The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-10-06
Federal VS.. State Schools.

Federal VS.. State Schools.
\ recent issue OF the New York journal
of Commerce contains a timely and able
exposition of the tendency towards CEN
traljzation in this country, in which it
dwells with especial force upon the latest
danger that threatens "the province OF
legislation reserved TO the States" After
rehaarsing the efforts OF Mr.. JEFFERSON
and Others TO guard against just such en-
croachments, boldly proclamlng that
slavery was abolished in defiance OF law,
and by strong central force that stood
no: on the order OF its action. and citing,
among other things, the inlqultous at
tempts OF the Republican party to legislatc
IN, negro into social equality with The
whites, the journal Of Commerce adds
Famllarizcd with this 'paiernal IN
terfcrence at Washington with the social
habits Of the people, we are no" nsAeu 70
maxi General stride further in the same
direction. ana to allow the same Guthori-
ties 20 take general charge Of the education
Of The rising generation throughout The
country. II this scheme can be carried
through according To the plan Of It's pro-
jeciors, common schools are 70 be e,tab-
lishod everywhere under az act OF Con-
eross. to be supported out Of the public
treasury, the teachers and books and
methods Of tmtionto be under Washing
ton superintendent, and all tac WORK TO
be directed by a central bureau
1.-THE arguments FOR the change, Illus
straifd by The poverty OF certain sections,
or their Indifference TO the wants Of the
children. and the consequent absence OF
educational facilities, are plausible enough;
but the bow at local scll-gOyernmcnt viii
be none the less severe if the plan is adopt
cd.
"Thc spirit which fosters such schemes
j. very widely prevalent. Under the guise
oi philanthropy il looks out over The broad
domain, and wherever it can find com
mon need or an admitted evil II demand,
taat tie authority Of the General Govern
ment Shall be directed TO supply the one
and ahatc the other. 1t does not stop al
political reforms. Its zeal being kindlcd,
il aims to regulate the manners and habits
OF the people not only in social life. but in
their personal tastes and appetitcs.'
I'VE think this movement has gone Tar
enough, ard il j. time for .hc lcac! ,On to
So, in. Indeed. we could bear 10 see il 20
nan. woman. and child IN ali the country
: ITO restraining hand beyond the lawful
authority next above each OF them, and
then Only in matters where obedience is
conceded TO he due, and is consistent with
the frees; enjoyment Of all personal rights
We agree with the journal Of Commerce
fully. Every word quoted above but for
tiiics the POSITION we have always taken in
discussing this subject. :" The spirit which
fosters this scheme particularly is indeed
"widcly prevalent" and the movement
has indeed gone far enough. It's time to
call halt in no uncertain language. The
southern journals which lave been duped
by the spccious arguments OF its advocates
are simply aiding in forging letters that II
once placed upon us cannot be thrown OIL
in generations. To conSummate the scheme
would be to subvert the very foundations
OF free institutions and turn the South over
bodily to political cabal at Washington.
Shorn OF the tinsel OF pseudo beneyolence
and philanthropy that is dazzling the eyes
of the unwary, the movement Is simply
desperate effort TO pave the way 10 a strong
er government. And with stronger gov
ernmcnt than has existed under Radical
auspices. what next? 1t should not take
a prophet or the son OF 4 prophet to fore
tell.
None are prepared to so further than the
Dispatct in urging the advantages OF edu-
cation. We are fully alive to the fact that
the South needs money to perfect its sys-
TEN, and we would be the last to decline
Federal aid, provided il came under pro-
per conditions. That we have so expressed
ourselves time and again is well known.
But we .eitcratc, those conditions must be
absolute freedom from Federal control OF,
or interference with, The disbursement OF
the funds or the management OF the Sys-
ten IN any of it, details. Every dollar ap'
propriatcd must be appropriated uncondl'
tionally. TO consent to Federal control OF
the schools in the States would be to sur
render the heritage hequeathed us 10y th'
father, Of the republic, and make us rai
tors TO orr people OF every class.