Rocky Mountain husbandman. [volume] (Diamond City, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1875-12-02

we cannot IIIl 10 DC lOitlDlJ ulplCSSCo w
the importance of careful attention to our
educational interests. 1t matters not what
our occupations may be-whether protes-
sional. industrial or mercantile. There is
no citizen who is thoroughly identified with
the country who is here to build up ahome.
who does not look forward with pride to the
day when our fertile valleys, peopled with
industrious farmers; our luXurient pasture
lands-cut by thousands OF clear, sparkling
eams-cove with cattle and sheep, and
ten thousand miners delving in our hills,
adding millions daily to our common wealth,
we shall GO knocking at the doors OF Con-
gress for admission as a State. Then, if we
hope to rank with the proud States Of Amer
ica-to be honored and respected by them
we must look to Il educational interests.
We must remember when that day shall
come, the mental calibre of our people will
do more to establish our power and influ-
ence than all our land, mines and herds.
Then let our people awake to their interests.
No degree Of greatness can be attained ex-
cept by cnltivating the mind. Around us,
on every side, we see springing up children;
boys and girls; young men and young wo-
men. What facilities have they for gaining
information? Are we trying to build up a
library of good and useful books for them
to read? Have we good schools convenient,
and do we send our children to them? These
are the questions which we should ask our
selves. Are the people fully awake to the
:,n,>oYfonoa IF aIy1oofinU tha yCunrp IN
they realize that the destiny Of our country
depends upon this? We are glad to know
that in some localities the matter is being
properly considered.
Deer Lodge, perhaps, takes the lead, hav-
ing for several years had good schools. Hell
ena is just about completing what will be
the largest school building in the Territory,
and will open school at once. Prickley Pear
Grange have put up a large building, and
have a good school in it. Virginia City has
in course of erection a school building that
reflects much credit upon the community.
Gallatin County has a first-class female SEM
mary. There are, also, some other good
schools in the Territory, yet there is still a
great deficiency. Some school districts are
without any school house whatever, while
those of other districts are miserable, low.
uncomfortable cabins, built, perhapse, by
the early pioneer for a dwelling. Not only
is the country deficient uncomfortable build
ings, but in many localities where they have
buildings, they are without schools. There
seems to be a lack of enterprise there is
some one needed to go ahead. Our County
School superintendent, instead Of visiting
each neighborhood and lecturing to the
schools, and trying to inspire the children
with a desire to learn, and their parents with
the necessity and importance of it, are, in
many cases, quietly pursuing their various
occupations. Grave responsibilities rest
with these men. They may raise our intel
lcctual status to rank with that Of any peo-
pie on the globe, or they may allow it to
shoulder away and sleep among the dark
ness of ages.
What are We doing? Are we standing
with our arms folded, expecting heaven to
school onr sons and daughtersY And will
we continue thus, Or will we arise and keep
pace with the progress of the age: VIZ shave
n short time in which to labor. Soon
we will step down and out; soon. feeble with
age, we will surrender our charge to the
rising generation; yes, soon the boys and
girls around W are to be our husbandmen
and matrons, our statesmen and philoso-
pliers, soon to become the bulwark of our
eonntry's greatness. Then if we would
look upon her with pride, let us supply the
young with every means of obtaining a