District School Journal. ancestors. While our population has increased

S. S. RANDALL, EDITOR.

ALBANY, JANUARY, 1847.

THE NEW YEAR.

from less than half a million to nearly three millions, the number of our organized school districts has increased from three to eleven thousand, and the number of children under instruction, for an average period of eight months annually, from fifty thousand to nearly eight hundred thousand! A In cordially tendering to the readers of the Jour-corresponding improvement has been effected in nal, the customary gratulations of this festive the qualifications of teachers, in the modes of inseason, and wishing them, one and all, many hap-struction, in the structure of school houses, the selec py returns of its inspiring anniversary, the Editor, from his rural retreat on the borders of the "Old Dominion," to which it became necessary for him to retire in pursuit of health, and where he will probably spend the remaining portion of his life, claims the privilege of an old and familiar acquaintance, to discourse freely and fully on the past, the present and future. And first of all, it would argue an insensibility wholly foreign to his nature, where he to refrain from availing himself of the occasion thus presented to express his deep appreciation of the kind interest manifested by the friends he has left in the "Empire State" in his health, happiness and prosperity. Their generous remembrance of the slight services which during the past ten years, he has been enabled from his official position, to render in the great cause of Education, have more than compensated him for the toil he has undergone, the labor he has faithful-instruction conferred—and, to crown the catalogue ly and unremittingly bestowed, and he had almost been tempted to add the sacrifice of health, strength and vigor, as well of mind as of body, consequent upon those exertions. For the numerous and flattering expressions of approbation and sympathy which have reached him from all quarters, since his residence in Virginia, he can only return his most grateful acknowledgments -accompanied by the assurance that neither time nor distance can ever efface the recollection of their kindness from the tablets of memory, or the more enduring records of the heart.

tion of sites, and the provision for suitable apparatus for a comprehensive and practical course of tuition. From an annual appropriation from the State treasury of $50,000, we have reached the munificent and ample outlay of $275,000 from that source. Hundreds of well selected volumes, embracing the most valuable information upon all the departments of science and general literature, are now found in each of our eleven thousand districts: a thorough and efficient system of local supervision has been established, and is diffusing its beneficial results throughout every section of the State; periodical institutes for the better preparation of teachers, are annually held in nearly every county, || powerfully contributing to the clevation of this noble profession to the rank which properly belongs to it, improving the tone, increasing the quantity, and adding vastly to the quality of the

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of progress, hundreds of accomplished teachers are annually going forth from the State Normal School to diffuse broad-cast throughout the State, the knowledge and practice of the most approved system of elementary instruction.

It is much to be regretted that the FREE SCHOOL principle had not been engrafted, by constitutional enactment, upon our system. The advantages of this principle have recently been so fully discussed that we need not again advert to them here: suffice it to say that they immensely counterbalance all the inconveniences which could possibly flow from the change which the adoption of this system must necessarily involve.

We are aware that it is

within the power of the Legislature to make this, or any other alteration in the provisions of our Common School law; but we are also aware that it is equally competent for their successors, within the short period of one year, to repeal or materially modify any action which they might take in the premises—and we do not desire to see a great fundamental principle of popular education, such as we conceive this to be, made the foot-ball of po

In recurring to the history of the past, while there is much to regret — much to discourage and dishearten the enthusiastic friend of popular education and human advancement there is `still much to excite our admiration, gratitude and respect. Years of hopeless apathy, inaction and indifference, have been succeeded by an unin. terrupted and systematic career of progress and improvement-the fruits of which are now beginning to be visible in the steady, though slow growth of enlarged ideas of mental and moral culture just conceptions of the objects of instruc-litical agitation and legislative caprice. If, after tion—a more general and universal diffusion of the solemn and deliberate adoption of the princiknowledge in all its various departments and a ple of FREE SCHOOLS as part and parcel of the wider and deeper interest in the welfare of those Constitution by a decisive vote of the Convention, who are to succeed us on the busy theatre of life || at its morning session, the first measure of its afto carry on the work of civilization and ternoon deliberations was the equally solemn reto perpetuate and enlarge those institutions, ci- consideration and rejection of this provision, there vil and social, which we have inherited from our can be little hope of stability in the counsels of a

Which, being interpreted into the vernacular, means simply that a change of clime produces

body annually changing its composition, and liable to be constantly acted upon by whatever impulse may be predominant or appear to be predo-no change of feeling where the heart is enminant, in the public sentiment for the time being gaged. The interests of popular education in his We would not, therefore, advise the agitation of native State can never cease to be regarded with this subject before the legislature, at its present or the most earnest concern by one who has almost at any succeeding session. Ratner let it be calmly literally "grown with their growth, and strengthand considerately discussed on all proper occasions|ened with their strength." To all directly or reby the friends of education, until the preponder-motely connected with their advancement, he ance in the public mind in its favor, shall become, again cordially and sincerely tenders a "HAPPY as we are sure it ultimately will, absolutely irre-NEW YEAR."

sistible.

