New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-12-01
TIE SCHOOLS IND THE PRESIDENCY.


Mr.. Blaine has issued the most important
manifesto thus far in the Presidential cam
paign of 1876 Ii is nothing less than an
effort to appropriate to himself whatever cap
ital there was in Gen. Grants Des Moines
speech on the Roman Catholics and the schools.
1t is admirably pat it is plauslble-is in fact
the only solution of the question, provided "A
further solution is needed; and it is launched
at precisely the right time. Mr.. Blaine has
discovered that there is nothing at present to
prevent any State from having an established
church, or from distributing the funds raised by
taxation in the interest of any sect, whether
for education or for other purposes; and he
proposes "a Constitutional Amendment to limit
the powers of the States to this further extent.
His proposal has the great advantage OF
being in form to which nobody can
object. Nothing can be said against 1T,
except that it is not needed while the feeling
already aroused goes to show that a great many
of our best citizens think it is needed. Every
politician knows that there is no subject
on which the average well-to-do citizen
in the country districts is so sensitive
as upon the possibility of Roman Catholic ag-
erosion, particularly with reference to the
schools There is no point wherein popu-
lar prejudice can he 50 shilifully wrested
to political uses. Mr. Blaine adroitly
seizes upon this feeling, recognizes the
danger to which the President called the public
attention, and passes clear beyond him by pro-
posing a practical remedy. Cynical Observers
may think il strange to see Professionalism IN
the hands of such defenders and even the
intimate associates OF the President and of Mr..
Blaine may confess to somo surprise at this
sudden zeal in behalf of evangelical religion
against the Pope. Nevertheless, they have
struck upon one of the most efficient agencies
for use in the present political situation and Mr
81 line, at least, knows exactly what he il about
Without regarding tho merits Of the question
or taking into account at all It's religious bear
ings, wo may fairly pronounce this the slrewd-
est and most formidable move yet made on the
Presidential chess board for 1876.
Nor do we make light Of the real danger
which does in some quarters threaten the system
OF public schools. Ii has already been found
necessary, in this and some other States, 10
prohibit by constitutional provisions any di-
vision or diversion Of public school funds
But experience has shown that these provisions
can be evaded. IL may yet, Of course, become
Necessary to meet the question in State cleo
tons. If the attack should continue, and at
some future time should become so powerful as
seriously to threaten the existence OF tie system
of free, non-scctarian schools it may be nccdful,
bv amendment Of the Constitution Of the United
States. to raise up insuperable barriers against
all forms of assault upon that system. For,
come what may, the people Of this country
will sustain their schools, knowing that free
thought and free education are the basis of
republican government, and that free Institutions
cannot be always safe in any land in which the
education OF the young i. left 10 the churches.