Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1883-01-18
Our Educational system.

The publication of the late census sta
tistics on education seems to have dullD-
founded the nation. Nobody was prepared
for such stunning figures Of illiteracy as
there enumerated, and yet, illlterac! - iio'
the greatest evil developed in our sociology
bv the census enumeration. Inc cata-
lopue Of crimes is appalling, and when we
add palIperism. lunacy and kindred evils,
all resulting in a more or less degree from
the deficiencies in our system OF educa-
ton. a mountain of difficulties is erected,
10 be at once encountered by the edu-
Gators. statesmen ard thinkers OF the
country. When we speak of education
in this connection We do not allude to the
system of schools merely, but to the socl-
illogical tutOrship from the cradle to man
hood and womanhOOd. The public and prl-
yate school systems are defective enough IN
all conscience, but it is scarcely just to
undertake to trace our moral deficiencies
TO them. when the subjects of that moral
itv but pass through those institutions
holding intact the teachings of American
society. imbibed from sources out
side of the school rooms. me
schools should, indeed, correct all evil
tendencies of the pupils, but our systems
are not vet adapted to so complete work.
nor has parental authority in this country
learned so fully 10 cooperate with the
academical, as to render such complete
ness practicable. Before anything beyond
a change of text books, and perhaps
little closer discipline, can be
expected of the schools, the public
mind must be revOlutiOnized ON the sub
iect of what constitutes social and p0litl-
cal happiness. The disease cannot he
cured until it can be got at by the physi-
clan. and if the patient is so inflated, WIZ
and foolish that he cannot be induced 10
take medicine, the case is hopeless, ana
will have to be given over to another KIND
Of reyOlutiOn-a revolution that follows
radically disOrdered institutions with the
unerring certainty Of fate. If we are
building our house blindly upon the fol-
lies and corruptiOns of the present age, 1t
will be sure to tumble down about the ears
Of a not very distant generation. What Is
the state of society in the great, the
leading communities of the country
Can it be affirmed that the ruling classes
are governed by a well regulated con-
science? II so, from whence comes that
| all-pervading selfishness we see every
where exhibited in sentiment, action
and policy, even among educated men,
who are supposed to understand and de-
/ sire the blessings of morality and good
/ government. That they respect, i'll
/ measure, the claims of society, and accord
/ TO each other the rights of the laws, can
/ scarcely be claimed as merit, be-
/ cause these concessions are absO-
| lutte necessities, forming the very basis
of peace and prosperity; but how many
fail to disparage law, custom, or usage
when it can be done with impunity for i'll
dividual thrift! This proves that as
general thing we have no conscience, bu'
20 it blind, hoping to stumble upon for
tune without guide or rule, save an all
consuming desire to do something great
in the world. But this is building the
house and leaving out the foundation sills
| and until we correct this great oversight
we shall make slow progress in so reform
ing our educational system as sensibly tC
decrease the immortality and crime which
| now 50 shamefully stain our record.