The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-03-30

aeglecting the other, or if he pays atten-
tion to them both he is likely to use his
position in one to advance his interest in
connection with the other Isn't Gov.
Bishop daily violating the spirit of the
Constitution by acting as Governor of
the State and Trustee of the Southern
Railroad at the same time?
THE agitation in both St. Louis and
Chicago as to the branches that should
be taught in the Public Schools is inter-
esting, but none of the disputants seem
to admit the real purpose of the schools,
namely, that the greatest good possible
may be conferred upon the greatest num-
ber of children without imposing too
heavy burden upon the public. This
is the whole question in the abstract, and
the manner and detail of doing this de-
pends almost entirely upon the circum-
stances in each particular case. First of
all, children growing up in this age of
advanced civilization are entitled to be
taught to read, write, reckon ordinary
questions in mathematics and to receive
proper instruction as to their morals.
No community is poor enough to be alb
solved from this small duty to the chill
dren. The propriety Of teaching the
more advanced branches depends upon
the ability of any particular place and
the desire its people have to see their
children grow up educated and accom-
pished men and women. If a people are
naturally selfish, and care more for their
own comfort and for increasing their own
wealth than for educating their children,
they will want as few branches as posi-
BILE taught in the schools. On the other
hand, a people we'll educated them
selves will desire the standard of
education in the schools placed
high, and as many educational advantages
as possible given their children. Whether
this or that branch should be added to the
list taught in the public schools depends
therefore, upon whether or not it is next
in importance to those already taught
All the essentials of good business edu
cation should come first, and then the ac
complishments AS the main object Of
an education is to fit the person for the
duties of citizenship, most attention
should be given to what can be turned tc
practical account in the every day duties
of life. There is nothing in the argu
ment that only the rudiments should bt
taught in the public schools, and thC
higher branches be left for the colleges
and academic institutions. A community
can not do too much for the children
and all the advantages that can be pro
vided will add to the stock of informa
tion of the rising generation, and, there
fore, be of real advantage to the commu
nifty. Provision for the collegiat,
branches should not be attempted to th'
detriment of the schools for the masses
for the first duty is to secure to all goot
elementary education. To do this it il
necessary for the authorities to provide
good school buildings in convenient local
tiles, teachers OF the required quallhca
tions, school furniture and fixtures &C
cordiug to the ability and necessities o
the case, and to see that the children
get books at cost that i
not burden to the parents
Then, provision having been fully mad
for every child to acquire good elemen
tary education, attention is properly di
rected to the more advanced branches
taking those first which are likely to b.
of most use in that particular communi
ty, Or for which the child is best adapted
for rapid advancement. The limit tt
this work of enlarging the sphere of pub
lie instruction is bounded only by tn
ability or inclination of the people to sup
ply the means If the people are abl
and willing, the interest of all is advanced
by making it possible for the poores
mans son to attain the best universit.