Smyrna times., 1901-06-19
VICE-PRINCIPAL GRIFFITH
URGES BETTER EDUCATION
A. s. GRIFFITH, A. NJ, OF SMYRNA HIGH
SCHOOL, MAKES A STRONG PLEA.
Advantages to be Derived from Having Dis
trict High Schools, Especially to Rural
Populations Ia Delaware.

Populations Ia Delaware.
The prime object of education is the
fitting of the pupil for good citizen
ship. To do this the intellectual, moral
and physical nature must be devel-
oped. It's not what we obtain from
books, but the manner in which the
mind is trained, that makes the man.
Dionysius said "the foundation of
every state is in the education of its
youth" Napoleon believed that pub
lie instruction should be the first OBJ
iect of government, President Nc
Kinley expressed truth when he said:
'This nation, if it would continue to
lead IN the race of progress and liberty
must do it through the intelligence
and conscience of its people.
Let us then, if education secures the
liberty and independence of the people
expend our means for the enlightment
of our citizens rather than providing
military safeguards.
The United States, to-day the young
est of all, is the only nation of the
world which expends more for educa-
tion than for war. France spends an
nually $4 per capita on her army and
20 cents per capita for education; Eng
land, S3.72 for army and 62 cents for
education; Prussia, $40 for her army
and so cents for education; Italy, $1.5
for her army and 36 cents for educa-
tion; Austria, $1.36 for her army and
70 cents for education Russia, $2.O4
for her army and 3 cents for educa-
tion; the United States, $0.39 for her
army and 81 .35 for education. Eng
land 6 to for wa=; Russia 6S to for
war; the United States to for edu-
cation. The United States spends
more per capita annually for education
than England, FIance and Russia COM
bined.
The public school is one of the great
est bulwarks of our nations safety and
perpetuity Education sGstains the
same relation to our republic as the
heart does to the the human body. 1t
is the source of life, and the main
spring of its existence. Man destitute
of ofeducation and culture is incompetent
aud incapable of successfully meeting
life's duties aud obligations.
BuIwarks of Our Nations Perpetuity.
Our public schools not only aim to
make intelligent but law-abiding citi
zens; not only shrewd business mel
but loyal Americans, lovers and arden
supporters Of our free institutions and
the maintenance of individual anC
national rights. These are the schools
not the colleges and universities abou
which our citizens should be anxious
These are the schools at which tn
masses, the American citizens are edu
Gated. 1t is well said: ''No nat1ol
ever realizes its full possibilities whicl
does not build upon the education o
the whole people, upon the enlighten
ment Of the masses"
In a republic like ours, our pla
must not be like that of Rome
but our system of education, t
realize its highest aim must reac
the common people, the masses
Ninty-fve per cent. of our chi
dren can never receive more tina
common school education. These ar
the children to be reached; these al
the ones to be prepared for a life wor
as individuals and as citizens of th
republic.
Children of the masses and not of IL
classes will be the voters, the law-ma
ers and the rulers of to morrow. o.
maxium might we'll be that of Hora
Mann, "as the children are so W
our sovereign soon be-" It is a publ
duty to provide an education whiC
will prepare the humblest citizen
discharge we'll the duties of any pos
tion which may fall to him. Such
education must be broad enough
equip man and woman to do the bt
things in life. The mind and bo
should be educated in harmony.
should be an education that stands
character whether in hut or mansio
That which develops the noblest ma
hood and womanhood; which lea
children to be honest, temperate a
virtuous ai'zens; which places I
highes' upon purity of life a
conduct.
Public Schools Should be Elevated.
How can we accomplish this? 1
first, by having our public schools {
vated to the highest possible plane
action. Don't overcrowd the coul
Don't allow a scholar to bite off m
than he can digest. Adopt a cours,
study that will meet the necessities
life, and give all the education tha
per cent. of the masses of our child
can ever hope to obtain. Have u
form course of study and use the So
text books throughout the State