The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1877-02-14
Chr Semtimel.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY u.
THE STATE AND ITS INTERESTS.

conflict in which hitherto they have gained
signal triumphs At the centennial exposi-
ton, and during the Centennial year just
closed. the people, regardless of state lines,
were by natioanl pride moulded into
sublime unanimity in proclaiming the
giant strides of the young republic
in all departments of human progress. The
wilderness had been subdued, iron bands
linked the remotest sections indissolub!y to-
gether, the mightiest rivers had been bridged,
across the SUBMITS of mountains highways
of travel and commerce had been hewed out,
or their broad base tunnelled. Population
had increased from three to forty millions.
FIourishing cities had taken the place of
pioneer trading posts, system OF
railroads had been constructed that
made the resources of the country
available, and enabled it to supply in part
the markets of the world with its surplus
products. Statesmen had been produced
who will live in historywith the most renown-
ed the world had ever produced. Eloquence
as feryid as ever enraptured an audience
lived in memory and printed books Philos-
ophers who had brought the lightning
from the clouds and harnessed it
to the wires, the willing courier
of mems thoughts were of American produc-
ton and growth Astronomers had remapped
the heavens and weighed the stars anew.
Science had found American votaries of
thought as profound as ever gained hear
ing since. with feeble step, it demanded au-
dience in the world of mind. Colleges, ad-
vanclng by regular steps from feeble
schools to universities, had sent forth
scholars who had brought Amer
lea into intellectual communion with
the learned men of other countries.
Poets had stepped forth with their harps as
sweetly attuned as Sappho's, or Homer's, or
Millions, but better still, as the climax of
her progress and as an evidence of her ele-
walton, the republic, with a pride which
must forever be her chief glory, pointed to
her school houses, things of beauty and JOYS
forever, and said: These are my jewels,
around these my mighty arms are embodied;
these are the monuments of the progress of
humanity Under my fostering care they
have been warmed into life, and though the
'iron rails wear out and the locomotive
ceases to awaken forest and mountain
echoes the school houses, if overshadowed
with law and guarded by an enlightened
public opinion. will in all time maintain'th
glory of the state and guard well the insti-
buttons of liberty"
This, and much more in the same direc-
ton, was said upon the subject of our
growth and greatness. But il may be well
to stop and listen to the remarkable change
of tune that breaks upon the ear. The cry
comes, "Down brakes" We interview the
men who issue the order and find them all
frightened; inquire into their circumstances,
we find them all rich. They live in stately
mansions. All climes contribute TO their
comfort and their ease. Houses and lands
are theirs, banks and warehouses are their
property. Many of them under the broad and
enlightened iberality that has ruled in the
past and which has contributed to their sue
cess, have become millionaires. And now
what? Down breaksl The complaint is
too much taxes. If one suggest too
much interest, they do not respond,
too much rent, and their ears never catch the
sound; too much mortgage, by which man
loses the earnings of life time, or is COM
PEELED to give it up for half its worth-in
such cases the laws are all right. But taxes,
mention that subject and Niagara of elo-
quence and invective commences its
roar, and like the Oregon, hears
no sound save its own dashing.
The feature of the discussion that attracts
special attention just now relates to schools
True, they are the glory of the state and the
country-their boast and pride-but they
cost something, and the same is true of jails.
penitentiaries and poorhouses. what con-
'stitutes a stateg' inquired Sir w. Jones,
and replied:
What constitutes a state?
Not high-raised battlements or labored
mound,
Thick wall or mOated gate;
Not cities proud, with spires and turrets
crowned;
Not bays and broad armed ports,
Where, laughing at the storm, rich navies
Not starred and spangled courts,
Where low browed baseness watts perfume
to pride.
In the development of its mind re-
sources the state secures a wealth and inhu-
ence that gold and silver can not furnish.
The world is full of illustrations that de-
monstrate the fact beyond all controversy.
Taking this view of the subject, we are
inclined to the opinion that Indiana
should deliberate long and well be-
fore, in obedience to those who
demand the sacrifice, she strikes fatal
blow at her free school system. In other
states the purpose is to increase the
efficiency OF the public school system, and
in commenting upon the new departure,
the Boston Post remarks that 'the theory at
present proposed is to provide mechanical