Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1892-07-28
ssC0LUMRuS DAY.n
Its Celebration by the Public schools
October FL Next-SenatOr Hawley's

Its Celebration by the Public schools
October FL Next-Senator Hawley's
Approval.
The national observance of Columbus |
day, October 81, by the public schools,
promises to be one of the most significant
events of this Columbian year. Unlike |
many great public demonstrations, it aims
to teach great national lesson. 1t will
not be merely exultation over the shmple-
ton of 400 years of American life, but
will bring to the minds of all thoughtful
citizens what this northern continent owes
to free education.
DR.. Harris, United States commissioner
of education, says: t'The celebration by the
public schools is the greatest thing in the
inent educators and eminent statesmen
have advanced opinions of like import.
There seems to be a friendly feeling
toward the movement in all quarters.
This is perhaps not at all remarkable, as
it pertains to the public school-our most
representative institution.
A Washington correspondent of the
Bulletin interviewed Senator Hawley few
days ago, and in the course of the CONVEX
sation the public school celebration was
mentioned. In reply to the question:
"What is your opinion of the proposal for
a national celebration of Columbus day, to
be led by the public schoolss" Senator
Hawley said:
''I like the idea of the general celebra-
ton of the discovery of America being
handed over to the public schools. It is
going to be a very advantageous thing
for our country. It will work to make
the generation of citizens who are now in
!: the schools both patriotic and intelligent
upon the most vital thing in American
life. History will be looked up; ques
tons will be asked; teachers will be ami.
mated; interest at home will be awakened
> and the press of the country will add itf
powerful influence in the general educa
ton of the people relative to the meaning
of the discovery of America.
"Besides, an Intelligent love of country
will be stimulated among the children. i
seems to me there is need of always max
ing the sentiment of patriotism take 1
, practical direction; otherwise, 1t is likel.
to evaporate and mean nothing. Whe1
= children can be taught why our flag is glo
rious, and why our country is worth 81
much, that is long step towards making
patriotism intelligent. So I see in thi
t celebration both educational and patriot
n | elements.
"Besides, it seems to me of enormou
J. value to the public school itself. The i'm
a portance of our system of free education
n is not fully recognized. 1t will not re
Il ceive its proper recognition until the pee
q pie are made to appreciate how much thi
\. country owes to the enlightenment whic
n has flowed from the public school. Blu
ia the speeches and newspaper articles o
r. this occasion will make the people recoe
> nize the indebtedness of America t
4 universal education as nothing else eve
~ has.
!. "The more general the celebration ca
Ia be made the better for education; an
Ar that seems the better for enlightenment
and progress, and our country's happ
ness.
"You need have no doubt that this eel
al bration will be general enough. It poses
m es the qualities which will make it go
III spite of you. The educational interes
:: of our country are simply enorm on
IA When you have them aroused you con
D. nearer to arousing the whole country tbs
's by making an attempt at it in any other
@ rection.
ID "Lesve the papers alone for recognizil
of the unique advantages of this kind
3. celebration. The children and the peop
ut will follow fast enough"