The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1876-03-24
Report of Seth Thompson Town
Superintendent of Schools.
FAIRHAvEN, March, 1876.

Fellow citizens of Fairhsven: In max
ing the annual report of superintendent OF
schools, it gives me much pleasure, to be
able to report real Improvement in the
character and condition of some if not all
of our schools.
There has been less change Of teachers
than usual, with only four exceptions, the
same teachers have been retained during
the year. This is one important step in
the right direction. The efficiency of a
school, in a great measure, depends upon
been truly sale, is plant of slow growth,
and it cannot bear to be too oft uprooted.
No doubt there are soils where this plant
will not take root and flourish, then a
change is certainly desirable. Neither
would l advise any committee or district
to retain an incompetent teacher merely to
avoid making change; but to secure the
services OF such that no change would be
called for; and in proportion to their sue
cess in this undertaking, will they merit
the title of "good and faithful servant"
During the past year, for some of the
schools, you have employed teachers, bet
ter adapted to the business, and better quail
flied for the work, than their predecessors.
The beneficial influence is already seen and
felt throughout our whole community; and
the advantages of a good common school
education are felt to be within the reach OF
all. The highest department of our grad
ed school offers still superior advantages
Some studies usually pursued in such
schools and which seem to me desirable,
have not yet been introduced, but / trust
they will be as the demand for them in
creases.
Whether the policy in regard to some o.
our schools, has been judicous and eco.
nomica, or, needlessly expressive, is moi
my province to discuss leave it to the
tax payers, in whose hands our schools are
But whatever else they do, trust they vii
not lower the standard or lessen their eff
flciency Well qualified teachers are alb
solutely necessary to a proper advance
ment of our schools. Whatever may b.
the subject of Investigation, the great enc
to attain is truth. Truth is the only proper
food for the human mind. A mans knowl
edge consists in the truth that he knows
and not in the error that he believes. Ant
his character depends upon the principleI
of truth implanted and developed in thu
mind, and in the heart. How importan
then in the selection of teachers, that W,
employ those only whose minds are vel
stored with truth, and whose hearts &C
knowledge its supremacy; that in the school
room, the plastic mind of childhood, be no
brought in contact with error. to bear tn
imprint of its falsehoods, forever upon tn
character.
In the employment of teachers you hav
right to demand scientific qualifications
and moral qualifications, but you have n
right to demand religious qualifications.
The church has its schools, and 1t has
right so to do, but our common schools ar
the creatures of the state, and the unto
of church and state, whether in wedlock o
out, has never yet been happy. OF in
morality and vice the state can take cog
nizsnce; but Of religious sentiments or be
liefs, it cannot. In this we must subm
only to the jurisdiction of the great Fathe
of us all. Our common schools are purel
secular institutions. The state exemp,
mons from taxation for their support, o
account of religious tenets, hence we a
enter them as our common property. Their
our rights are all equal, whatever may
our religious preferences; and sectariar
ism in every form should be forever e,
cluded. There nothing should be pei
mitted to enter which could do violence I
the religious feelings even of few.
Upon this subject the people are avail
ening throughout the length and breadt
of our lands even those DESTROYS of II
honors of presidential candidacy al
ready to mount the hobby. The tendenc
OF public opinion, is Enthusiastically Il
wards equal rights and it is truly gratif,
ing to see devout and devoted christian
of every denomination, under sense
duty, coming out cheerfully and expres
ing their Willingness to leave all sectarii
differences aud religious preferences b
hind, and to meet in the school-room {
common ground. In the school room Il
book of science, art and morality onl
should be opened, and none will ever lea'
because there is no more to learn al
none will ever find themselves farther fro
God by the discovery of or familiari
with, the great truths of his works.
And whilst the church 10 earnestly 81
: legitimately at work intoxicating and d
seminaitng its doctrines; the CONNIE
school should be equally earnest and re,
. GUS in advancing the intellectual grow
= and scientific knowledge of those in who
n hands, we must soon leave the institutiO
4 and the destinies ofour country.
!. If truth only is taught in these vario
d departments of our educational trainin
it will never conflict, for truth always hi
. monies with itself. Science cannot