Ashtabula telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1874-1880, 1875-09-10

not much in its material wealth and power in
the cultivated minds and character of its citizens
An Ilustrious instance of the recognition by the
State of its interest in education of every grade is
be found in Germany, where the public fund con-
tributes to the support OF the peoples school, the gym
nasium, and the university Great as the German
empire has proved in material power her greatness in
intellectual culture and in all knowledge. is still
commanding. Undoubtedly her present military as
tendency is largely due to her schools. But her
greatest glory consists in the citizens produced by her
liberal educational policy Her numerous learned
men and their worldwide Investigations and her
of genius and literary renown, have secured more
permanent fame TO Germany than the success Of her
arms. Military glory may be obscured by defeat,
but the triumphs Of genius and cultivated mind,
in science and in literature survive dynasties and
empires.
Any sect or any party in this country which places
itself in opposition to the public eountenance and sup
learning opposes the best interest and the mani
fest destiny Of the nation. Let sect party hope
to persuade the American people that ignorance is
bliss or that sound education in literature and the
sciences is goddess"
SAMPLE OF THE ABUSE OF SCHOOLS By CATHOLIC
PAPERS.
What can we say to such declarations the follow
ing from the Freedman's Journal, leading Catholic
paper of New York:
Education is not the work of the State al all It
belongs TO families and should be lett 10 families and
to voluntary associations The school tax in itself is
| an unjust imposition"
Again, the paper says, under date of December
awe demand OF the Estate, as our right either such
schools as our Church will accept. or exemption from
ers tax, demand that it provide, or give our
portion Of the public funds and leave to
provide schools in our own religion, under the
pervison of our own Church. We hold education to
be function of the Church. not of the State; and in
our case We do not and viii not accept the State as an
educator"
And even the Catholic Telegraph here at home,
says:
country when, under the laws Of justice aud NOR.
atty our school system shall be shivered TO pieces.
Until then modern pagauism will triumph"
Such these verify ali have said of the
purposes of the Catholic clergy. They would excite
indignation, but that they eVinee total miseoneep
These expressions may not meet the concurrence Of
all the priests; and am sure the laity have shown
priests have usually shown more prudence
and forbearanee in other matters. 1 glad
10 learn that the ArcholsnoP OF Cincinnau mas re-
Gently disapproved of the term goddess applied
to the public schools and at the time remarked
that some Of the best teachers in the parocha schools
had been educated in the public schools OF Cincinnati.
But the Democratic party is frantic for political
power and willing to ruin currency in order to
get it, some Of these priests seem to be frantic for
the mastery of the schools. They the children
under their unchecked CONTROL In school and out Of
school they must be masters of the Children They
understand that in childhood they best establish
their priestly authority, and they are determined TO
do it, 1t is difficult to speak Of such pretentions with
patience, and we are thankful that the State which
they attempt to set aside educator will not oe
set aside but is, and will be, master.
trust that they will learn before it is too late to
respect the government which protects them, and
cease to upon the fundamental principles of
government and that the alty may learn TO respect
their good judgment against clerical dictation.
Let US look with due allowance and charity upon the
mistakes of all fellow-citizens. On reading the
maledictons which they cast upon noble schools,
are torciby impressed with the necessity that these
gentlemen have some lessons IN true American de-
mocracy and that the American people will be found
competent to give them.
But remembering the differences of our antecedents
let philosophy and eschew anger. Let US how
ever take every of making it known, beyond all
chance of mistake, that the common school
system is part of Republican State and that
call it 'godless" pagan" while it is not likely to
for the discretion good manners OF those who say
such things This fearful disposition Of portion Of
Gods creatures to bastardize all the rest and claim to
be the only genuine offspring Of the Deity, is too COM
down by an epithet. lat the man who uses epithets
manifests his own sentiments. and thus know
authentcaly the sentiments OF these toward the
schools, and how little they for the Democratic
the schools. They hope some assistance directly
indirectly, from the Democracy. They can have
hope of any such assistance from the Republicans.
From the Democrats they have got the Geghan bill,
solid Catholic vote and that they propose to de-
liver it. They naturally hope for other traffic of the
ike kind, especially if they now make prompt pay
ment. according to contract. They know that DEM
ocratic platform is not thing 10 be alarmed at.
These hard-money Democrats Of 1872, going TOR
greenbacks to meet the wants of trade in 1875,
not the regard plank in their platform. Tha
priesthood might well hope TO 'shiyer that, II they
could once get the Democracy in tight place
Whether there any chance of success not 1t IS
manifest that the interest of the priesthood in politics
eliminates in the hone of 'shivering the schools.
Now, the Democrats must bear the responsibility OF
encouraging this sectarian war upon our schools 1t
will priesthood by such means let 1t bear the
odum. We may only hope that both parties to this
transaction may receive SUCH lesson in October ag
will discourage any further traficOf the kind,