The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1873-03-20

| ing of the tree system 10 Massachusetts, or
some other State, where the system has been
in operation for fifty years or more: but
there is no more propristy in Virginia begin
| ing where Massachusetts now stands than
there would be in poor boy beginning
where Jerard left off to make a fortune
There is evidently much wrong-doiug in the
organization aud working of our system Of
public instruction. What shall we de-
Shall VIC stand STILL and let few Of ouf his
red servants FIX our school aystem en- sandy
foundation OF shall we take the matter into
our own hands. and fix our system upon
Grm basis. IF we had able architects, and
wise master builders, we might indeed stahd
still, and let the work go on, bat the doings
the past and the living present prove the
fact, that the means employed thus far, are
inefficient to produce the result anticipated.
Row can we expect prosperous system of
public instruction in any state, where there
is not heart interest in the work. A good
salry may enable our authorities to make for
our schools wonderful progress aud prospect.
ty on paper. They may give glowing Ges=
eriptions Of numerous schools ard competent
teachers, but how are the people to come to
a just conclusion with regard to the facts
Who knows the real character and condition
of cur schools? Do the trustees know p.
They seldom visit the schools at ALL, Do the
parents Ct the children know? They never
visit the schools, bat seem to be satisfied if
the teacher has certificate, and that tho
school is free of charge to them. Does the
county Superintendent kaow? He knows
how many free schools are in the county, aud
what is the reported average attendance, What
textbooks are used, how many certificates he
has issued to teachers, and to whom. He
makes flying visit TO the schools Of an hour
or two, once and once only IL each session Of
Eve months-Docs he know? Docs he have a
thorough knowledge Of the marol character Of
those who apply to him for lice pse to teach
10 the free schools.
Does he know, by few proper answers
to questions propoupded in the different
branches, that a man is capable of conducting
a school properly and inpartipg knowledge
with facility? Does he know with any de.
gree Of certainty by these flying visits, mads
but once in session, whether the teachers
are doing their whole duty? He does nee
know, neither indeed can he, with the limited
means within his reach; for without fre-
qucnt visitatiena, it is impossible for any
man, or set of men, to form, correct idea of
The progress and general condition Of school.
It is not expected that the Couuty Super
can give the proper attention to
these schools, for he has not thu time The
present Trustees will not, for they have hok
the pay. But if we lad Trustees, who wero
personally Interested, and had but one school
to visit, they would Go this work with pleas.
ure, and net think Of pay.
On the prosperity Of the free schools dc.
Ponds the future well -bcing Of Virginia, pc.
liticaIly, socially, morally, aud if the future
Of our country depends upon our free insti.u-
lions, and if the permaneucy and prosperity
Of these institutions, depends upon the man
ner Of their organism, upon the base or foun-
dition on which they are built, it requires
great caution in those whose business i. is
to organize or lay the foundation. But this
being an institution that is entirely new in
Virginia, and one that has not been favored
by a majority Of Virsinians, it is we'll to give
the people prominent part ia its organism,
especially. when their views are founded ID
wisdom and justice. As they are to pay the
entire cost. the benefits are truly theirs.
would then say, as one of the people let US
make ii a permanent institution, that we may
Transmit it as rich legacy to posterity. sr-
Knowing well the popular belief, that Al
idea coming from an eminent source, must DO
an eminent idea, and that one coming from
an obscure source, must be an obscure idea,
and not worthy Of notice, DO rot give MY
name to The public. that what have writ.
fen may be judged By its merits. JIM.