The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1872-08-09

cultivated, useful citizens, instead Of n
large number being vicious, lawless loaf
ers. What may be said Of a community
is equally applicable to State or nation; ;
its law-brcakers and non-producing mem
bers are its greatest tax.
The theory of our government is that
every citizen isa sovereign. Sovereignty
is said to be the highest power; how i'm
portant it is, then, that this power should
be enlightened If we wish for the sta
bility Of our institutions we must educate.
In the dim past Lycurgus, the Spar
tan law giver laid down this principle !:
"The youth belong to the State, and the
State is responsible for their training"
Upon this fundamental tenet his code of
laws was founded, and here was the Sc
cret Of Sparta's strength and for many
years her ascendancy. Thesame general
principle seems slowly spreading through
out civilization at the present day.
Monarchical Europe is beginning to
appreciate the fact that the safety and
prosperity of its governments depend
upon the intelligence Of the mass Of its
citizens. To her superior system of pub
lie schools, Prussia owes the command
ing position she new holds as one Of the
first powers Of the world.
From the general "signs of the times" I"
what then is the prospective condition Of
Common Schools in Kentucky? We
predict bright future. Every indica-
ton shows that we are now in the dawn
of better era.
1t is now generally conceded that the
farmer, mechanic and laborer stand in
as much need of n scientific education as
the professional man. Here and there
already you can see comfortableand some
times beautiful school houses springing
up where teachers are employed not on
account of their cheapness, but for their
capacity and fitness for the place. Even
in the most benightcd neighborhoods, in
dividuals can be found who are anxious
to cast Off the relics of barbarism and
commence the work of reform and I'M
provement. The great thinking minds
Of the State are tending in favor Of uni
yersal education. The ablest educators
and our highest school officers are CON-
ing down from lofty theorizing to prac-
teal l,-aykin the frank and file" They
are determined that ignorance shall not
always be a reproach to State so glori'
Gus in the memory of the past. Against
all opposition they are determined to res
cue our educational interests from their
present depressed condition, and put them
on an equal footing with our more fav.
ored sister States.
We live in an age of progress. The
Rip Van Wrinkles of the present day
might as well attempt to stop the wheels
of time, as the car of progress. Though
self interest, ignorance, prejudice and
many other obstacles may loom up before
it. the skillful enquirer will view the
way, workmen hay the track, and as
noiseless as thought it moves onward.
"For here, as always, it continues true
that the deepest stream is the stillest, and
that, as in the fable, the mild shining OF
the sun shall silently accomplish that
which the fierce clustering Of the tempest
in vain esSayed.'
To the friends of the Common School
system throughout the State we would
say, then, do not become weary and faint
hearted, but labor diligently, and wait
for the good time coming"