National Republican., 1885-10-01

from local campaign committees.
Northern Republicans who wish to encour.
age our friends in the south TO fearlessly make
stand for the right should see in the offer we
make the best way of accomplishing their aim.
-==-s-s
Free Schools In Virginia.
The Valley Virginian has an editorial on
the public schools which is full of inn
prcssive facts, and should have great weight
with voters who desire the maintenance and
improvement of the states educational
system. The Virgnian charges-aud all
who are familiar with the subject know the
accusation is true-that the history Of the
Democratic party in Virginia has been but
n continuous expression Of hostility to the
Yankee system of free publicinstruction.
II would be directly contrary to the nature
and habits of the bourbon leaders If they
did not cherish "a sentiment Of enmity to
an institution that looks to the elevation
and enlightenment Of the masses"
Our contemporary of the Valley shows
careful study and fine appreciation Of his
subject when he concludes that all there is
left of the oppressive insolence and pre-
sumptuous superiority Of the times of sav-
cry is embodied in the plans and schemes
Of the Democratic party, and that they yet
believe there ought to he class of slaves
consisting of the poor white people Of the
commonwealth.
From the course pursued by the Virginia
Democratic congressman and other promi-
nent Democrats Of that state in manifesting
their deadly hostility to the Blair educa-
tional bill, IL was made as evident to many
friends of that measure IN New England
and the north MS It now is to the editor OF
the Virginian, that they are determined moi
TO tolerate II system which "throws together
aud brings in competition the children OF
the state-that places them on an equality
in the advantages of mental development
aud improvement"
Republicans created the constitution OF
Virginia under which the free school system
had its birth. Prior to that time-as ON
contemporary statcs-a child in order to re
ceive aid from the public fund for educa
tional purposes had to be branded as pau
per; had to carry this mark of disgrace
upon his forehead, Stunned by all Others
who did not share In the shame
It was made the imperative duty Of the
legislature after the constitution was adopt
ed to put the free school system in opera
tion. This appears to have been done with
tacit understanding that as soon as they
could get power to do so the Democrats
would throw the entire arrangement over
board. Accordingly in 1871 the bourbons
adopted legislative measures by the opera
tions OF which "the revenues dedicated by
the Republican constitution Of 1869 to the
public free schools were diverted to the
amount of a million and half dollars. The
schools were reduced by one-half the
attendance in similar ratio, and the school
days In almost corresponding proportion,
The school tax was levied, but the schools
did not get the benefit of it,"
When the new party was organized it
found the school system Of the state far gone
in decay. 1t promised to take care of the
schools. On this and other pledges 1t was
placed in power by the people. 1t kept all
its pledges. 1t enacted laws for the pro-
lection of the schools, which soon brought
them back to vigorous life and usefulness,
SO that the Virginian is justified by the facts
of history in asserting that
Whatever success has attended the public
schools is due to the legislation of the Read.
iustcr-Republican party. II has proven to be
the only true and tried friend Of the system.
The bourbons have been compelled to carry ont
the laws, where evasion was impossible, and
where 1t was possible they have been evaded,
They are entitled to no credit for the adoption
of the system its Inauguration, or its operation.
The constitution compelled the former, as the
laws enacted by the Republicans have enforced
the latter. Whatever figures may be adduccd
favorable to the public schools are the result
of laws adopted by the Republicans, Whatever
resolves or declarations may be made favorable
to the schools by the bOurbons ure the result of
fear of the people. They would declare for
anything that would give them power,
On this, as on all other questions in
volved in the Virginia campaign, the bour-
hons are masquerading in garments stolen
from the wardrobe of their opponents.
With consistent record of bitter animOsity
TO free schools they profess to be the special
champions of the system Having passed
laws to restrict the ballot, and having made
every possible effort to prevent the repeal
Of such laws, they now pose as the great
original advocate of free ballot. Having
given most of their efforts through n series
of years to long, bitter fight against re-
adjustment Of the public debt, they now
claim to he better friends of that settlement
than its inventors.
The future of Virginia viii be dark
enough If the bourbon party, with all its
hatred Of progress, all its devotion to ante
bellum ways, is not beaten this year, We
will not do the people of that state the in
Justice to doubt the result of the pending
campaign.