The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1873-04-05

from being adequate to the necessities
OF public education. In parishes where
(for various reasOns) a local tax could
not be levied, and the State apportion-
ments were solely depended upon,
schools have existed in irregular terms,
or have suspended for several months
in the year for want of funds. It is
hoped that the school officials, backed
by a wholesome public opinion, will
have no difficulty in procuring from
police juries and other corporate au-
thorities the coming year sufficient aid
to meet all necessary requirements.
POPULAR OPINION.
l have not a single report in my pos
session indicating opposition to the
public school system from political
sources. 1t is a fact worthy of note
that some of the most efficient school
directors in the division are men who
but recently were bitter opponents,
but are now warm friends of the sys-
tenn: The public press, as general
rule, have abstained from unseemly
attacks, and have given a valuable
cooperation in many localities. lam
satisfied that if any serious opposition
does exist with reference to public
schools, it does not spring from the
merits or dement's of the system it.
self; but from religious or aristocratic
views held at variance with the gen.
ius and spirit of the political institu-
tions OF this country. It is well known
that the Roman Catholic Church en-
tertains the belief that public schools
are communicating and injurious,
because neglecting the religious edu-
cation which it deems necessary for
the morals Of the youth. It is hoped
that more generous and a higher
minded policy will be pursued by the
advocates Of that church than would
be ev;nced by an effort direct or in
direct to deprive thousands of children
of aid which is absolutely necessary
to fit them for the duties of citizenship
and society, because they do not con-
form to views entertained by them rs
q fraction Of society;. rather let all
religious exercises be excluded from
the scliool-room, eliminate obnoxious
or sectarian matter from school books
and let the children of all classes meet
without u distinction. or a difference
from any cause, and leave to the
churches and sects the propagation,
ON an equal footing, of their own Pc,
culiar tencts. The wealthy class re-
gard the public schools with u peculiar
dislike and an unworthy one. 1t is
we'll knowi>tliat previous to the war
it was the custom to send the youth
Of tue better class beyond the limits
Of the State to enjoy superior advan-
tages in acquiring education, and the
public schools became almost entirely
the receptacle of the children Of the
poor and laboring class, and conse-
quently became a matter of secondary
consideration to the wealthy. School
officers were not held to strict account
by official restraint or popular opinion
to discharge their duties with energy
teachers were not subjected to proper
tests; school houses were few and far
between, and too often in a dilapidated,
unhealthy condition. The withdrawal
Of sympathy by the wealthy, the lack
Of Supervision on the part Of the State,
made our public schools byword
and reproach. Times have changed.
The wealthy class can not afford the
luxuries of former years; their chill
dren must be educated at home. In
many instances a practical view is
taken of the situation, and children of
all classes are found in the same school
preparing themselves for duties which
they will perform in common in after
life. 1t is to be regretted, however,
that feelings of pride-a heritage of
other yeals-should prevent a large
number of parents from placing their
children in the public schools; extern
ding a cheerful and hearty sympathy
to the poor and toiling teacher; CO.
operating with school directors and
corporate authorities in building neat
comfortable school-houses, employ
ing first-class teachers, and making
them an honor and blessing to Louis
lana. 1t is prudence, economy and
wisdom that should dicate this course.
1t is practicable, it is desirable, that
our schools should be increased in
number, improved in quality and made
equal to those Of any other section.
It is practicable, and it would require
but i; small outlay to enable every
three or four contiguous parishes to
enjoy the benefits of high school,
equal in advantages to the colleges of
other sections now patronized at great
expense, and draining from the coun-
try portion Of its wealth, which
should be used in the encouragement
of home talent and home enterprises.
SCHOOL LANDS.
It is impossible for HE at this time
to present any satisfactory data with
reference to interest funds from the
accumulation of rents and sales Of six
teenth sections. A number of treasu
rers have drawn from the Auditor
amounts which afforded them great
relief. It is hoped that treasurers,
the coming season, will institute dill
gent inquiries with reference to the
location and description of sixteenth