New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-03-07
THE FREEDOM OF EDUCATION.

SPEECH OF MIR. PROSsER OF TENNESSEE IN THE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
The following is a summary of Mr.. Prosser's
speech the Promotion OF Education delivered before
a Committee OF the Whole Of the House, Jan. %:
MIR. SPEAKER: II is to a matter OF the most pro
found surprise and regret that subject OF such infinite
importance, especially to Republic like own, should
have been so long and so entirely by the Gov
eminent of the United States. Outside Of our
try, subject has Of late received larger share OF pub
lie attention. been the object OF specific legsa-
ton. was startled when came to examine the stats
ties bearing upon the question knowing that there can
dangerous element OF Ignorance exists in the community
extent nearly can be estimated OF about
fourth or oneffth 81 the whole number The greatest
despotsm EARTH, says DE TOcqueyle, Is excited
untaught public sentiment" truth already too well
illustrated to-day among the ignorant masses In New
York
1t is the opinion OF Dr. Lee. who has carefully prepared
statistical tables and maps under the direction OF the
Department Of Education. that $500.
youug persons who crossing ia ignorance To OIL the ranks Of the
lions
In IsGO, or seven millions now
American people constitute boobies, ea.. from
direct Of knoseg counting the million
and half children uur ten yesr Of axe who cannot vel /. aid 10 he
.rate though the high road something
Efficient s promptly done to save them"
With this vast army OF terates we 90 into new de.
cade. to which are annually added about 100000 who
yearly reach the OF a. half OF whom exercising
the privilege OF suffrage, and have direct voice in tine
destiny Of the Republic.
FEARFUL CONDITION OF EDUCATION IN THE DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA
Congress has been grossly negligent OF the educational
necessities Of those people placed under a care even
those ~ the very doors aud directly under the gs
the Capitol. The schools in the District Of Columbia
which should be models for the nation should invite and
fasten the attention Of every representative to this
body 30 that he might return To ms district. with some
and valuable suggestions for the instruction OF the
children Of his constituents; nay should be the admra-
of the representatives OF other nations
among No, and thus reflect honor upon our Republic
look their condition! With schools that compare
lively worthless and wholly Inadequate, there being
thousands OF children unable to gain admission any
room and who wOud be the better for n
II they could because OF the proper supply OF
teachers who are, moreover pad their small salaries al
uncertain and irregular intervals they yet quito as
ready 10 dismiss child for q trng fault as 10 admit
one 10 pupilage IL often requires time and labor
10 get a child admitted than labOnng man spare
and can conceive OF greater outrage rights OF
child soon be citizen. than to close the
against him for any cause whatever.
NEGLECT OF THE TERRITORIES.
But have yet TO complain OF Congressional sins OF
omission greater AMI sad In their resnts than
this woefui neglect education In the National Capital
Our Territories IN what bas Congress discharged
s sacred trust toward these prospective States The
ignorance the most vicious institutions
and entire neglect Of education characterize different
parts Of national domain. instead OF uniform, thor
Ough, and efficient system Of popular instruction
The condition Of Utah Ia roapeot 70 saoe ono VI the