Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-11-03
bonors We make no apologies for the

honors. We make no apologies for the
shortcomings of The republican party or
for abuses which have existed under its
management, but it should be judged can
didy and fairly on its merits, and not by
what DISAPPOINTED camp-followers or
| qangrened politicians say about it, though
they proclaim ther own independence in
the streets, from the housetops aud through
| the press. The most eXcusable and yet
| the most dangerous and miSchieVous of
falsely SO called Independents Is that class
made up Of those who were born with a
twist in their mental organizations. which
forbids them 10 become members OF any
party. Nature made them rs they arc,
with an inclination ever To be on the
| wrong side, tgoi>lic, weak in Judgment
| but strong in >cli-reiancc, oitentimes
| brilliant in speech or with pen, but al
ways stupid and blind rs leaders, and for
ever stumbling in errors and difficulties;
| like crooked sticks. their place is alone,
not in the framework where strength. per-
manence, beauty and completeness are
desired, and into which only reliable tim
Der can enter. Everybody has seen such
persons. Heaven pity the party or COM
munity which is led by them!
With all these forms Of independence,
as they exist politically, we have no SYM
pathy. Believing in the principles of the
republican party and the necessity for its
continuance. we are Independent enough
to say so, as we shall certainly be indie
pendent enough to turn our backs upon it
when we find it unworthy of our support.
We see it now advocating sound princi-
pies in finance, honesty and economy in
government. equal rights irrespective OF
race or class. the preservation and i'm
provement of the public schools, enconr-
agement to home industry and the elcva-
ton of labor, the maintenance OF the ma
tional honor at home and abroad. and while
it holds steadfastly to these we shall sup
port it in our modest and independent
way, as we think Sunday paper may
consistently do,
In Justice to Mr.. johnson and to correct
certain misstatements appearing in some
Of the journals we present to our readers
the following communication which was
published in the Boston Daily Globe, Oct.
goth:
Our Common school sys,em-A Corrsc-
ton.
To tie Editor Of tie Globe:
SIR:-In your issue, Saturday morning Octo-
Der 23d, under editorial heading, the following ex
preston appears:
The most noteworthy feature of the proceedings
was the advocacy by Mr.. Warren johnson Of ma
tional SYSTEM an place of that resting on the au-
thority and action of different State Governments.
He believed that the National Governments should
assume the control and order the plan Of educa-
ton in every State, the local authorities acting as
agents in its execution.
The italics are mine. They indicate points
which do not advocate expressed in the fore
going. What | do advocate is simply this, that
the voice Of the National Government should be
heard; first, in ordering every State to establish
and maintain free school system of such quality
and grade as shall meet the necessities Of common
citizenship; of this quality and grade the nation,
whose existence depends on intelligent citizens,
shall be the judge. The National Government
therefore, should fix the minimum standard for
such school system. BY this ordering no State
would be without school system, as some have
been, or could abolish for any length of time as
some have done; or could have an imperative
system or mere form, some now do.
Secondly aiding with special appropriations
or permanent school funds. For instance, the Ma
tional Government might aid by funding proceeds
from sales of lands holding the funds in trust for
the States, paying interest to sueh as have estab-
lished the required system, and Withholding from
recusant States.
Thirdly maintaining department OF educa-
ton to ascertain by authorized means whether the
educational will Of the nation has been properly
carried out, the national moneys faithfully en-
pended, and to serve a common medium of
school information between the several States.
You will see, therefore, do not propose 10 dis
place the present State machinery control Of
schools, but to add thereto national request and
aid preventing any local or State cessation in
school work, and thus securing the education Of
our youth in every State, town and district. The
same freedom to do and to care for public schools
would remain to the States then as now; bat all
would have to do something.
beg You to present to your readers the follow
ing synopsis of my remarks before the Associa-
tion that they may judge for themselves
ELEMENTS ESSENTIAL TO OUR FREE SCHOOL
SYSTEM.
l. Authority Neutrality-suspicious., ordering FREQ
public school system in every State, and fixing the
minimum grade Of same. State-chief agent of
nation, establishing maintaining and controlling
shcoos. Town-inferior, cooperative with the
State, and charging school facilities.
2. Reyenue.-National and State school funds.
Equitable tax on entire valuation of State. Aux
iliary tax property in several towns. (Ihese
two taxes for teachers wages) Tax property
of towns to build school houses and in general to
furnish all school facilities necessary. Coopera
tive aid from school funds and special taxation.
8. northumberland studies. Qualifca-
tions of Teachers. Graded Schools. Free High
Schools. Normal Schools. Institutes Associated
Free education to both sexes from the primary
school through the several school grades TO state
University and College.
Inspection-Natonal department of education.
State Superinte ndent OF Public Instruction.
County or District Inspection. Town supervision.