Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1879-04-22
GnMMuNIoATED.
NEAR M1ppIrwAY, Apr


Mr.. Editor Some writer has. made the OBJ
seryation that q little learning is O. DANGEROUS
thing and u some CON o n @
D Isition of the sentiments of the writer's, we
may infer that the same Gpiulon' to imlte ID
their absurd notions, unless the opportunity of
the masses abridged Ito obtain this little learn,
ingstbe countryis IN danger of being swallowed
up in communism. And some of these writers.
to prove the uutenable position which they
prehensions, have assorted that Thomas JefTer-
son, that great apostle of the rights OF man aud
colossus OF the Declaration of Independence.
had the pleasure of bearing Mr.. Jeherson give
an oppression OF has entlments unon tnis SUD
have-been very mnch. distorted and he very
much misrepresented; am very 10th to believe
patriot, who was willing to!sacrihce life. honor
and fortune in the holy cause of freedom 60 re-
willing to consign US to a bondage Infinitely
worse-a bondage of Ignorance. And if we wish
to perpetuate and preserve the liberty which he.
and his compatriots have bequeathed to. us, we
must give to our children all tile education we
can, even though it be little If not let them
grow MP in ignorance: close your free schools,
abragate your school law. expunge 1T from your
statute book, and you will haster the very evil
which you are trying to avert Then, Indeed,
you may stand i'll fear of com munism, and all
other isms and a reign of terror will be lnau-
gurated such as has not been known since Lne
days of Danton. Robespierre and Marat. The.
Same scenes may be Witnessed here that were
witnessed in France when Paris was turned into
a slaughter pen and her streets drenched with
the blood of thousands of her murdered. butch
cred citizens. Liccntiousness and protlIgacy
viii go forth unveiled; even the forms of re-
ligiohswill be destroyed, and Christianity Will
be treated rs nudity; mob law wlIi hnld nign
which our forefathers spent SO much blood ana
treasure in building. will be RACED to thegronn!dl
and not stone left to mark the spot wheTeon it
stood and instead of y free. happy, and pros
porous people, enjoyin g blessings and privileges
such other people upon the face OF the
earth enjoys, we will become The most miserable
and wretched, and our FREQ institutions which
III Intar
European politicians will fall to rise no more.
History teaches us that virtue and Intelligence
their happiness; but when the people become
corrupt, then anarchy cpsues-to save frS2"
of tyranny is hailed relief. Ii they ARE
wrong who labor under the gloomy apprehen.
our Republic, let them beware who treat
lightly the ideal that such is our danger.
The Great Ruler of the Universe He who holds
in his hands the destiny Of Nations, has given
us no promise that lie Will alter the decree OF
his Providence in favor of us He has not given
to us the privilege to trample under foot the
laws which He gave MS for our guidance, nor
license to commit with impunity offences for
which He has filled other nations with blood.
Let the parent who looks upon the happy group
that surrounds his tiresde reflect that althon Oh
their lives have begun under the bright skies
OF prosperity, they may be shronded in gloom
through announcement and inisrulc. He will
then lay aside his over-anNlous caro- for their
future care and luxury, and awake to 4 Dreser-
yation of the free institutions of his country.
which cannot be destroyed without destroying
rocked in the cradle of liberty. Americas FREQ
institutions must first be blOttcd ont before sh
changes her democracy for dcspotiem. Let
then be wise and contnue our free school system
as one of the safeguards of our liberty. and as
duty which VIC owe to our children, our conn
try and our God. Ii it is detective revise, alter
and amend it until tho whole machinery Of it is
SO perfect that the most violent aud obstinate
opponent of it will be compelled to acknowledge
the beauty and utility of il; and to do this you
need only to elect such men 10 tho Legislature
whom you know to he its firm friends and sup
pnrters; men who will respect the wishes Of
their constituents: men who will labor for the
life of it, and never cease their labors til this
mootcd question is at rest.
OPEoUoN.