The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1883-01-27
EDUCATIONAL DEPaRTHENT.
SCHOOLS.

have decided to do 80, and that our
first contribution shall be on the
subject of Schools.
In doing this we are aware that
the ground has all been gone over,
hut think there are some things yet
unsaid or some that need to be said
again. Ii there is any one thing that
should engage public attention at
the present time more than another,
that thing is certainly schools, for
in the schools at the present time is
the future hope Of the country.
Nearly as far back as history dates
we find that there have been schools
and teachers Of schools. In ancient
times more attention was given to
the training of muscle than mind, and
in some schools of our acquaintance
the original plan is still in operation,
to the detriment Of more substantial
and practical training. But as the
mental powers gained ascendency
over the physical more attention was
given to their development, and the
primeval plans were abandoned.
AS time passed on schools natur-
ally advanced with other good things,
and became built up Oh higher basis
..n,, "Cvo~. oy oociu.
In no place in the world have
schools made greater advancement
under the circumstances, than in this
county.
The facilities for acquiring com
mon school education are as great
here as in any other land. The mas
SEES are becoming educated with a
rapidity unparalleled in history.
Germany and other countries have
excellent schools, but they have been
ages in arriving at their present en-
viable positions. But we must not
be content to stop and fold our arms
because we, as State and Nation,
have made rapid progress in this
direction.
In admiration of our past achieve
ments we must not forget to make
renewed efforts to improve our sys
TEN and arrive nearer a state Of per
lection.
This is progressive age, the world
moves, and if we are not active and
alive to our interests we shall be left
behind.
One Of the most necessary things
in the education OF the masses is, a
good school system, which we hare,
it has never vet been fairly
tested. Another very important
thing is good comfortable school
houses, which we have not. A glance
at and into some of the 'beautilul
white school houses" Of West Viz
ginia, and especially those of Monon-
gala county, will sour the magma
ton of the most brilliant and fanci-
ful poet on the life and bliss of the
school girl and the unbounded fun
of the roIlieking boy, whose pleasant
recoileetions hereafter will be, not IN
but out Of the school room.
But aside from this, no one doubts
the necessity of better school build
ings, more apparatus and Il general
lCNOlH1loJ III Sliiool ooth W IllH mas
already begun in some parts Of
the State. We 90 not wish to be
understood as finding fault with
everything, but as simply giving
hints and making suggestions which
we believe to be practical, for we are
aware that the present system
of schools was put into opera
ton under many disadvantages, and
we are thankful that it is as well
with us as it is. The school houses
of the County and State are decided
over those that pre-
coded them, but very few things are
Interchangeable in this fast and pro
gressive age, and as the common
schools are the future hope of the
country, the foundation, and feeders
of all higher institutions Of learning,
it is very evident that they should
not be allowed to retrograde or lag
behind in the onward march. But
some may ask. How are we going
to improve our school buildings, get
apparatus DC, and what are gong
to do with our present school houses?
10 the first part of the question we
would answer in the language of an
other, by "Agitation, eternal aglta
tian.' But many no doubt are ready
to say, "hdt will not bring the de
sired result" But to all such we say
most emphatically that it tciH. The
people must be aroused and made
to see and feel that it is to their in
terests to cause such things to come
to pass. They must be thoroughly
awakened and they will urge this
undeniable necessity upon the Boards
of Education they will not resist the
voice of the people, and no one need
fear the result.
10 the second part we answer, all
the apparatus that can be furnished
will be acceptable nov. And to the
last part, we need entertain no fears
concerning the present buildings, for
much time will be consumed in car
rying out the plans and more in get
ting the people ready to carry then
ont. When the school houses of the
county and State are so arranged
that the children can remain in the
house during school hours with at
least some degree of comfort; when
suitable apparatus is secured; when |