New-York tribune., 1890-05-30
SELECTIONS FROM THE MAIL
GERMAN PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS.

WHY THE GERMAN LUTHERASs OPPOSE THE
PRESENT COMPULSORY SCHOOL LAWS
TO the Editor Of The Tribune.
SIR The ignorance prevailing regarding the real
cause Of the opposition carried on BY the German
Lutherans against the compulsory school laws re-
Gently passed in the States Of Illinois and Wisconsin,
and introduced in our state also, Is astonishing
LET ID be understood that we heartily indorsc the
object Of the bill compelling all children to attend
some school, 10 receive good an education as pos
sble enabling them to perform the dulles OF good
citizens: further, too, that we believe the public
schools a necessity to this end, and also, that we
willingly pay for the maintenance OF the same, ana
ask no public money for the support Of our private
schools Yet there several features Of the pres
cnt bill which we are compelled to protest against
invasons upon the liberty Of conscience guaranteed
BY the Constitution, and the natural right OF parental
authority over children.
In the first place, only to consider Institution
lawful school IN which at least the branches Of read
lng writing, spelling. arithmetic grammar and geoera
yhy are taught in the English language, as the bill pro
ydes seems to us to be invasion Of that character
~ father believes for instance, that geography and
history NAV as well be taught i'm the German, which
undoubtedly may be done. then why not allow him to
have II that way, If the schools in which these
branches are treated in this manner in other respects
are to him preferable TO those that do otherwise I!
IL seems too RIDICULOUS 10 DelleNc Stdtc
compel its citizens TO some certain methods Or Is
il necessary in order 10 become good citizen, to be
taught these branches in the English language Most
assuredly not
We above all deem religions education essential
IN Incoming good citizens, the fear OF COD Is The
beginning Of all wisdom and leads man In the paths
., righteousness. according to Scripture, which we
feel ourselves In conscience bound to OBEY mo
nubIc schools do not suffice to this end as all re
he's excluded thercir0m
For This reason we have founded private parocha
chooIs and IL has been constant aim 70 give TO
the children attending our schools, besides the re-
llgious education such an education III the common
school branches, reading, spelling writing, grammar
geography and History Of the United states In the
English language, that they compare favoraby with
all other schools Of the grade not excluding the
nuLlc schools showing that not antagonistlc
toward the English but at present do not believe this
10 be atdinablc wise everywhere, specially not IN
Greatly interfere with this free exercise and enjoy
ment Of rel sious profession and worship and OBJ
strlct I'm an arbitrary way, the free development OF
paruchlal well as that 0f all private schools.
Then again object 10 placing our private schools
which we have maintained by our own means, besides
Willingly and cheerfully paying our snare toward the
maintenance Of the public ,coos, under the control
or management Of public school authorities as TINS o
provldcs This vests all powers even the power Of
acknowledgment Of school as such, In the hands OF
public school officials only. totally Ignoring those OF
irivate school, founded by religious cOrpGlatlons ex
Sting under charter Of the state by whom naturally
such power Of control their private institutions
can alone bo granted This deem not only cX
trcely dscouteos and offensive, but bey ond all en-
tircy unjust placing private schools entirely at the
mercy of public school officials and exposing the
children and other persons thereof 10 unnecessary in
convenience a. has been experienced under similar
laws recently passed by the Legislatures Of the states
Of lllino, and Wisconsin. against which such now
II Indignation has been raised.
Tho authorities Of private schools therefore. should
hc ulaccd upon the same footing with public school
officials, otherwise they would Justly be entitled 20
demand their share ~ the public school flnd toward
.he maintenance Of their school. This may suihce
- show that morr cautiou>ness and greater sense
~ Justice are necessary IN the framing Of bill OF tls
character. , ,,-,,.,,,
Principal oi German American school.
York Nav o6. 500.