Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1889-12-11

Increase of pupils in average daily attsn-
dance nearly 10000.
These figures prassat leading facts in re-
gard to tho system, snd show that under
the fostering oare of the General Assembly,
and under the jadicious and ef1oient super.
vision of its accomplished SIpsrinten bat,
it has maintained uniform aud sssaly
growth. But a still larger dsvslopmsut is
practicable; higher dsgrea Of efi,is13y
aud wider range of usefulness are attain
able, provided larger fund be wisely and
economically applied to it.
| would recommend that the General AS
sembly make special provision to maintain
shs cash allowance to the public schools
froH the State funds. The interest. ascer-
tanned by act OF Assembly Of Feb. 2, 1882,
to be due on Literary Fund bonds, aud
computed to be 1919. .270, was, by Acts of
Assembly, sessions 1SS5-'S8 and 1S57-'SS
appropriated to the use of the public schools
in annual instslmeats of 800, 900. The
last iustalmsnt, which was raised to $780,
900 by q supplement appropriation from
the general revenue of the Stats, will be
expended during tho year closing July 81,
1890. Henco, after this date, unless some
special appropriation bs made, deficiency
of 100000 per aunum will occur iu the
cash apportionnent 30 the schools from the
State funds.
The forthcoming annual report from the
Superintendent of Public instruction, which
will be submitted to the General Assembly
at an early day, will furnish additional
statistical and other Information of special
value in relation both to our pubic schools
and our institutions for special aud higher
education.
COLLEGIATE INSTITUTIONS
1t has been uniformly the policy of the
State to support her higher institutions of
learning with liberaiity commensurate
with her resources. 1t is needless here to
present in detail the considerations which
vindicate the wisdom OF this policy. 1t is
conceded thst-in @ free government es-
pecially-a virtu0us, intelligent, and patri-
otic citizenship constitutes an essential
condition of public safety and social we'll
being. Therefore, such civil institutions
as are adapted to create this condition and
thereby to conserve and promote the pub
lie veal the State hss right to establish
aud maintain. Ga this theory rests the es-
tablshment of public free schools, and to
the extent that they attain or can be made
to attain this great end they are to be re-
garded as necessity.
But the strength and prosperity ofa State de-
clous administration of public affairs; gnpon
liberal culture in the various professons:upon
directive power In mining manufacturing fner
camille and other economic interests Hence an
enlightened policy demands the protection and
promotion of literature. science and art as con-
tributing to these important ends and as con-
stituting OF themselves, apart from neir practi-
cal utility, prominent features In an advanced
civilization, and hence the value eofinstitutions
especially adapted to higher literary scientific
and technical training. The conditions of mod
ern lie. the progressive and complex nature
OF modern civilization, demand a wider range
of special or technical instruc ion and training
than hAve existed In any previous age. Hence,
without institutions or meaus In some form to ,
furnish the higher general and special training
the State must needs fall In moasure to attain
Its normal condition OF intellectual. social, and
material, we'll being or send her aspiring youth
beyond the borders In quest of the culture not
afforded at hOme or commit in q measure the
direction Of her anairs and the development Of
her resources to the educated brain and skilled
hand Of the stranger.
IooNsLuDKD on sD rAsE.l