Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1871-01-05
EDUCATIONAL MEETING.
Demonstration at the Court House Las
NIGHT.

notwithstanding the short notice given, al
the sound of the bell a large number of the
friends of education assembled at the court
house last night
On motion, Rev. G. w Charlton was called
TO the Chair, and Prof Bradford chosen Sec
rotary.
Inc Chairman explained the object of the
meeting briefly, after which Rev Mr. Russell
was introduced to the audience by Judge Tenn
pie, who took the stand and made an exceeding
~ pertinent and well-timed address on the sub
Jcct for which the meeting had been called He
advocated the system of free schools as superior
TO that OF select or private schools because they
taught what was essential for practical, every
day life, while in the latter only certain branch
es were taught
The speaker alluded to the advantages the
South would derive from thorough and we'll
organized system of free schools in inducing
immigration.
Hon. .. =. Temple was then called on. He
appeared with reluctance, as an exciting NUM-
cipal election was pending, and it might be con-
strued into political meeting. That however,
could not be the case with him, as he did not
reside within corporation limits. He had deci-
ded political convictions, but if his party was
opposed to the great free school system, he
would repudiate party. His remarks were ear
nest, and must have carried conviction to the
minds of his hearers. He advised voters to cast
their ballots in favor of candidates who were
strong free school men, regardless of theft poll
tics. Without egotism, as a property holder,
he demanded to be taxed for the support of conf
mon schools
1t was strange thing in 1871 to be disputing
whether free schools should be established in
Tennessee, when the fundamental principles of
the government enjoiped their establishment.
He alluded to the action Of the Pilgrims, who
landed two centuries and half ago, in regard
to the education of the children; and it was for
this reason that the sons of Massachusetts had
controlled or assisted to control, the affairs of
government One mill-the thousandth part of
a dollar-was the sum that was TO bankrupt the
community Judge T. then read extracts
showing what the State Of Kansas paid for free
schools. In some districts in that State, the tax
was as high as g so per $1oO worth of pro-
perty.
Judge Temples remarks were replete with in
ovortiblo facts and were listened to with
the greatest attention.
Loud calls were made for Messrs Charlton
and Mariner, whereupon the former gentleman
invited Col. Mariner to come forward Judge
Andrews then arose and stated that Col Mariner
was not present. Mr. Charlton then addressed
The audience, abiding briefly to his political
career, and his efforts in the cause of building
up the educational and agricultural advantages
Of the country. There had been too much OPP
position to the coming of Northern men in our
midst, and he then and there throttled the mar
row mindedness of it.
Calls were then made on Judge Andrews and
Capt. r. NJ. Bearden. Judge A then arose and
invited Capt Bearden to take the floor, when
hat gentleman came forward and stated that he
was friend OF the measure under con sidera-
ion and immediately retired.
Judge Andrews was again called for and gave
few apt illustrations of benefits to be derived
rom schools. Judge As voice failing him, he
ook his seat, when the meeting adjourned.