For the future, our course is plain and perspicu- COMPREHENSIVENESS OF MIND.

ous.

We must improve to their utmost capacity, the advantages we possess; and gradually, but surely, prepare the way for their augmentation and enhancement. We must take care that no person is elevated to the office of County or Town Superin

There are few requisites of a sound mental and moral culture more important and desirable than that comprehensiveness which takes in not only all the relations which appertain to any given subject of study or of thought, but its connection with and

dependence upon other departments of knowledge and of action.

We frequently hear of "men of one idea” — and nothing is more common in our intercourse with society, than to observe the disproportionate importance which many seem to attach to the peculiar calling, occupation or profession in which they are engaged. While the clergyman_expa

tiates with the utmost eloquence and the most commendable zeal upon the paramount interests of re

tendent, who will not devote his time, talents and abilities faithfully and energetically to the performance of the duties devolved upon him—who will not fearlessly and honestly acquit himself of the responsibilities of his high and honorable position, with an eye single to the public welfare, and the improvement and elevation of the schools placed under his supervision. None but well qualified, capable and faithful teachers should be employed by trustees; and when employed, they should be well paid, and continued in their place so long as they continue to give satisfaction, and to discharge ligion, the statesman regards the science of polititheir duty. Trustees should see that every child cal economy as the fundamental object of life, the of proper age in the dis rict, not otherwise suita-soldier is intently absorbed in the "one idea" of bly provided for in this respect, attend regularly skilful and successful military tactics, the agriculand punctually the Common School: and if there turist discourses profoundly of the indispensable is any reason to suspect that any children are kept part he performs in the economy of human existat home, from inability to meet the rate-bill, they ence, the manufacturer proudly points to the magshould promptly and efficiently interpose, with the nificent results of his art, and the merchant, the assurance that the parents or guardians should be lawyer, the physician, the teacher, the author, the exempted, wholly or in part, from this burden inventor, the student, and in short each individual no mutler from what cause it may have been inducet. of every pursuit which the rapid growth of moWherever trustees from inattention or otherwise,dern civilization has brought to light, regards the neglect this duty, or refuse to exempt indigent in-particular department of the great civil and social habitants when applied to, the Town or County *Superintendent should report the facts to the Department. The school house should be placed and kept in repair the necessary apparatus provided - proper facilities afforded for the distribution of the books belonging to the Library-and every necessary encouragement, co-operation and counsel secured to the teacher.

fabric which it is his good fortune to occupy as the sine qua non of utility and importance. Hence originate to a very great extent, the rivalry, the competition, the jostling of these various interests, each of which possesses its peculiar claim to our attention and regard, and no one of which, considered apart from all the rest, and standing by itself alone, can adequately accomplish the imporBut we must bring this rambling and discur-tant function it is designed to subserve. Even sive New Year's Address to an end as we find the great truths of religion, unconnected with their ourselves growing garrulous; and instead of "bab- ||practical application to the concerns of every day bling of green fields," as becomes an invalid in the sunny clime of the South, fancying ourselves again perched upon the official stool now so ably occupied by our friend HOLMES, and giving counsel ex cathedra as of yore. Our friends will bear in mind, however those of them at least who read Latin or the newspapers, that

" Cœlum, non animum mutant, qui trans mare currunt :"

life, become impotent and barren; and the rich gems of spiritual culture, are speedily withered and destroyed when left to vegetate on the dry and arid soil of practical indifference or neglect. The statesman of the most capacious and cultivated intellect, who hopes to build up the fabric of Constitutional jurisprudence, wise government and equal laws without reference to the religious and

moral nature of man, and without a comprehen- that undivided concentration of thought, energy sive survey of the vast field of mental and physi- and effort which the crisis demands; but for the cal labor which he is designed to occupy, will as-ordinary purposes of this "working-day world," -suredly, as all experience has hitherto demonstra-a comprehensive acquaintance with, and a liberal ted, deplorably fail, however profound and varied || participation in, the varied wants and wishes, avomay have been his acquaintance with the soundest cations and pursuits of our fellow men, will be theories of political economy, or however indefa- || found the best preparative for practical usefulness tigable, and otherwise well directed, his efforts to and extended worth. -organize and mature his system. So with the manufacturer, the merchant, the advocate, the teacher,

We publish in our number for the present

and the physician: "All are but parts of one stu-month, the NEW CONSTITUTION which has recentPenduous whole "neither of themselves, consti-ly been adopted by an overwhelming majority of tuting the key stone of the arch, without which the people: deeming it useful for reference in evethe stately structure of civilization could not be ry school district of the State, and believing that supported but all, in their combined action, the space occupied in its publication could in no each in his separate province, making up the State, other way be so advantageously occupied. Its and carrying forward, with an irresistible and con-provisions should be carefully and thoroughly stantly increasing impetus, the designs of creative beneficence and omniscient wisdom.

studied by every citizen; and become "familiar as household words" to the rising generation.

