Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1879-04-05
COMMUNICATED.
FREE SCHOOLS.

Mr.. Editor-We were surprised to
learn that in some parts of the county
the idea is prevailing that the grange as
an organization is opposed to the free
school system. We replied that this
impression or opinion is erroneous, aud
asked how it originated. The response
was that certain leading erangers are
opposed to free schools, talk and write
in opposition to the system, and are
supposed to represent the position OF
the Order on this subject.
-. We wish it to be distinctly under
stood that the graDgers recognize no
leaders in Jefferson or elsewhere. They
have selected officers who when writing
or speaking officially are supposed and
required to express the doctrines and
principles of the association. We have
never seen in any address by a grange
speaker, the position taken that the Or
der is opposed to free schools. But on
the contrary we have inferred from all
we hav. heard and read on this subject,
that they heartily favor this system.
But to be enabled TO speak with more
accuracy, we concluded 10 obtain the
views of the State Grange Lecturer,
Hon. c. L. Butler, believing him to be
sincere, straightforward and fearless Gu
this as on every other subject which
concerns the people OF this county and
State. After relating to him our views
as expressed above, he said that be
agreed with US, and in his regular adj
dresses always stated Gas grange speak
ers generally do) that the Order advo-
Gates education as necessary to elevate
their class and qualify them TO protect
and advance their interests; aud as one
of the means to the end, he invariably
named free schools as chief and indis-
pensablc, inasmuch as nine, tenths of our
population are educated therein. He
also insists on the necessity of selecting
teachers for these schools of the highest
qualifications, both moral and intellect
ual. and of having them especially
trained. He also favored Mechanical
aud Agricultural College in this State,
similar to the one at Blacksburg, Va,
where tuition and rooms are free, and
board, at low price, can be paid in
money or by labor on the farm. AT
such an institution students are taught
the different trades and the various
branches of farming. This system is
pursued in Europe, and several States
in this country, with good practical re
suits. Special education TO each avoca-
ton is necessary to success in life.
The Lecturer said he was informed
by a member of the State Grange Exec
utive Committee, whom he met in
Wheeling in February, that an address
he delivered in Mineral county in Sep
TENDER, 1876, was approved especially
on account of his praise of the free
school system, its success, and its being
indispansably. necessary to educate the
children of this State
We believe these views are endorsed
by the Worthy Master and other Off
GERS of the w. Va. State Grange. Often
the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry
is censured because its principles and
purposes are misunderstood and misrep.
resented. To make our position con-
elusive, We quote the lst and 4lh prin-
ciples of the Order:
lst. We shall strive earnestly, within
and without our Order, to extend the
benefits Of education, which shall COM
prise knowledge of public affairs aud
the methods Of self government.
4,h. We shall give constant care and
attention 10 the public schools, in which
the youth of the nation are deeply inter
es,ed, striving for that higher and prac-
ticable enlightenment which should be-
come the Distinguishing feature of free
people
We hope it is now made plain that
the granger who is inimical TO free
sshools is doing them injustice.
ERA NICER