New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-05-26
STATE EDUCATIONAL CONVENTION
Adiournment sfne Dc.

STATE EDUCATIONAL CONFENT1ON
Adjournment Sine Die.
The proceedings of the third days ses
sion were opened with prayer, after which
the report of the committee on resolutions
was read, provoking considerable discus
sion.
TALK OVER THE RESOLUTIONS.
Mr.. O'Hara, of TerrebOnne, objected
strongly TO the clause requiring compulsory
education; might as well direct what should
be eaten as to ask the legislative body tC
carry out compulsory education.
Mr. Underwood suggested the resolution
be read.
1t was read.
Mr.. O'Hara said he had misunderstood
them, and here the question dropped
Mr.. Burch-To adopt the resolutions
without discussion viii give color to the
statement that the convention has assem-
blec with impure motives. l move they
be considered seriatim.
Mr.. Underworld move the resolutions
be acted upon this evening at half-past
seven o'clock.
Mr.. O,Hara-I for one don't know why
/ came here. The whole question is in
vOlyed in these resolutions, and / under
stood that orations were to be delivered on
the subject.
Judge IlDDle-I rise 70 MAKE q LuOllOu. u
postpone until after the address is read,
Mr.. O'Hara-Where is the necessity of
that You arrive at the same conclusion
do, but by different road.
Mr. Rollins, answering this suggestion,
rose to read an address upon compulsory
Mr. Burch interrupted. Wanted to set
himself right; desired a fair discussion
(when nobody denied it,. Believed the
legitimate business should take its course.
Should the convention do nothing but
postpone, the people may think we came
here tu do nothing but listen to speeches.
Judge Dibble-I withdraw the motion to
This brought the resolutions before the
house. and they were read seriatim, and
they were finally adopted as whole as
follows. Before adoption lively discus
sion took place on the resolution affirming
LOuisianas the best system:
WHEREAS, The impartial education OF the
whole people of the State is of imperative
necessity, comprehending in its results the
highest moral, material and social interests
of the commonwealth and
Whereas, The previous condition Of q
large portion Of our people was such as to
exclude them from the cOmmOnest advan-
tages of education, thus entalllng on the
State a mass Of ignorance, from the cOntlnu-
unprecedented, therefore,
Resolged. That the most earnest and en-
hghtened legislation is demanded to re-
move the illiteracy which, as a consequence
of past injustice, exists throughout the
State, bv promptly providing facilities Tor
instruction to the entire people.
Resolved, That it is the duty of the State,
while providing the means for education, to
see that the opportunities afforded are made
n. L af ha
commonwealth bV the enactment OF such
laws as shall insure the advantages OF edu-
cation to every one, leaving the parent or
guardian free to select his own method OF
instruction, but insisting on the proper edu-
cation of every child.
ResOlCed, That a liberal system Of taxa
ton for the erection of schOOlh0uses and
support of free public schools cOmmends
itself to the Judgment and support of every
patriot and philanthropist, and that resist
ance to taxes for such objects can be
prompted only by low estimate Of the
value of popular education, or by desire
to perpetuate the illiteracy which blights
the prosperity of the State.
ResoIved, That we earnestly urge the
police iuries and corporate authorities of
The respective parishes to levy the tax au-
thorized bv law for the erection of school
houses and the more efficient prosecution of
the educational work.
Resolyed. That as the delegates present
come from all portions of the State, and
having been actually engaged IN the school
work under the guidance OF the division
superintendents, are thereby qualified to
form an enlightened judgment OF the mer-
It's and dement's of the public school sys-
TEN, and said delegates possess ocular
evidence of the manner in which the re-
spective division and State Supeuntend-
ents performed their several duties, we
most heartily endorse our public school sys-
TEN as one Of the best and most practical
within our knowledge, and we do hereby
commend it to the affection and support OF
our fellow-citizens, and to the protecting
care OF our laws, and Of all who are IN au-
thOrity.
Res0lre9: That while we believe the
system, in some of its minor details, sus
ceptible of improvement, we depreeate any
change in its prominent features that it,
present form of State Superintendent
division superintendents and parish boards
is the best economical form for realizing
power and efficacy, and that any departure
therefrOm would be followed only by evil
ReSOl0ed, That in view OF the largenes'
Of the work; the determined opposition thai
met it at its birth; the unrelentlng enmity
that has steadily pursued it; the almost in
surmOuntable obstacles that have enyironeC
the system from the first, and the painful
hindrance interposed by the lukewarmnes
of a portion of its friends, our warmes
thanks and the gratitude of the people ar
emineutlv due to the State Superiutenden
for the frmness, energy, perseverance AM
fidelity with which he has presided owe
and directed the educational interests 0
fhe state. and that the grand result, til
sigpaI success achieved, as manifested b
his last annual report, entities him to til
highest praise.
the division superintepdents are worthy @
the thanks and confdbnce OF their respect
i've districts. We believe their persona
attention mas been as regular and trequen
as tbe extent of territory and their othe
duties would Justify, and that to their dey'
tion to duty, and their fidelity in Its dl'