The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-11-24

yeyed and much of the work put under contract
lille would properly estimate the importance
of the other Improvements referred 10, could
not oyerstate the value of the extension west OF
the Blue Ridge. These Roads, one to Paint
Rock and the other to Ducktown will open to
immigration, and will greatly improve and bene-
fit region of the State which has heretofore
been neglected, and which is equal to any in the
world in natural resources. There rs no work to
which the people of the State are more fully
committed, both by interest and inclination, and
l haze every confidence that it IS in hands that
will press it to speedy completion.
Immigration.
The Constitution provides that "there shall
be established, in the Office of the Secretary OF
State, Bureau of Statistics, Agriculture, and
Immigration, under such regulations as the Cen
eral Assembly may prescribe"
The attention of the General Assembly is espe-
ciay invited to that portion of the report of the
Secretary of State herewith transmitted which
refers to this subject. No State in the Union
presents greater inducements than our does to
Immigrants. / feel sure the General Assembly
concurs with me to the Importance of encour-
| aging immigration; and trust that body will at
| once adopt such measures on the subject as it
may deem practicable and effective in their opera
| ton. We have a salubrious climate, a varied
and fertile soil, an abundance of the most valua-
bic minerals, inexhaustible waterpower, fine
grazing lands vast forests of timber OF all kinds
| long sweep of sea-coast and, in fine, every
thing, material and physical, which in a country
| in some respects almost new, can attract imnll-
grants and fill the measure of their expectations
| Our government is now settled on solid basis
The laws are over all alike, and are faithfully
and honestly administered Society is peaceable
and tranquil Immigrants, therefore, will not
only be welcomed by our people, but will be pro-
tected and respected, and fair field will be
opened to them, in common with those who are
here to improve their condition.
| Education
! The attention of the General Assembly is re-
spectfully invited to the Report Of the Superin-
tendent of Public instruction, herewith trans
mtted. That officer is diligently engaged i'll
his duties. | am satisfied from my knowledge
of his character and qualifications that he will
be able to put in operation, at an early PERIOD
under the sanction of the General Assembly, a
system of schools and means of education" in
| all respects better and more extensive than any
heretofore in existence in the State.
| The University of the State is inseparaby
connected with the free public schools Both
should be fostered. Education in agriculture
mechanics, mining, eng ineering, and in all the
useful arts and sciences, should be encouraged
Normal instruction should be provided for at
once, that We may have well-cducated teachers
of our own for our public schools
| Nearly all the State school fund, the proceeds
for the most part Of the funds deposited with
this State by the general government in 1886,
has been lost. 1t is unnecessary to show how it
was lost, or to dilate upon the advantages thus
snatched from Regrets vain for what is
past. Let us improve the present, and address
| fho " 1,,,-o
public schools for all the children of the State
at whatever cost. This is duty which can
neither be postponed nor evaded. So thoroughly
am impressed with this duty and so earnestly
| am committed to every feasible measure to
der its full performance certain, that but for the
assurance that it will be thus performed [ would
despair OF free popular government in North
| Carolina. ';Education is the cheap defence of
nations not only from without but within. 1t
is that light which distinguishes refined and civ
ilized from barbarian races. 1t FORMS and COM
pacts the only society among men which is
worthy OF the name. 1t touches the earth, and
| it blossoms with luxuriance; its soil yields its
choicest fruits its mines open and pour out their
varied treasures and it's rivers and seas arc
whitcned with commerce, which carries with it
not only exchangeabe wealth, but ideas in gov
| eminent, literature, science and art. 1t is the
only sure basis of good morals for without it the
Divine Word, the fountain of all truth. would
be sealed book. 1t is the strongest bulwark
that can be erected to protect the rights of pro-
perty. Property holders are. therefore, specially
| interested in promoting education. Taxes for
such purpose should be cheerfuly and promptly
paid. The af1uent and the enlightened can at-
ford to care in this respect for the poor and the
| ignorant, since it is not merely their duty, but
their highest interests are thus best subserved.
But little, if any of the money expended for edu-
| cation is sent out of the State. 1t remains with
| us, and while our people are thus enriched with
knowledge they are not rendered poorer even in
money, as the latter is collected from the citizens
by one hand of the State and Immediately dis
bursed to them by the other
The people of the State are anxious that in
dustrlous and worthy immigrants should come
hlther and settle among US. 1t is primary
question with all such immigrants whether in
the communities or States in which they are in
vited to settle, there are facilities for educating
their children. If We do not put in operation
as good public schools as there are in other por-
| lions OF the country, We cannot hope to attract
to the State any considerable number of immi-
grants. They will continue to turn their steps
| towards other regions, not more inviting than
ours, 1t is true, in climate. soil and material re-
sources, but in which they can secure for their
| children, at the public charge, system of
schools to fit them to become Intelligent and use
full ctizens
The people of North Carolina have long been
unit in favor of education. From the days of an
cey, Murphy, Stanley, Cameron, CASTOR, Cald-
well, and others, to the present, their enlght-
| ened statesmen of all parties have enjoined this
as the first duty of the State. am persuaded
that the purpose to educate the risnr trener,t;o,