In our next number we will endeavor to present our readers with a summary and condensed view of the state of education and its prospects in VIRGINIA.

Official.

CIRCULAR.

SECRETARY'S OFFICE,

DEPARTMENT OF COMMON SCHOOLS.

ALBANY, DEO. 10, 1846.

While, therefore, the laborers in each of the grand divisions of human exertion, intellectual, moral and physical, should strive as far as in them lies, to elevate and perfect the profession, trade or occupation to which they respectively belong, they should intelligently survey, from time to time, the entire field of labor spread out before them appreciate the relative importance of each of its numerous departments-understand their mutual and indispensable connection - and refrain from claiming any superiority over others, in the intrinsic excellence or value of the specific pursuit which they have chosen. While they concentrate their best exertions upon the art or calling The Superintendent of Common Schools deems it which affords them the means of subsistence, and his duty to make another effort, through the agency the opportunities of usefulness, they should occa- of the Town and County Superintendents of Comsionally turn aside to contemplate and understand mon Schools, to collect full, accurate and reliable the equally necessary and profitable labors of others" statistical information relating to the condition of -familiarize themselves with the principles of the Winter and Summer Schools," and "of the practical science, and with their general applica-School houses and their appendages" in the sevetion to the purposes of human industry and human progress, in all the diversified branches of the social economy - and thereby obtain more just, correct and expanded views of the bearing of their own efforts, and the influence of their own pursuits, with reference to the general welfare of the com-Counties and Sections, as the said County Supermunity and the race.

ral towns, wards and cities of this State, and in view of this important object, suitable blanks will be immediately forwarded to the County Superintendents, to be issued and distributed by them to the several Town Superintendents of their respective

intendents may find it necessary or deem advisable It is not to be denied, that results of surpassing and proper under the circumstances. In all those importance to the best interests of humanity and cases where the County Superintendents may be to the progress of civilization, have been brought able to collect the required information to be about and are still in operation through the efforts incorporated in their official statistical reports for of❝ men of one idea." We may point to many of the year 1847, they will not be required to place "the great reformers in religion, in morals, in sci-the blanks in the hands of the Town Superintenence, in legislation, in political and social econo-dents; still they are permitted to exercise their my, for numerous and pertinent examples of this best discretion on this subject. The object of the truth. These instances, however, constitute the ex-department is, however, to obtain a statistical receptions instead of the rule which we should do well port of the condition of every School kept in the to adopt. Whenever the designs of Providence are State, both Winter and Summer, and the Superintenod destined to be furthered by the presence of those dent confidently relies upon the zeal and devotion I great and shining lights in the moral and intellec-of the Town and County Superintendents for aid in -ptual world, whose beams are to irradiate the long the complete accomplishment of this important succession of future ages, they may well require || work.

This edifice was dedicated on the 20th inst. The exercises were highly interesting and all who were present, seemed to enjoy the proud satisfaction that this occasion was an important era in the history of that School district, and in the progress of popular education, to which all its friends may look with satisfaction and pride.

The exercises were opened by prayer from the Rev. Mr. Dunning; then followed the address for the occasion by C. Billinghurst, Esq. of the city of Rochester, an early and ardent friend of education and of our Common School system.

The Town Superintendents are earnestly enjoined, on the receipt by them of the blanks, to commence immediately the collection of the "statistical information relating to the condition of the Winter Schools," in the School districts of their respective towns. With these blanks before them, this duty will be found simple and obvious, and can be performed in each district. The ascertained results of each School having been set down in the blanks under the proper head, should be carefully and aceurately footed and preserved until it may be want-ed to collect the statistical information, in respect to the Summer Schools. Those Town Superinten-occasion were made by the County Superintendents. dents who may go out of office before the Summer Schools are visited and examined, should deliver these blanks to their respective successors in office to be used by them in collecting the required inforimation.

The information for the report on the condition of the School houses and their appendages," should be collected at the time of the inspection of the "Summer Schools" in the year 1847. The County Superintendents may therefore retain those blanks until after the election of Town Superintendents in the respective towns of their counties and sections in the Spring of that year. The Town Superintendents should, if practicable, report the information collected by them to the County Superintendents on or before the first day of September

next.

The production was able and impressive, worthy of the head and the heart of its author. After the address, remarks in reference to the

He was followed by the Town Superintendent of Ogden, and Messrs. Brown and Garretsee, former County and Town Superintendents, and by the Rev. Mr. Dunning, in spirited appeals to the inhabitants and to the scholars.

Mr. Taylor, one of the County Superintendents of Cattaraugus, being present, was called out in a neat and appropriate address, which was well received by the audience.

