The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-12-24
9itI,ulond pispatth.
SATURDAY. DECEMBER "a 1851
National Aid to Public Schools.

National Aid to Public Schools.
several bills have been introduced in'o
ho,b the Senate and House Of Representa-
,,ves looking to national aid In behalf OF
nonular education. No more importah.
subject can come before Congress. IL Is OIL
higher consequence than tariffs, bi-me'a'
ism. Pacific subsidies, pensions, OF even
.ivi.seryice reform. Men are oil more
va,uc than money or any material pro
ducts. II Is false political economy when
in estimating means and sources oil weai'"
oyerlooks human agents in the production
The intelligence Of the laborer Is a prime
factor in working out the sum OF natioh".
nrosperity. On the score OF mere ma'eri'i
interests Congress cannot afford TO shoVe 10
The bottom Of the calendar bills which III
volye so much. 49,,
II has grown 10 be maxim IN politics
that the perpctuity and well-being OF our
republican, representative institutions ae.
mend on the intelligence and integrity OF
tho citizens. A free ballot implies uncon-
strained wiIl-the absence Of passion, pre-
iudice. superstition, ignorance, as wen aS
the absence Of direct intimidation, party or
race-tyranny, or the bayonet. IL Is ABSURD
10 talk about a representative government
when large number Of those who choose
representatives are ignorant OF the issues
Of n canvass, the qualifications or principles
Of the candidates, the theory or character
Of the government, or what Is involved,
noliticallv or morally, in the prerogatiVe OF
the elective franchise.
I, the United States there is fearful
mass Of adult illiteracy, which is standing
menace TO our Government. In 1850 the
number OF voters in Virginia who couia
not read the names on their ballots was
l25,554. In every southern State Ike OF
greater illi.eracy exists.
orr states recognize as on obligation the
furnishing Of the means Of education IN a
limited degree, TO the entire population
All our systems Of public instruction are
based on this idea. In their efforts 10 iur-
rish education to all, the southern States
have acted In a most praisewoTthy manner
The amount Of money raised by taXatioh
from an impoverished people has been
enormous, and yet has been cheerfuly sub
mitted to, as the end to be attained was
necessity. The present pecuniary ability
OF the states is not, however, equal to the
demand and the duty. We are not able TO
give universal education.
The Federal Government should comet TO
the relief of the States which contain TINS
illiterate population and assume its share oil
the responsibility and burden OF maintain
ing an effective system of public schools.
matter Of self-preservation ii should
fake early measures in cooperation wlththe
STATES for the cure and prevention OF illite-
racy. Two suggestions i'll this connection
VIC wish to emphasize
/. Any aid given should be in support OF
State systems Of instruction. Congress
should not seek to manage or control the
state machinery and methods OF education.
II an appropriation be made the Govern
ment will OF course provide for minute
inspection OF the expenditures, and adopt
the necessary safeguards against misuse or
waste.
>. To set apart the proceeds OF the public
lands TO the education Of thepeOple may be
wise as permanent policy OF the Govern
ment, but to rely on such aid exclusively
or mainly, in our present necessitouS con-
dition, would be tantalizing and deceptive.
Something afiording more immediate and
adequate relief is demanded. We need
direct and large appropriation from the
Treasury, which should be conditioned on
liberal cooperative action on the part OF the
states benefited by the grant.
Senator BLAIR, of New Hampshire, has
introduced a patriotic and comprehensive
measure, making illteracy the basis and
the measure of the appropriation, and CIV
ing about $500 the first year to aid each
illiterate. The well-drawn bill is liberal
and Just, and, when perfected in commit
tee. viii deserve the active support OF all
our members. Concentration Of effort
upon a definite measure is Indispensable.