Ellsworth American., 1876-11-30


Mr. Editor:
would like o. ask the patrons OF the
American Interested in the cause of educs-
tIon to give summary OF the workings Of
the Free II sh school system, specifying
difficulties which have appeared. and the
beneficial results which have been attained
80 TAR A. the same have come under their
observation.
The Free High school which was, at
first resuared by many as an experiment,
ha. been in operation long enough for one
70 form some idea OF its practical utility,
and il il j. really what il most ardent sup
porier- claim for it. there is no good rea-
son why it should not De established in
every town in the State.
In its iucipieney, we were occasionally
favored through the columns OF the Amer
lean. with encouraging reports of its prog
ress and efficiency, but since IL has ceased
TO be novelty. its warmest admirers
have grown silent over its merits.
Meanwhile many conservative and cau-
with some degree of anxiety to see wheth-
er this innovation upon our school system
will meet the expectations of its projectors
and take rank among the permanent aud
indispensable Institutions OF our State.
Ifit is worth preserving, there is need
that its usefulness be brought more prom
ineutly aud widely before the public, as
there has been nanifestly a growing dis
satisfaction with It's results, aud more par
ticuarly among many with the pecuniary
burden it imposes upon those who have a.
yet realized no benefit from it.
Three years ago efforts we're made
through petitions aud otherwise to abolish
the Free High School Act. aud IL We mis-
take not, "A similar movement has been
made at every session OF the Legislature
since. The whole system rest. on the
most unreliable basis. and is liable TO fall
in an unguarded moment. Nothing but the
most untiring vigilance and favorable pre-
ssntatinn of the benefits of the Free High
school, coupled with earnest and unaltered
its friends, can save it to the cause OF edu-
cation and the State. If with what trial
has been given il, it has proved valuable
adjunct TO our public school system. invIg-
Grating and elevating the entire fabric;
il its tendency is toward a better general
preparation for citizenship, and utilization
OF the advantages which nature, art and
christianity have placed at our command.
no one will dispute il claim 10 public sup
port.
never supposed il was the duty or with
| in the province of the State, 10 educate a
/ class of polite scholars. .versed in literature
and the tnc arts; but only to afford such
/ an elementary education as is necessary 10
4 the preservation of our form of govern
1 ihent; beyond this every man or class OF
/ men have the right to combiue for the high
/ est possible culture, but have no right TO
! compel me TO help educate them to an ex-
tent. which does not make my right more
secure. or my interests more valuable.
shall not at this time express any opin-
ion upon the legality of the Free High
School Act, for that question has already
been decided by more competent authOri-
ties. but simply wish To invite information
regarding its practical results, and provoke
discussion upon its merits. j. NJ. II.
Nov. 22. 1876.
The school IN Dist. No. 5.taught by Miss
Dora A. Leach, closed Friday. Nov. 10,
after prosperous term of ten weeks.
The folio wing Is list OF students who
were not absent one day
Lille NJ. Leach. Carrie c. Leach, Mabel
W. Leach, Alice Z. Leach. Eliza ]. Leach,
Maud d. Leach, Eta g. Leach, Annie K
Grindal. Nora l. Grindal Ida L. Wardwell
Emery o. Curtis, ewis A. Snowman, John
A. Bridges. Stephen L. Leach. Norris NJ
Leach. Elmer @. Leach, ,Eyerard r. Leach
Fred w. Leach. Walter 8. Leach, Arthur
b. Leach. George C. Leach.
The following were not sbsest more than
one day =
Eyrrett i. Leach. Oscar F. Leach, Del
lie Leach. Hattie Seovnan. H.
Noy. 20, 1876.