The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-10-27

he has still keen appreciation of the cur
rent value of Democratic funds, he has an
equally keen appreciation of the worthless
ness of Democratic promises.
Mr.. Moss is not quite so morrbund as
DIR. Bayne but he is no better authority,
as an exponent of the principles of the Re-
publican party and il it is true that he is
canvassing the Senatorial district in which
he lives, as an advocate of mixed schools,
he is doing it upon his own responsibility
alone, and the Republicans of that district
should at once supplant him by candidate
whose sentiments are in accord with theirs,
and who will pledge himself to perfect, and
not defeat or destroy, the opportunity now
offered for every child of every citizen in
the Commonwealth, to be educated up TO
the highest standard which he is capable Of
reaching. We do not hesitate to speak
plainly upon this question, it is vital to the
people as individuals, and as citizens of the
State.
In its issues are bound up all our hopes
for the future, all our fears for the present.
No abstract question of ideal distinction,
must be permitted to interfere with the
practical questions of education for all
what shall be taught? and how the child
rem. shall be taught? not by whom, or where
shall they be taught? Our imperative dur
ty before God and man is to popularize ed
ucation for the masses to win over its adj
versaries to its support; and to make timid
consent of the indifferent, kindly and encr-
getc cooperation.
This object we shall unsweryingly pur-
sue and we shall not allow ourselves to
be diverted from the path of duty, which
lies plain before us, by open or covert at
lacks Of known enemies of the system, or
side issues raised by those who are its pre-
tended or mistaken friends. Education fits
the child to attain social position, it is not its
design or effect to make position for the
child; education is the means, not the end /;
education places the key Of the golden gate
of knowledge in the hand Of the earnest
seeker, and says: ''Enter and achieve !;
come up higher; here is opportunity; to
improve it, is your care and duty"
The golden gate, after weary years Of
waiting, has been brought in view; the
key is offered, for all to accept or reject; and
we say, in kindly, anxious earnestness,
to those who would hesitate to avail them
selves of existing agencies, because inn
practicable men whisper that other or diff
lerent agencies should be provided, you are
g,uspiag NJ shdtlo'o and losing tie sub
stance. Consider for moment whence
comes this cry of mixed schools. We find
it in the columns Of a paper, which has con-
tinually "hinted doubts aud hcsitated
dislikcsn against the free school system,
and has only squarely announced its posi-
ton upon this all important question in one
Q particular that is, that it would post
pone the education Of the children of the
people, until the people have performed al
impossibility, met the onerous provisions
i of the funding bill as the first charge upor
+. them as Taxpayers, and apply any surplus
: to education.
In the name of the helpless children
! whose veal or woe depends upon the sue
| cess or failure of our school system; il
T the name of the people, whose future peace
Y and prosperity depend upon the inteligen
: discharge Of the duties of citizenship, by
t those who will shortly be entitled to {
} voice in the decision at the polls of impor
tant State issues; in the name Of publ'
+ order, civilization, humanity itself, we ap
e peal to Republicans, to aid us in defend
c ing the sacred cause Of education, alik,
: from the attacks Of ayowed enemies, o
Il the disasters which may be threatened b,
$ mistaken or reckless individuals, claiming
u to be Republicans. tt'