Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1870-11-24
THE PUBLIC LANDS FOR THE
CAUSE OF EDUCATION.

Now that the elections are over it is
well to turn our minds to the great ques-
ton of education. Few of our readers,
perhaps none, understand the extent
of the Public Lands of the United
States. 1t is gratifying to know that there
is a disposition among the people to have
these lands converted into a school fund
to be distributed among the States for the
maintenance OF common Schools. In no
way could the public lands be disposed
of to better advantage. We hope to see
our lawmakers looking after this matter.
In this connection, we invite attention
to AN eloquent extract from an address
before the Illinois Wesleyan University,
by Rev. A. c. GEORGE, d. D.
.Since 1850 at least $50, 600, 900 acres
of land have been donated by Congress
for various purposes. 1t is thought that
we have remaining, not taken up under
homestead laws, not included in swamp
lands donated to the States, not absorbed
by grasping railroad companies, and not
in any other way alienated, exclusive of
| Alaska, a domain of973. 900. 900 of acres.
| Suppose 175, 000, 900 of acres are value
less, this leaves 500, 600, 600 of acres. of
marketable lands, worth, at one dollar and
a quarter an acre, no less than $780, 00,-
000-a sum which at > per cent. annual
interest would give us a yearly income
| &c ca 600 n0O 20 he It, H,+o1 ,,,onoet
the States for the purposes of common
scho oil education. The distribution Of
such a sum would, doubtless, lead to the
raising of at least an equal amount, and,
perhaps, twice or thrice as much, by the
several States. for the instruction and
training of the youthful mind of the ma
ton. Who can estimate the increase of
knowledge, the elements of growth and
prosperity, the political stability, the so
cial progress, uhe accumulation of wealth,
the development OF arts and Industries,
the discoveries in science, the inventions of
mechanics, the multiplication of academies,
colleges and universities, and, in a word,
the advancement of the nation, in all the
resources, endowments and advantages of
IA high Christian civilization. which would
come from the adoption. maintenance and
successful contamination Of such a system
of national education.
Let us. then, give ourselves to this work,
It is a work of patriotism, of charity, OF re-
linion. Educate, and future generations
will rise up to bless your memories. Ed
ucate. and you will secure the unity, sta
bility and growth of the Republic. Edu-
cate. and you Will create sanctions for law
and for constitutional forms of government,
Educate, and you will increase the interest,
purity and refining power of our social
life. Educate. and you will touch the
springs of all activities improvements and
mental growth. Educate, and you will
add to the wealth, strength and glory OF
the nation. Educate, and you will give
wings to revelation. and cast up a highway
for the triumphant march of the Gospel
of the Son Of God. Educate the entire
mind of the nation for this is our only
safety. our only guarantee of prosperity.
our only assurance of greatness and glory.
Make the whole republic a temple of
knowledge. and Il light will shine from its
portals, glaGdening all lands, as with the
smile of God.