The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1892-06-09
OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
THEIR RELATION TO the DEvEl-
oPMENT OF PATRIOTISM.

Rev. Thomas pixan, Jr.. Discourse. later
estingiy-Upen Free Eauestion Depen.i.
Oar Progress and Prosperity and TIA.
fsrpetuity of Free Installations.
NEW YORK, june 5.-Rev. Thomas
Dixon, Jr., preceded the regular ser
mon IN Association hall this morning by
reviewing the relations of our public
schools TO the development of national
patriotism. He said:
In a few days 13, ,00o, 900 school children
will file through the doors Of our public
schools, marking another year in the ma
tons life. The pIblic school is the heart
of the nation. From 1t pours into every
artery the new blood that must build and
enrich or poison the body.
A BAREFOOT BOY.
America has long been wonder to
the European mind. They cannot un-
derstand how ''mob government has
made such a success. Matthew Ar
mold while in Boston was amazed to
see one day in the public library little
barefooted newsboy, seated proudly In
one of the big armchairs with his legs
crossed, gravely reading the Life of
George Washington" He asked If bare
footed urchins like that had free access
to the libraries and reading rooms. He
was informed that this embryo citizen
king had equal rights there with the
president of the United States. He en-
gagged the youngster In conversation. He
was not long in finding out that he had
encountered young man of most en-
phatic anti-British sentiments. The
philosopher here touched the secret of
our strength. On the free education Of
our boys we have built the republic.
Upon the education Of the boys of today
depends its life and growth.
MYRIAD TONGUES.
Our nation is peculiar one. We have
built here the home of the free with por-
tails open toward the oppressed of all
races and climes. The weary and rest
less from all the nations of earth throng
upon US. Walk the streets Of our cities
and call the roll of world; they are all
here and they answer by thousands
and tens and hundreds of thousands
Africa, Asia, Atlantic islands, Australia,
Austria, Belgium, Bohemia, British
America, Central America, China, Cuba,
Denmark, France, Germany, England,
Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Greece, Green
land. Holland, Hungary, India, Italy,
Japan, Luxemburg, Malta, Mexico, Nor
way, Pacific islands, Poland, Portugal,
Russia, Sandwich Islands, South Amer
lea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tur-
key and West Indies All herel Here
to bless or to cursel l believe God has
specially chosen this nation to lead the
hosts of freedom and truth in the first
pitched battle in the worlds final war
with the wrongs, traditions, supoTsti-
tions, lies and iniquities of the past.
A magnificent destiny opens before us,
or a tragic failure awaits us.
Which shall it bep
We must teach patriotism in our pub
lie schools.
WHAT WE STAND FOR.
We must teach the children Of all
these conflicting creeds and races what
the stars and stripes stand for in the his
tory of the world. We must teach them
the history of America. We must teach
them the meaning Of American citizen
ship. We must teach them the meaning
of citizen-kingship, and that the Ameri-
can nation stands for something In the
history of the nations of the world. That
we are to lead, not be led. That we are
to originate, not initiate.
1t is task for Catholic and Protestant,
Jew and Gentle, to work out shoulder
to shoulder, heart to heart. Love of
country is the common creed upon which
all American manhood ca1 meet In fra
ternal love.
NEXT OCTOBER 12.
The 18th Of next October Is being set
apart now by all the states In the Union
as the day on which we will celebrate
the 400th anniversary of Gods gift of
this new world to man. The public
school is to be made the center of this
days celebration. Let every teacher and
scholar and educator and patriot of
whatever name join in making that day
eventful in the history of our people.
Every child heart may be made a patriot
hero, touched by the fire of truth and
freedom, ON that day.
Let every teacher and scholar who is
not fully informed of the patriotic plans
for this day address "The Executive
Committee of the National Columbian
School Celebration" in Boston.
Let us join in making this day to be
the morning of new era In the history
of our nation-an era of wider and
deeper knowledge, sweeter spirit, truer
citizenship, an abiding patriotism and
nobler life!