The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1902-09-11

together; and if education is only for
the children of parents who possess the
above named qualities, then the masses
will sink again into that state of igno-
rance, with all its concomitant evils,
from which they have but partially
risen. And, while it is generally con-
ceded that character may be inherited,
yet, according to Mr.. Spencer's own
writings, environment is the most po-
tent factor in forming character. Be-
cause parents are thrifty and energetic
it does not follow their children will be
possessed of the same traits. This is
so evident from instances that fall un-
der our observation every day sthat he
who runs may read"
Let us considera few of the many
desirable ends the spread of education
has been the means of furthering.
l. The decrease of drunkenness is
in great measure attributable to the
spread Of education. In the good old
times men went for their news to the
public inns, and, of course, while there,
satisfied the cravings of the "inner
man," but now, when coming from
their work they buy papers and take
them home, and read them at home for
the enlightenment and edi6cation of
the whole family circle.
2. The growth of intellectual culture
has almost banished the superstitious
dread of misunderstood phenomena.
One mystery after another has been
cleared up; so that now even the COM
mon people laugh at the suggestion of
supernatural agencies when confronted
by phenomena that are as yet inexpli-
cable.
3 3. That feeling of intolerance, once
considered duty, is now relegated to
the dark corners of the earth. In coun-
tries where general education has Sc
cured a firm foothold only the extremely
narrow-minded believe that no man can
honestly differ from him in his opinion
concerning this or that question. We
now see the different religious denomi-
nations dwelling together in peace and
mutual respect, which before the spread
of education was an utter impossibiIity.
A. The diffusion of knowledge has
created thirst for more knowledge
which seems to be constantly increas-
ing. There is more earnest search
ing for the truth now than in the days
when the majority Of mankind were
unable to write their own names. The
general intelligence of the people adds
to the pleasures of all. The more
searchers for truth there are the more
truth will be discovered. And every
new truth discovered, and made known
to mankind, is step forward, is light
to our feet, and presage of more dis
cOveries of truth in the future.
Nations like the English and Amer
lean who practically choose their own
form of government, and make their
own laws, must guard against intellec-
tual relapses. 1t will not be denied
that, other things being equal, the most
enlightened people will be the most
capable of self-government. AS there
are always parents to be found who
from selfish Eotives, or from indiffer-
ence, or forced by circumstances be-
yond their control, either will not, or
cannot properly educate their children,
it becomes the duty of the State to res
cue such children from the woeful lot
of illiterateness-not only for the chill
dren's good but for the common good
of all. And if self-governing people
reach the conclusion that state educa-
tion is more thoroughgoing, more benz
efcial, or better adapted to the wants
of the people than private education,
then, by all means let us have state
education. The belief entertained by
many that state education interferes
unduly with the rights of parents does
not seem to be justifiable. Parents Of
ten make grave mistakes in educating
their children. How many are there
who would have chosen form of ed
ucation altogether different from that
forced upon them by their parentsl
State education, newly instituted,
may not be better than private educa-
tion, butit can hardly be worse. State
education should, however, not be
thrust upon people unwilling to &C
cept it. 1t should not be adopted