The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1888-04-27

child nnder the years of IA has had the
best opportunity that could he provided fot
becoming we'll grounded Ia the primary
branches Of a useful and usabie education,
if the thirst for knowledge developed Itself
the happy possessor of the natural ability
and inclination to become learned in any
branch will readily find means to crafty
the desire; and if some self.sacri6ce and
effort is necessary the learning bought at
such price will like every other good and
costly treasure be better appreciated.
There is no question that the sexes should
be separated and attend different schools
when they reach their teens if they are ex-
pected to make the best use of their tim Ia
acquiring knowledge of branches their
parents and guardians propose they shall
study.
What eyer is done in the way Of educa-
ton after this age by the State should be in
the direction of Industrial schools, where
the Leneit of manual training to some ex-
tent should fit the boys for acquiring the
trade or practical knowledge Of the pursuit
by which they proposed to gain thsir bread
and butter through life. Where the knowl-
edge of a trade or manual pursuit is con-
fined mainly TO manipulation with the
hands, the learning is very crude and i'm
perfect. The boy should be instructed in
the science ofthe trade or pursuit he pro-
poses to master, and il one Of the mechan-
ical arts he will be able 10 become thor
ough and skilled workman. Every apren-
tice should have the opportunity 10 master
The science Of the business he is to devote
his future life TO. 1t has become almost
impossible for American boys to acquire
trades in the factories and shops at the pres
ent day. Unions dominated mostly by for
eign born bosses. have ruled our boys out,
and instead of becoming usefal citizens they
have largely fallen into the practice of liy-
ing by their wits, which is but one step
from the felon. - +
Industrial schools could be established
and in fact must be-by the state in every
county with the necessary equipment,
where boys who had graduated from the
primary schools could enter, and by the
payment OF a moderate tuition fee, acquire
a practical and theoretical education which
would fit them TO become skilled tradesmen
and workers 10 the MULTI ious branches
of manual employment. No drones would
seek those schools where the pupil was re-
quired to pay moderate tuition fee, and
the money of the state would not be wasted
as under present systems, it is, in the
sense!ess effort to teach those who do not
care to learn, or whose natural capacities
are very limited The girls too, should
have equal facilities provided for their be.
coming proficient in such branches of do
nestle economy and employment, as wonld
fit them 10 become good housekeepers,
good wives and intelligent mothers. The
state owes this to the genera ions of the
future. Those who have amlili % Of higher
aims in art, science or the professions. may
be safely allowed to shift for themselves.
Such educational system established by
the state would afford private schools and
seminaries an opportunity to flourish and
offer facilities for acquiring education in
special branches, bat under our present
dog.in the manager public school system,
such private ventures are crowded out OF
existence by the abortive efforts Of the pub
ic schools 10 teach those special branches,
and permitting the boys and girls to attend
them till they have almost reached matu.
rity. There is no branch Of our political
economy more urgently demanding radical
reform than our school system. 1t is an
extravagant a,temp: resulting IN failure to
properly educate.