The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-01-26

make them as valuable to the people rs pos
sible, that they should be made TO afford, as
near as can be, all the training that is needed
by citizen Of q free government, as fitness
for all the responsible positions imposed
upon him; that his college training effeo-
lively serve him in the vocation in which he
serves his generation. 1t is question that
invites candid consideration, What amount
or degree of education shall the State afford
to her children Does this question now
receive the attention IL should from our legis-
lators, as they are preparing to enact the
law that provides for this education SO
much, in our view, of the future of the State
depends on this education that, in leaving out
of view the personal benefit of individuals, SO
deeply is the State in her organic life to be
affected by it that, simply as patriots, there is
overwhelming interest attaching to the work
now in hand by the General Assembly. We
do not now intend to criticize the plan that
has been prepared by the Superintendent of
Public Instruction, nor do we propose to speak
of any probable changes to be made upon it.
What we are intent upon is, that the schools
shall fully realize the ideal of Colleges for
the people" in every community, accessible
to every child Of North Carolina 1t is the
States bounty bestowed on them,
the State, and realize the purpose of its
bestowment We shall not now indicate a
curriculum for these public schools, but only
ask that such be the course of study pre-
scribed in them that it will serve to fit the
pupils for life and its duties, as that life lies
open before them under our free Government
There are now incessant cries coming up to
the ears of the General Assembly from an
effete past-from the lips of stoid prejudice
from niggardly, selfish ignorance, and even
from press that sacrifices all to the ungodly
ends OF partisan success, to deter from an
advance step in the education of the masses
of the people. Should not the education that
the State provides qualify its citizens not
only to be intelligent electors, but also qua
lily them to fill any and all offices and
places in the State aooeptably and eff
ciently Shall those who are expected to
serve the State be required to educate them
selves for the work at their private cost
Should not the State prepare all, that she may
select from the whole number such as she
may need We maintain that the State
should afford, in 'the peoples colleges" edu-
cation in such departments as are needed to
qualify for active duty, in and for the State.
Should not every citizen have a correct &C
quaintance with the history of his State and
the Union; with the institutions and laws of
the same; with the principles of political
economy; with knowledge of such arts and
sciences as enter into the employ of the agri-
culturist and the mechanic? And should not
an education, with view to the business of
life and It's successful prosecution, be offered
at least to the acceptance of all This it is
for our educators to consider, and our Gene
raj Assembly to give or refuse. Such studies
we deem essential to be taught in the "peo-
ple's college,"
In addition 10 this education afforded, it is
demanded in our day that it be unrestricted.
In Governor Pollock's words, that the schools,
or rather colleges of the State "inVite every one
to enter upon whom God has stamped the sign
and signet of manhood" We hail such utter
anoes from the Keystone State with emotions
of pleasure. Even in that State of Pennsyl-
vania the prejudice Of color has been very
extreme. When such representative men as
Governor Pollock, whom the people have de-
lighted to honor, rise above all contemplate
opposition growing out of race, we hope
speedily to see the schools of the State and
the ballot-box accessible to every one who
bears Gods ''sign and signet of manhood" 1t
will be a sturdy blow at antiquated ideas
before which political party opposition must
yield. We are hopeful of better day when
Gods image will be acknowledged wherever
seen.