more
generous support and wise direction. Ia
king it for granted that its paramount i'm
portance is admitted by all, we purpose, il
series Of articles, treating Of Education
in comprehensive view, beginning with
the very fundamental principles, and enlarg
ing upon its various branches, and the
adaptablity Of each to different classes of So
ciety. We shall endeavor to point out the
necessities of each class, and to the best of
our ability Indicate what will he most ben
efcial in the development and improve
ment Of the moral and mental faculties,
and the means which can be most aptly
employed for producing the most desirable
results.
The genius of our people and the princi-
pies of government alike declare the neces-
sity for some system by Which the rndi-
mentary elements may be impaired to ALL
To estimate the value of such acquisition
on their part, is more than human wisdom
may accomplish. What then is that method
by which all the children of the State may
receive that ludimcnttry instruction, which
will enable all to enter the course of an ac-
tive, busy life with fairness and hopeful
prospects We believe that the first re-
quisite is to have uniformity the second
that the instructors shall be thoroughly
competent, and the third, that there be
some fixed aud responsible head that head
made so by definite appointment, and CON
trolled by palpable law. To establish uni
formitY, the law must place in the hands OF
some party or parties the duty Of organi-
zing system and establishing regulations.
In many of the States this is intrusted to q
Board Of Education Or OF Public Instruc-
ton, and We know of no more desirable
arrangement. The proper qualification Of
the teachers may be secured by requir-
ing from all those who adopt the high and
responsible calling of instructing children,
that they possess characters unblemished
by moral deformity', and intellects trained
and directed to the object in view. Why
are lawyers, physicians, merchants, bank
ers, tradesmen, in fact almost every other
occupation, specially trained for the partl-
cular pursuit? There is but one answer,
and that is, that to insure success, such ex-
perience is indispensable. II We but look
properly at the past and will examine the
operations Of the present, the necessity Tor
this preparation on the part Of teachers
will be so apparent, that argument will be
needless to enforce it. Teaching etIectual-
ly is one Of the highest arts. To attain OK
cellence in it requires ASST duous study and
unwearying patience and energy. The
most brilliant genius is as likely to fal', as
teacher as the least gifted, if he neglect
that careful preparation, and disregard
that constant attention to, and accu-
rate study Of, youthful characteristics, and
that Just discrimination Of particular tenn
peraments, and above all, that answering
impartiality and sense OF Justice which
spring from innate rectitude. These are
REQUISITES in men and women who go forth
to teach; and added to these must be a
| thorough knowledge of what is to be Taught.
for he who understands but imperfectly,
will be sure to impart vaguely and inaccu
ratcly.
| Legislation will be necessary to start the
SYSTEM and good Judgment will have to be
exercised in selecting an Educationa
Board. They should be men who will be
willing to labor in the cause over which
| they are placed men whose requirement.
fit them for the position, aid although VIC
are poor, let Us realize that practical truth,
that men generally do that best for which
they are best paid. Honorary titles and
empty honors, will not secure either i'll
such Board, or i'll teachers that talent
which is indispensable to accomplish
! worthy ends
As great incentive to education, con-
ventions Of all the teachers, Of whatever
grade, should be called at least yearly for
! full discussions of all subjects pertaining
thereto; for much as theories, essays Or in
dividual efforts may tend to advance this
great cause, the combined and united eXer
tions of those striving for one purpose, must
make far greater strides. Besides, teach
ing is eminently practical art, and one
which will be susceptible of improvement
so long as the human mind shall be capa
BILE of making new discoveries in know
ledge.
Primary education in its general or uni
ve1sal application, as is herein contempla
! ted, must be conducted in its details will
the greatest circumspection; and among
other considerations which should receive
strict attention, is that which should pre-
vent the careless mingling of the Sexes
With great reason we have cause to bt
proud of the chastity of the females of on
State. and it should be our constant care t.
throw around them every proper safeguard
! to secure to future generations this pure
and inestimable virtue. 1t is not prejudice
| but conviction, founded on observation
which leads us to assert the belief, tina