National Republican., 1874-05-16
EDUOATION-THE PRESS,

1IldL Lne WORST evils Will WHICH maQEf1u
is Just now afflicted arise from intemper-
ance there can be but little doubt. But
that they all flow from the excessive in
dulgence of alcoholic beverages is not quite
so apparent Such indulgence is undoubt-
edly the primary cause of much resultant
evil, which abstinence from 10 might pre-
vent Alcoholic stinlulants arouse the ap-
petites, desires and passions, especially
those lower and more brutal ones that de-
fine the animal part of man nature. Hence
we overeat and overtalk and overwrite.
But these excesses may be- and often are,
indulged without the aid of alcoholic stim-
ulants. 1t has at times appeared TO un-
prejudiced observers that as much intenl-
perance of language was indulged in the
denunciation Of the vice of intoxication and
its concomitants as would naturally flow
from drink itself
1t is fair to suppose that we all have our
besetting SINS by which we sometimes,
perhaps, cause our brethren to offend. 1t
invoke and cherish that charity which zen
durcth all things" Perhaps there is no
profession or calling which can be profited
more by the cultivation of temperance in
all things, moderation in riicisms and
charity for ALL. than that of journalism.
The modern press, conducted with mod
Grafton upon the principles of the golden
rule, is the best and most effective engine
for instruction and civilization, for the diff
fusion of all useful knowledge, that has yet
been invented. Many think that it will
yet supersede the pulpit and the forum en-
tircly as the medium of addressing the
hearts and minds of the people. 1t only
needs that it be controlled and exercised by
the greatest and best minds of the country
to answer all these and many other pur-
poses. No preacher or orator by any other
method reaches audiences so numerous, or
in words so we'll chosen as they may by
this. Practically, sermons and lectures,
political speeches, and arguments of coun-
sci are delivered by and through the press
before they are Illuminated through other
channels. Prosy speakers are voted bores,
and it is rare, indeed, that they can secure
an attentive audience, except where a sense
of duty or propriety compel both presence
and attention. .-.- -.-.
Hence it is that the excuse is so often
heard for non-attendance at churches and
lectures. and sessions Of legislatures and
congresses and courts, that it is preferable
to read the speeches, sermons, evidence and
addresses in the newspapers, which one
can enjoy in his office or at his own cosy
fireside, to listening to them in places with
less agreeable surroundings and al greater
expense of. time and money. Children
having received at school the rudiments of
education may learn more from the careful
perusal Of the papers. illustrated by maps,
globes and charts, than by long courses of
study at schools. The education thus OBJ
tanned is of a more practical, everyday
character. and is, therefore, more useful
than what is taught from text books. The
newspaper Of to day is at once good mod
ern reader, arithmetic, geography and his
tory, and is full of interest from the fact
that it contains the record of the daily trans
actions in practical life. The child reads Of
current events, and cherishes them in his
memory because he is interested in them.
Educated in this way he becomes peliti-
clan. modern historian and compiler Of
geography ere he reaches the age of man.
hood. Why not, then, introduce the news
papers into the schools in the place of text
books after the rudimental branches shall
have been acquiredl ------..,,-.. (
Suppose the cost of all our churches were
turned into. newspapers, with our best cler
gymen for editors. and these newspapers
were read in the schools and illustrated By
maps, globes, and apparatus. An account
of the opening and finishingof new rail
way would cause the amendment of each
scholars map. The accounts of crevasse:
on the Mississippi, the famine in Bengal, Oh
the cholera in Italy would each be provo
cative of varied lessons in geography, his
tory, political economy, and the spread o.
contagious diseases Instead of coming
from school pedantic book-worms, We
should appear upon the stage of life fully
fiedged and wel-infnrmed citizens.
| IA l-ordered and well-conduot ed pres
would then take the place Of the pulpit
the preachers would be editors, and greatly
increase the area Of their usefulness. Bu
to insure all these results it will be neces
sary 20 conduct the press temperately, witt
:, las 20 tat sare and moderation.
It is ,rpo.b tsst he use Of alcoholit
liquors elops ); tsese. sesdlts n 9 I
fects pom h -ea..ue .nd pen. W; -