The Lake Charles echo. [volume] (Lake Charles, Parish of Calcasieu, La.) 1876-1898, 1885-03-21
NO. 81
Communicated
EducRaiOn tlhe H4ever or tine
World.

| History is a marathon of past events;
treating largely upon the rise and
downfall of nations, and the principal
causes thereof, and while many ma
tions have sprung up from obscurity,
gained a feot-hold, attained wealth
and power, and even advanced in en-
lightenment, they have suddenly, by
mighty hand Of opposition, been re-
duced to submission, almost, as It
were, swept from existence, The
pages of ancient history are clouded
with the fall of many nations that
hitherto had perhaps been looked up
on as towering, in their great strength,
almost above the fiercest storm Of dis
aster But we find that their wide
territory, great strength, populous
cities, nor even strong Notifications,
secured their perpetulty. Although
in a friendly relation toward all other
dominions, ana meddling with the
affairs Of none, many have become
subject to feeling of national jeal-
ousy, or a burning spirit Of conquest,
and have been deprived of their wealth,
beaten down to the ranks Of snbmis-
sion, and by the sword Of the enemy
greatly reduced in population.
When we come to compare histori-
cal facts and fundamental principles
which pertain h the growth or decline
of nations, iu all ages, what do we
find to be the principal cause thereof
Most assuredly it has ever been, and
especially in the past times now re-
fered TO, the unihlightencd state of
mankind, Civilization had not vet
sufficiently accomplished its work as
to avoid tanatical speculation. With
out enlightenment, inculcatcd by the
development of the mental faculties,
mortal man is unable to properly view
his situation as creature aspiring for
earthly prosperity and fame, or for
peaceful habitation in eternity. There
fore VIC must conclude that the pros.
perity of any nation is dependent upon
the ray Of enlightenment that illumin-
ates the minds of its constituents. A
misunderstanding in regard 70 right
and aorong, and false idea of religious
duties, arc prominent features arising
from the benighted state Of man.
Well might the learned historian as
sert that ''education had come to be
the lever that was to move the world.n
Civilization and enlightenment were
strongly opposed, and must, Of course,
advance rapidly in order TO obtain
power over their numerous opponents
which existed in those ancient times.
But now the mind of man seems to be
to its highest point of
capability. Education has proven its
virtue as the most potent factor in
peace, prosperity, wealth
and religious liberty to the building
up of the greatest nations of the earth.
The true principle of enlightenment,
and of right and Vroag, cannot be
properl y esteemed and rightly utilized,
without education to first prepare the
mind for its reception. Hence it was
that our forefathers so frequently
strayed into the path of error.
Let us now, in a few brief words,
refer to the brilliant sunshine of edu.
cation that so ilustrious!y character
zes the present age. Although it is
great, and beams forth with such
nagnanimity of intellectual force, let
rs not cease to write our efforts to
still further promuIgate its benefits
our own beloved land,
which is so dear to our patriotic love.
bet every State, parish and district
riumphantly wave the banner Of edu-l
,atiOn, and shower abroad the thriving
germ of all perseverance and energy
md let every citizen lay hold Of that
mighty lever which is sufficient to
move the universal world, and may il
'e more and more elevated into the
'alubrious and balmy atmosphere of
AYToH.