The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1882-05-27
The Antiquity of Free Schools in
Maryland.

hAoA y 4dhos
1t is often assumed by protested mohopoliz-
ers of knowledge that free schools owe their
origin to New Englanders. The fact is, how
ever, as was shown in a paper read recently
before the Historical and Political Science
Association of the Johns Hopkins University,
that free schools were established in Maryland
before the close of the seventeenth century.
They are first mentioned in u bill dated April
Is. 1911, which passed one branch of the
Legislature, but failed to become law. The
first bill for free schools approved by both
houses was passed October Is, 1854, by the
aid of Governor Francis Nicholson.
at provided for the erection of one free
school at Annapolis, and contemplated the
erection of others in various parts of the prov
ince. The first school was erected entirely by
the aid of voluntary subscriptions, Gov. Mich
olson contributing Literally, and nearly every
member of the Legislature following his ex-
ample, The school was continued by reve-
nues arising from special fines and taxes APP
propriated for its support. In 1856 the colo
ny sought the patronage of King William for
"A college to be erected at Annapolis, which
foundation, called King Williams School,
was made by authority of the Legislature in
l7Ol In l723 legislative provision was made
for free school in every county. to be gov
erned bv board of seven visitors. Among
the eighty committeeman thus appointed we
find Gov. Charles Calvert, twelve colonies and
thirteen ministers, the others being planters
and merchants of acknowledged integrity and
public spirit These schools were supported
bv fines and impoSts. including duties upon
the importation of negroes and the exporta
ton of tabaceo. Donations from private in
dividuals were not infrequent. By a statute
passed in lbs provision was made for the ed
ucatiou of poor children in each county. The
frequent mention of free schools in the statu-
tory law OF Maryland attests their popularity
and importance in the minds OF legislators.
who fairly represented the better sense of the
colony Considering how slowly Maryland
grew. how isolated her people were, their
nianor-houses being widely separated. it is
remarkable that free schools were 50 early
established. That these schools exercised
considerable influence upon the culture of the
people is beyond question. Mr.. Eddis, IN his
letters from America in the last century, re-
marks upon the purity and even elegance of
language in Maryland. OF Annapolis, where
the college was located. he said. few towns III
the British domiuions can boast more polish
ed society. The present prosperity of the
school system in Maryland Is in no small de-
gree the outgrowth Of that first planting two
centuries ago by wise Legislators and phllaR-
thropic citizens.
The free schools of South Carolina also are
Of ancient date, being coeyal with the parish
aud the district. Says the author of another
paper read before the same society:
The early Legislators of the colony were
deeply impressed with the importance Of pop
ulaF education. So dominant was this idea
that it had much TO do with the division Of the
counties into parishes, in order to obtain aid
from the society in the mother country for
propagating the Gospel in foreign parts. This
society lent its aid in supplying parish minis
tiers aud teachers. Parochial libraries were
founded and PARISH schools were established,
AZ first under the immediate control of vestry-
mcu The history Of popular education IN
South Carolina dates from these parish be-
cummings. As FAR back as l7l0 free school
vas established in Charleston. Similar in
.titutions were planted at Dorchester, Childs-
bury. Beaufort, Niuety-SiN, ~. Thomas Far
jsh. II. James. Santee and elsewhere. Many
81 these schools owe their origin 10 legacics
bcgueathed them by generous Parishoners-
like Bcresfnrd. Ludlam, Childs and others.
With the growth Of primary education the
demand for higher education increased, re
saltnz in the establishment 81 no less than
i've colleges aud several academies before the
rxpirafion OF the eighteenth century. Many
charitable societies slso maintained schools,
usually for the education Of the poor. In
some cases even slaves we're taught 20 read.
The state constantly encouraged education BY
donations. irnmanites, and by vesting in school
boards cscheats'i property in villages or par
ishcs In lsoi the South Carolina College
vas founded. 3y the year 1871 the demand
Cor popular education had so increased and
ilc country was being 50 rapidly settled that
s general systsm 81 tree schools was inAagu-
rated. From this time ~ there was q steady
increase in educational facilities until the out
break 81 the eiyil war
The fact IS that the p.oprieiy Of establishing
FRYE schools was recognized early by all the
colonies. aud the system attained different de-
grces Of development in each quarter, accord
INK % the varying condition Of density OF pop
ula,ion. occupation, &c II Is questionable
whether shat has been added from abroad 70
E the original Maryland system has not been M
thr direction Of pretentious supertcialism
rather than real efficiency.