The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-07-01
Educstien at the Centennial.

Educstien at the Centennial.
1t has been forcibly urged, in late discus
sions of the Centennial celebration, that this
state has been overlooked in the past, aud
iss real merits have failed of dus spprecia-
ton. The natural wealth of the state is not
as we'll understood outside as that of some
other states younger than this. Hence a
great effort will be made to exhibit such
evidences of agricultural and mineral
wealth, as will do justice to the state,
and remove any false impression that
may exist in regard to Indiana's
material resources. There is another direc-
ton in which the past reputation of this
state shadows the imaginations of those not
well acquainted with the facts. She does
not obtain due credit abroad for her real
educational character. 1t is not usually in
very good taste to complain that one is not
duly appreciated; but what applies to an
individual in this matter may not
| necessarily be applicable likewise
to a state. And it may not be
immodest to allege that the reel condition
of Indiana in the matter of education is con-
sidersbly misapprehended. Massachusetts
has acquired world wide fame for the excel
lence OF her system of public schools, and
the prevalence of educated mind. Yet, as 2
matter of fact, though Indiana is later IN
point of time, her system of schools, her
methods and progressive spirit, would COM
pare favorably with Massachusetts,. There
is this marked difference between
A. NJ ,,ol,
misrepresentation is founded. Massa
chusetts has been longer in the field, and
mature people are better educated. You
would not hear a we'll dressed lady of mid
die age remark coming out of church, as one
did in this city yesterday, in regard to the
preacher, 81 reckon he don't throw hisself
that way every sermon" The retiring
generation enjoyed better culture in Msssa-
chusetts than those who opened the roads of
civilization into Indiana. But take the
pupils now in school in the cities
and larger towns, examine the,
subjects and methods of instruction, and
it will be found that our educators are keep
ing well abreast of the most enlightened
ideas. Even in Boston the school board
hesitated more about the support of art edu-
cation than they have done in the cities OF
this state. Go to the department of public
instruction in this city, and the state super
inteRdent's Office will be found adorned
with artistic work from the public schools
that will challenge com parison with the
same class of work anywhere. Our Normal
school work has been repeatedly pronounced
superior to that of any other state. Our
school fund, now approximating nine mill
lions of dollars, is the largest that can be
shown by any state, and in all communities
except those sparsely settled the standards
of education are high. Yet it is so lately
that the scenes described by the "Hoosier
Schoolmsster' were living reality that by
many it is supposed that Indiana is
far behind in matters of education
1t is quite as important to disabuse the out
side world of this error as it is to demon
strate the existence of our valuable timber,
our coal, iron. kaolin and fertile soil. For
what are ali these material riches without
an intelligent people, without the possession
of spiritual refinement. taste and the a5orn-
ments of Intellectual culture? An effort is
on foot, under the inspiration of the super
tubCAuCnS VI DQDiC anu OJneT
friends of education, to make prepare
tons 10 represent Indiana of the
centennial in her mental we'll as material
progress. This effort should receive the
warm and strong support of those who are
pushing the centennial interest here. The
fret step is to make suitable display at the
staEo exposition this fall. Invitations haI 9 |
beeG sent to all the leading schools, asking
their cooperation to fairly represent the |
school, interest OF the state at the |
exposition. This will be useful |
rehearsal for better performance |
at Philadelphia in 1875. Something was
done last year in this line, bat that feeble |
effort viii be greatly improved upon this
year. It will cost nothing to make a dis
play at home, except the will and the work.
For properexhibition, in 1874 some money
may be needed, which, it is believed, will be-
provided. Not the least advantage of this
educational showing, would be It's reflex in.
fueEce upon the state itself, in giving a new
impetus to the work of educating the peo-
pie, and awakening just appreciation of
that which is not wholly material and sor-
did.
In Connecticut, the towns are represented in
the legislature much as the states are In the