The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1880-02-14
OUR SCHOOLS.

While the means of lining is the prinla
ry need and does and should occupy a
large share of attention, yet it should al
ways be borne in mind that the object of
supreme, ultimate Importance is intellect
ual advancement and improvement. Ma
teriaI life is the basis, the foundation--in-
telectual life the crowning glory of exist
ence.. In our struggle to live, we are apt
to neglect the consideration of this ulti-
mate object-in certain depressed. and
seemingly hopeless conditions this is iney7
isabiv, L--4 4l,e >,-eaead prosperity of our
farmers, the new dawn which has arisen
upon them since the light of'the Grange
has been shed abroad, and enabled them
to work with better cheer, gives them the
opportunity to consider this question of
cEucation and to take steps towards put
ting it upon more satisfactory basis,
There is no matter Of more vital impor-
tance than this of our schools. They are
in deporable condition. This is to be
attributed to the absorption of the farmer
in his work on the farm, leaving every
tting else to care for itself. The neigh
borhood schools are in the hands of incom-
petent persons often, and often where the
teacher is competent the attendance is
irregular. There will be breaks of days
and weeks, and nothing is so discouraging
to both pupils and teachers as this. Let
our farmers take hold of this matter with
all the earnestness that it derserI es. There
IS not one who would not make extra
effort in the way of self, sacrifice to further
the education Of his children; there IS not
one who does not appreciate the great
value of education, and who Would not
look with pride upon a son or daughter
who showed an ambition to learn, The
trouble has been lack of combination,
lack of united effort and of continuous eff
fort. But the Grange now offers the op-
portunity for combined and continuous
action. Let the matter be discussed at
every meeting. . Let committee upon
education be appointed to look into the
state of the schools-this committee con-
sisting of the ablest and most active mem
bers of each Grange. Any fcommunica-
tion on the subject-any discussion of the
question we would most gladly give space
to in our columns, and any suggestions
that occur to US we will most willingly
publish. There is nothing that we. have
more at heart than this matter of education.
For upon the intelligence of the masses
~ j.. 4 err -
depends, the stability of our republican
government,-there is no other security,
and with every increase ofiwealth1 on the
part of the wealthy there is needed to
balance the increase of power on that
side an increase of intelligence on the
other Farmers! look to the, education Of
your children-in vain do you toll fol
them, unless you give. them the power tc
appropriate your labors and make inteli
gent use of that labor. We shall look te
hear from our. warm hearted Jealous
friends in all quarters, upon this sssrubjec
that prompt action has been taken, arle an
schoolsefgaHized-aHd-t little folks takHer
in hand and encouraged ando helped in
direction that will lead to happiness ane
usefulness and prosperity. Appoint tha
school committee, -get-the co operation Q
the county superintendent and setto work
$1,000 80 -.--.-e as9oe
Education pays. Ignorance costs,