Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1868-02-19

NM rnrnnNIEN IN srunnl

General Towards rcpor, on the Frccdmon's Blu
roau rs complete viHdicatiun of that branch Of
the reconstruction measures against the sncrrs and
malicious accusations of the whole democratic
press Chr own views as % Tie necessity for the
continuance Of the Bureau were freely expressed
some weeks ago and are fully confirmed by the
facts aud statistics presented in this report Is
pccialy is this true as relates TO the education
al department of the Bureau, which may now be
considered as thoroughly organized, aud in such
aworking condition as will enable the public t.
form lust estimate Of its value. It has ALWAYS
been General Towards policy TO cultivate the
most friendly relations with the many organizations
which are laborng for the freedmen in this drec-
ton, and he has given them all the all and pro-
lection which his official position enabled him to
bcstow Ind,el he has so faithfully fulfilled his
duties that perhaps next TO Mr. Lincoln, the black
men viii for all time TO come regard him as their
best friend. That he las been continued in office
up to this time, unmolcslcdhy any executive freak
is wonderful, aud it is now probable that he will
retain bis position until the allotted term Of the
Bureau shall expire.
Some Of the facts relating to the educational
branch Of General Towards work afford a strk-
ing commentary on the Interpretations Of those
who desire to leave the tmaucipated blacks al the
mercy Of thcir former masters. General Howard
states that this department Of the Bureau works
tremendously with all the voluntary associations,
ana he thinks That before long the freedmen may
be safely len with such instructors. For the last
six months the whole number of frredmeu's schools
reported, including Sunday schools is 3G95, with
23s al2 pupils. This was an increase over the
previous siX months Of 1908 schools and 20. G3S
pupils. OF these schools more than 500 are sus-
tanned wholly part by the freedmen, and near
~ 400 Of the buildings are owned 10y them OF The
teachers about 200 are culored aud 1888 white
70 0GS colored pupils have paid tuition, to the
average monthly amount OF 81 ,555, end only
69l OF the pupils were free before the war; there
are u normal schools with 1881 pupils, and these
teachers schools have been nearly doubled within
the last six months, and are TO be rapidly increased
in number
1t is in the face of such facts as these that it is
peristcntly urged by some that the negro cannot
be elevated in the social scale, aud that the Bu-
reau is useless organization. The superiutcnd-
ent says that the fort educate the freedmen is
strkngy successful that the interest among tn,
colorcd people does not flag, and that the school
are permanent, scarcely one failing after its estab
li,hment; and he remarks that the rapid ncreas,
Of general intelligence is such that the hopes
the warme,t friends Of the freedmen have beer
more than fulfilled. The future is full Of promise
for the entire race redeemed from bondage and ig
| norancen General Howard recommends that ~
| on the discontinuance Of the Bureau, the cduca
/ tonal division, which is be' ond measure impor
tautn shall he transferred to the department Of ed
ucaton, with full power to sustain aud extend th
/ present system. The practical wisdom of the or
ganizaton, operation and continuance of the Freed
mems Bureau, in its varied aspects is fully vindi
Gated by the results attained ~ Boston Advertiser