The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-08-02

| was just the value of the late educa-
tional campaign in this State--to bring
home to the several communities their
| lack OF that element that is essential
to the well-betng and growth of the
Commonwealth, and to the success OF
the individuals. Communities previously
indifferent were aroused to active eff
fort. accompanied by the demand for
larger appropriations. better school
houses and equipment. and for we'll
Uniformed and well-trained !. teachers.
The influence is also seen in the con-
solidation of schools-promotipg econ
omy of expense. q better grading and
more efficient instruction, and in the
establishment of high schools for the
education of the children In the hi CHER
branches and for the preparation fof
more skiiful teachers What has been
done for the State cannot each of us
do for our special community
tb) A most valuable colaborer in
this uplift is the newspaper. This
quiet and constant visitor to the home,
with its array of facts and figures,
with Us forcible but unobtrusive argu-
ments, Is powerful factor in initial
ing and concentrating reforms.
Co Teachers associations are a pow
erful force and should be utilized in
each community. The teachers. by
their personal work among the patrons
of the school. elevate public sentiment
and make possible desired reforms in
school work and proper extension OF
the school curriculum. 4s.r-,fF +,
(d) "a comparison With other COM
munities brings to us realization or
our own conditions. Extravagant
boastins of ones own advantages is
disgusting, but a proper civic pride is
most desirable and commendable we,
should compare our advancement with
that Of other communities, not in a
spirit OF cynical criticism. but In the
spirit of generous rivalry. The spirit
In which this should be done is thus
stated In the language of Horace
Mann, Our system OF education is not
to be compared with those of other
states or countries merely to deter
mine whether 1t may be a little more
or less perfect than they: but it is to
be contrasted with our highest ideas
OF perfection itself, and then the pain
OF the contrast to be assuaged by Inn
proving pro 1a It forthwith and continually.
ward towards higher Standard: 1t is
uIimproVing pride and arrogance
only that are satisfied with being sup
error to lower. No community should
rest contented with being superior to
other communities while 1t is inferior
70 It's own capabilities"
{. le) me value OF education In It's
broad sense should be clearly shown
the upllft of whole community in It's
Ideals. It's clearer Judgment, its ethi-i
cal culture, It's greater business abiliay.
y! Is clearly recognized as "a result OF
higher educational training. In NV
own experience have seen marked
Improvement in even "a brief period 4,
the character Of Whole sectiong the
establishment of a school within Its
boredrs. The government undertook
some years ago the determination, as
.educatlon upon the value Of labor Al
broad field OF inquiry was entered
upon ana valuable statistics gathered
~ speedily became apparent that even
mo very simplest forms OF education
hnden materially to the earning value
OF labor and this gain added to It's
value IN acccleratlng ratio as the ed
5ucation was Increased. Gould sta tlstlcs
o. inns character he secured and dis
tarna1 among the people the In
3lerest or many persons would bei
aroused who could BIO .touched. Il, no
iother way, and so would contribute to-
inc formation OF that educational at
,,nosphere so essential to active effort
In school affairs.
g me second means suggested would
pe me securing OF the Interest OF the
parents, Arehts, Of course, as members OF
" me community, pntriotism would ems
list their appreciation of the value OF
education In the general unfit OF the
community. But refer now TO a moru
special interest. which would he arous-
Cd from tho consideration Of Its value
70 themselves and to- their chill dren
personally. The parent who has at
heart the real interests of his child
who realizes that the period Of youth
Is me seed time which must be utilized
y lmplanting In the mind and heart OF
his child tho principles that, will de-
velop into n happy and successful life.
VIII not allow, on the part Of the child
= NEGLECT OF tho opportunity for mem
5tal ana moral growth and for training
IN the exercise OF those things which
lead 70 culture. refinement spirltuality
and the development or strong. III ~