The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-11-01

and wrong with other men. The stare Is
founded on morality. In the moraI coi
victions, in the conscience" OF us III.
vidual citizens, lies the strength OF T rhe
weakness OF every governihes; thus
moral training of its young citizens ~ tiL III:
seen to be vital TO the state. In the ear earl
est school of training principles OF sea- So
morality. Of regard for the rights OF otheios.
of public spirited interest in the welfare %
Others will mark the school that Is Tram
ing good citizens. an
In his school life the conditions are so
essentially different from those OF ms
home life that the boy virtually begins ms
social life when he enters school,. n.
home in the family. love, self-denlal was
the law. In the school, as II the seaIe'
considerations of justice, OF equity, OF I'M
partially, must have the first piaCe'
"What relations with others. my equa LAS
are possible for me?" Is the question tile
schoolboy Is practically answering, day 9y
dav, whether or not he puts ii into WORDS:
The way in which he carries himself
among his schoolmates. the STANDARDS
of honor and of behavior when ne
accepts and helps 10 form, VIII go
with him through life. The school py rs
tone ana spirit, as well as by Its sluules,
determines in no slight degree the nature
of those relations with his felIows-reIa,,
tons just and harmonious, or seIhsh anu it
discordant-which are to make or mar MS
life as man and citizen.
Teachers with whom rests the RESPONSE,
bilitv of fixing these standards In school
life will not train their pupils IntelilgehtIy
for the duties and responsibilities OF cllI-
zenship unless they have themselves gwen
time and attention and loving thought TO
the principles of sound government, ana
to the demands which popular govern
ment, if it succeeds, must constantly
make upon the citizen for moral thought
fulness. self-control and public spirit.
The study of the history of our country.
with emphasis upon shining examples Oh
patriotism and disinterested goodness;
patriotic songs in the school room; patrl-
otto selections for reading and declama,
ton, these help to form the true spirit ana
tone in the school. But more than TINS Is
needed.
There should be IN all our schools land
in ''grade" not so far advanced that most
reach it, simpie clear, convincing teach-
ing OF the elementary principles
of government. of the purpose and design
of law and government, OF the ultimate
foundation of all government upon JUST
Ice, equity, righteousness, upon the moral
law, and of the supreme authority OF that
law over maiorties as well as minoritles,
however "free'' the form OF government
may be. Every young citizen should early
be taught that a majority has right to do
what ii pleaseS only when 1t pleaseS TO DO
Woat is right. Even in his early school
days, every future citizen should learn to
feel the solemn responsibility which rests
on every citizen of free state to govern
himself thoughtfully, voluntarily and
strictly.
If with such a course in the ethics OF
citizenship, teacher combines study by
the pupils of the offices, the forms and the
proceedings of our own government, local
state and national beginning with the
locaD, an interest is almost invariably
awakened which the teacher will need to
direct and keep within bounds rather than
to stimulate.
Later in the course more detailed study
of theories and forms of government will
find their place with history. The ele-
ments of political economy will come still
later. Higher institutions of learning
must give constantly increasing attention
to studies which prepare the way by
greater intelligence on these subjects alike
among voters and Legislators, for more dis
eliminating and scientific treatment by
our state and national legislatures of the
deicately adjusted yet ail-powerful forces
with which our present system of taxation
deals.
But whatever may be done or left I'M
done by our colleges, let Americans see to
1t that in the great system of public
schools which is so closely connected
with our national life, there be early
introduced, steadily pursued and strongly
emphasized, such studies as tend
directly to make moral, intelligent,
loyal citizens, who understand and love
not only our rights but also our duties as
citizens of the United States. Our highest
interests depend upon this. So only can
government by the people be carried on
with safety to the people; and it is an un-
questionable maxim of government, as
deserving of attention in directing the
peaceful policy of the national education
as at moments of crisis and manifest dam
ger to the state, "Salus populi lex suprema"
The welfare of the people is the highest
law" MERRILL EDWARDS GATES.