The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1868-01-16
Compulsory Attendance,


The subject Of compulsory attend
ance is receiving considerable atten-
ton at the present time, among the
prominent educators of the land
This agitation is doubtless but pre-
llmlnary to a change in public senti-
ment. When those who stand
upon the watch towers of the educa-
tional movement, who, from their in
innate knowledge of all that pertains
to its highest interests, having
CLEANED from the most advanced ideas
Of the age, present new theories and
recommendations, their opinions are
deserving most careful attention.
The arguments in favor of such a
measure are many, While but few can
be urged In opposition. The veal
OF the nation, our success in carrying
out the principles of free government,
our hopes Of maintaining our present
position in the front rank Of nations,
IN freedom, in science and the arts
all demand a higher educational stan
dard among the masses. The lessen
ing OF crimes and pauperism, the ele-
Walton of man in every respect, the
creation of a public sentiment that
will shut off the streams of vice that
now flow from the liberation of oioan-
TIC evils III our midst-inevilabIe
consequences Of a more general intel
hgence-proclaim loudly for some
means of carrying intelligence to all
the rising generations. If any are
too blinded by ignorance to realize
such a necessity for their children,
for their own and others welfare. is
1t not high time that measures be
adopted to prevent the effects of such
ignorance, upon future years? To-
noranco under government Of this
character, may properly be regarded
a crime; and it is but an act OF char
lty and Paternal regard on the part
OF government and those Of broad ex-
peuence, to take measures TO secure
that result which viii prove a bles-
sing to the individual, to society and
to the State.
Although as nation we NAV stand
at the head of the world in the oppor-
tunltles to all for advancement, this
IS no argument that we should cease
effort for improvement. or that we
nave attained a position beyond
which progress is impossible, o. hat
the experience of the past, and the
history of education in other nations.
cannot profitabIy be studied, to guide
US INTO wiser methods and measures
Systems of compulsory attendance
nave been productive of great and
good results in some of the f,uronaan
countries. With our system Of free
schools compulsory attendance Of the |
young would occasion no extra bnr
den upon those in reduced c;ron1r
stances, and the taxation now reo,,;raa
for the support of common schools
would lead to far greater aggregate
results. This is decidedly an ace Of
intellectual culture. The Indications |
OF the times point clearly to the result
that mind will yet receive its highest
and broadcast development in this
country.
Who that daily witnesses the /
scores OF urchins about our streets.
lmbibing the vicious atmosphere,
learning the ways Of vices to the al
most total exclusion of good, can saw
aught against a law requiring their
attendance at school during their ear
y years Who can saw that i
would not be a blessing to them and
o the community? 1t is gratifying
o notice that this subject is undergo7