The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-10-23

er an unjust burden. The spirit of the Ver-
mont opponents to a school system is
niggardly one. While the desire of South
Carolina is to keep the colored race in ig-
norancc, the cry of expense there is only
pretext to cover the real motive. In Yer
mont the public sentiment is favorable to
common schools ; in Georgia tue favorable
preponderance is SO slight that it would re-
quire but little change to turn the scale.
Perhaps our comparison may appear
harsh In advance of the arguments of those
who desire to overthrow the board of edu-
cation. 1t is difficult for US to conceive
what argument may be advanced in favor
of this proposition beside that Of expense.
1t may be urged that obnoxious men have
control of the educational affairs of the
state. This is no sufficient reason for
overthrowing at single dash the whole
system. If any man or set of men are OBJ
noxious let lis be rid of them. In remov-
ing them il is not necessary to disturb the
well established educational policy of the
state. Vermont Is not prepared for so
radical a change as is proposed by Mr..
Wells bill. The movement brcaths
spirit of danger, and il must be critical
condition of affairs TO demand such
remedy for any evils that as yet have been
complained of by the most blatant oppon-
ent of the Vermont school board or its
secretary, whom some are wont TO criticse
70 severely. 1t is no wonder that the pre-
sentation of this measure was matter of
surprise to the members of the general as
sembly.
The agitation of the subject is
especially unwise, just at this time,
when propositions are about to be made
for the amendment of our school laws. and
the planting of some of the institutions
under the fostering care of the state upon
a different basis, which may possibly re-
move some of the objections now enter
tanned towards our educational system.
But we apprehend but few objections can
or will be presented by those who favor the
abolition of tho board of education beyond
the method of town SUPPLEMENTARY
powers of prudential committees, and
possibly the authoritative Recommendation
of text books. 1t will he impossible to
construct IA system to meet the views of
every individual or to adop, rcgula-
tons suited 10 the government of every
school district or harmonizc the conflicts
that often arise among the people of our
smaller districts. In our judgment there is
no remedy so effectual as the adoption Of
the so.called town system. which puts all
schools upon an equal basis.
We have not attempted TO discuss this
question in all its bearings, our object is sim
ply to call attention to the danger couched
in the bill of Mr.. Wells. Should this bill
pass and tie board of education be
abolished, we suppose its author has a new
system all perfected TO meet his own in
dividual views to present. Mr.. Wells
should remember that the educational
policy of Vermont has not been the work
of any one man, but the combined thought
and experience of large number of men,
aud the labor of years. His plan probably
would Just suit himself and nobody else.
In due time, however, his scheme will be
fully developed, and will prove as
chimerical as has many another mans who
was wise above his generation.
Our law makers should look with great
Jealousy upon this measure, yet they
should give it fair hearing. They shonld
beware how they tinker or disturb policy
which has worked SO well, bearing in mind
that in our school system lies the most inn
portant interests of the state aud involves
the welfare of the coming generations of
its citizens.