The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1886-07-01

the humblest primary, where the simplest
elements of knowledge are impaired, to
the great state university, with its de-
pendent branches, standing as a living
monument to the wisdom, foresight, and
patriotism of the fathers of the repub-
lie, and shedding the luster of its light of
learning, science and truth upon the
whole of this mighty commonwealth. 1t
is the pride end glory of our people, free
to all, and its diploma should be the high
est ambition of every youth and maiden
in Texas.
We live in the most progressive age
that the generations of men have ever
witnessed. The youth of fourteen, too day.
is better informed and further advanced
thCn the man of thirty a quarter of a
century ago. There have been greater
developments in science and learning in
the last twenty years than was made in
the century preceding. The thirst for
knowledge is paramount and universal.
What mighty evolutions in the conditions
of men, in the organization
of society, and in the relations
| OF government are awaiting the
coming generations no prophet can fore
tell. In this favored land of ours the in
crease of population and wealth and the
general diffusion of intelligence has sur
passed all the examples of recorded his
tory. The world is moving, and human
thought is developing. The spirit of lib
erty has gone abroad among the nations
and peoples of the earth and wherever the
fires of science and knowledge are lighted
up, emancipation from the old creeds and
forms of despotism becomes only ques-
ton of time. Among the leading factors
and primary causes of this progressive
enlightenment are the cheap book. the
cheaper newspaper, and the free school
The influences of these agencies of the
civilization around US is wonderful to con-
template, but the chief factor, because of
its universally, extent and power, is the
free school. 1t reaches every tireside and
its mission is to elevate, enlighten ana en-
noble every child and every family that
dwells within the circle of the protection of
the state. In the city, in the village, in
the country, everywhere its power is felt,
and its effect is abundantly realized in the
decline OF ignorance and superstition,
and in the growth of knowledge and in
telligence.
would not be understood as assuming
that our system is perfect, or that its ad-
ministration is faultless. Perfection
cannot be predicted of any human insti
tuition. The success already attained is
sufficient guarantee of the future. The
ripe experience of those who have devoted
lifetime to these labors, and the delib-
erations of this association of teachers in
its annual meetings cannot fail to pro-
duce lasting benefits and improvements,
beth in system and methods.
The provision made for the support of
the schools in this state is ample-almost
princely. The endowment of lands and
money surpasscs in amplitude and wealth
all other donations for like purpose on
this continent, if not in the whole civilized
world. We need no outside or foreign
aid. All proper and reasonable wants and
demands can be supplied from our
own resources. These institutions are our
own, created by our own bounty, and
should be maintained and perpetuated by
our own people, and without the inter
meddling of any other government or
power. We want free schools, free to all
the people of Texas, and free from inter
ference by any other authority. In a
word, | would say that Texas neither
needs nor seeks any aid from the federal
government for the support of her
schools, and that she would deprecate and
regret the very possibility of any legis-
lation by the general government touch
ing or affecting this most vital and i'm
portant question. 1t is a social local,
a non political, freside issue, and let it
so remain forever. The appropriation of
money for such a purpose from the ma
tiopal treasury would ultimately
involve the right to control
its expenditures, and in the
course of time, your free schools would
pass from the control of the state, and
from your city, town and local boards,
and their management would be trans
ferred or vested in some department of
the government at Washington. This
would be dangerous Capitalization of po-
litlcal power, possibly far-reaching, I'M
limited partisan power, subversive, as
fear, of the autonomy of our social sys-
TEN, and detrimental and dangerous to
the best interests of the states and people
There is one prominent feature in the
practical results of the administration of
our schools that challenges observation,
and its fruits are on splendid exhibition
in this hall to day. l refer to the honora-
BILE end righteous employment it affords
to so many worthy ladies in this state
As teachers, they take the high
est rank among the best and
most faithful. And 1 am proud to know
that their conspicuous merit is securing
their preferment everywhere In the public
schools. This is as it should be, and i;
another evidence of the progressive ant
liberal spirit of the age in which we live
The high moral tone and influence o.
woman in her mission as teacher will i'm
press itself upon the history and destin,
of this state, and upon the history ant
destiny of this union of states, and upor
the happiness, prosperity and welfare Of
this people, and will transmit its light ant
power of refinement and virtue to the
generations to come.
In conclusion, permlt me to congratu
late you upon the success of the labors o
your profession during the past year, ant
to express the hope that your delibera
tions may be harmonious and pleasant
} and result in permanent benefits to thu
cause of education.
Again l bid you, each and all, cordia
and friendly welcome to this city, the sea
and centre of learning in Texas.
HON. b. NJ. BAKER.
, Hon. B. NJ. Baker, state superintendent
of education, was then introduced. H,
, said she could add nothing to the elo
ouent remarks Just uttered, but as rep
- | 4..s..4o4;,,o ,f tha ctota ha falt II his dut,