Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-01-13
For the Free Press.
Public Schools.

Mr.. GALLAHER. There is no doubt that there
exists in this community strong feeling against
the Public School System as introduced and at pre-
sent worked by the authorities Of the State OF
West Virginia. Whether such feeling or objec-
ton Is well predicated and be sustainedby CO.
gent argument is extremely doubtful. Itistoolate
in the day for this great interest, mean that of
universal education, to be overthrow by mere
sophistry. There is not State in the length and
breadth of the land that has not inaugurated the
system. The great principle offree education, by
which the masses will be reached, has obtained a
mong all enlightened peoples. 1t is not only re-
cognized as strong pillar in the State eivilly,
but it claims to be the power and elan Of people
on the battlefield, as evinced in the victories of
the Germans over the French, the soldiers of the
former being so far in advance of the latter in in
telliSence through the general education of her
citizens
1t is not likely that the principle would be prac-
ticed if left to the voluntary action of the
people. We would have the plan that was adopt
ed in Virginia before the war some counties ac-
cepting and executing it-others peremptOrily re-
jecting it. The system would be worked only in
spots. 1t is a necessity that the State take the
matter in hand and BY its strong arm force the gen.
eral education Of its children. This can only be
done BY judicous legislation in reference thereto,
to be sustained by property taxation. The State
is justified in so doing on the ground OF seif-de-
fence for, it is an axiom, the more enlightened
and intelligent its citizens the more stable and en-
Al I'll I'D fba 10
thrown around life, property and the public veal
In the execution of the system tits necessary that
the richer counties contribute their quantum Of the
taxes to the general fund, though it be in excess
ofthe amount required to support the public school
within their borders, in order that the poorer
counties may have the benefit of the system, thus
making it general in its effects, and the State as 4
whole being beneficiary.
l an free to say that the system in its operation
in our county is open to serious exception, but
this NAV be obviated, and doubtless will be, by
the newly installed County Superintendent, who
is a entleman Of fine scholarship and well
for the duties of the ofice-who will not regard its
duties in the light Of snecure being anxious only
about the pay, but will fiji his obligations firth
fully, and carry out the law in its requirements
punctiously. As to his special duties-such as a
faithful examination of the applicants to teach ex
acting full measure up to the standard, visiting
the schools and closely observing the inward work
ings requiring full report of the teachers as the
law demands.
The Commissioners can do much to make the
schools eficient-f they only will and as wei have
good men as such let us hope that they will do
their whole duty feeling their individual respon-
sibility and contribute to The maintenance and
good report of the system.
have no idea that the general system will be
disturbed BY the Convention or Legislature, tho
it is open to Improvement Think feature might
be engrafted on the system like to this (the want
of which we feel very much in our town) viz the
establishment Of Graded School in the first de-
partment of which the higher branches Of Mathe-
MATES may be taught, as well as the Classics to
some extent This necessity could be met by
giving to corporate towns or towns of a curtain
number of population the right to raise sufficient
amount in addition to their school fund, by sub
scription or taxation, to sustain such Graded
Schools the higher qualifications Of the Principal
requiring higher pay. This feature belongs to
the Maryland system of Public Schools as well as
to those of Virginia, and works admirably. AT
all hazards let noble system of public instruc-
ton be maintained-let the whole machinery be
manned and worked BY efficient oilicers and teach
ers, and from my heart say long live and flourish
the Public Schools Of West Virginia.
PRO BONO PUBLIC0.