The County Superintendent then made the public declaration, that the house was by these exercises, sacredly devoted to educational purposes. The exercises were then closed by the benediction from the clergyman present.

Resolutions were then passed, to hold an anniversary jubilee hereafter in commemoration of this event, and to place the account of these proceedings upon the records of the district.

The exercises were enlivened by the music of the Sweden Brass Band, led by Mr. Bell of Spencerport, to the admiration of the audience, for tasteful and correct execution.

The scenes of the day will not easily be forgotThe Several County Superintendents will, on the ten by the inhabitants of the district, and the influreceipt of the reports from the Town Superinten-ences of these exercises, will, it is hoped, exert a dents, incorporate the results in the proper ab-happy and lasting impression on their minds and upon the school. stracts required to be transmitted to the Department, noting, if they choose, the towns in their abstracts where the information has been obtained from the Town Superintendents.

N. S. BENTON,
Sup't. Common Schools.

Communications.

(For the District School Journal.]

The edifice is a neat, tasteful and commodious building, constructed of brick, and finished in the most approved modern style for Common School purposes, costing about one thousand dollars, and of sufficient capacity to accommodate about two hundred pupils. This is the fruit, thus far, of the consolidation of two districts, for the establishment of a Union School.

This building is an ornament to the district, and long may it remain a monument of the enterprising spirit of its inhabitants.

I am respectfully and truly yours, &c.,
J. A. PERKINS,

Co. Sup't. Monroe, West District.

Spencerport, Oct. 22, 1846.

[For the District School Journal.]

S. S. RANDALL ESQ, Dear Sir,I take the liberty to send you an account of the exercises at the dedication of the new School house at Adams Basin, in the western part of this county. You are at liberty to publish it in the District School Journal, if you think it worthy of a place in MR. EDITOR,-About the 1st of October, Hon. that valuable paper. I am induced to send it, be-SALEM TOWN from your State paid us a visit, and cause any important exercises, relating to our Common Schools, which tend to divert the public mind in that direction, or any occasion which shall, by its novelty, draw the inhabitants together, where they can get their feelings awake, and their minds enlightened upon the subject of education, by list-adopted. Jening to the remarks from others, relating to it, must exert a salutary influence upon the schools, with which these inhabitants are connected.

I hope the custom of holding public exercises,

[setting apart our new School houses to educational

with his assistance we held a Teacher's Institute. About two hundred or two hundred and fifty of the students of the O. C. Institute of both sexes, attended.

At the close the following resolutions were These should have been forwarded before, but were mislaid.

Truly yours,

Oberlin, Dec. 9, 1846.

H. E. WHIPPLE.

purposes, will more generally prevail, and this op- Resolved, That in our opinion, Theological Semiportunity shall be embraced by the friends of edu-naries, Colleges and High Schools, together with cation to awaken the public mind to its best exer-Editors, Ministers of the Gospel, and Professional tions in behalf of its great interests. men generally, fail to discharge their high respon

sibility to God, the world, and their country, unless they deeply interest themselves in behalf of Common Schools.

Resolved, That it is a fact much to be deplored, that while our leading religious periodicals have ample space for all other schoolisms, they seem to

have none for Common Schoolism.

Resolved, That we return our sincere thanks to the HON. SALEM TOWN, for the very interesting and profitable lectures and instructions with which he has favored us, and we pledge ourselves to him, to give our pupils the benefit of them, the coming winter, as far as lies in our power.

Resolved, That we highly approve of Town's Speller and Analysis, and commend them to the public as works of singular merit, making in fact a perfect key to the English Language.

Resolved, That we invite the Oberlin Evangelist, the Ohio School Journal, and the New-York State

District School Journal, to publish the above resolutions.

Popular Education.

INTELLECTUAL EDUCATION.

dignity and charm was thrown around the attainments and the word which designated them. That charm has continued to operate to the present hour, and we still call him a learned

should learn Latin."

Yet

man who is skilful in Latin and Greek. Latin and Greek contain an extremely small portion of that knowledge which the world now possesses; an extremely small portion of that which it is of most consequence to acquire. It would be well for society if this word Learning could be forgotten, or if we could make it the representatives of other and very different ideas. But the delusion is continually propagated. The higher ranks of society give the tone to the notions of the rest; and the higher classes are educated at Westminster, and Eton, and Cambridge and Oxford. At all these, the languages which have ceased to be the language of a living people, the authors which communicate relatively, little knowledge that is adapted to the present affairs of man- - are made the first and foremost articles of education. To be familiar with these, is still to be a "learned" man. Inferior institutions imitate the example; and the parent who knows his son [The following sensible and judicious obser-will be, like himself, a merchant or manufacvations, in reference to the comparative impor-tuer, thinks it almost indispensable that he tance of what are usually termed the classical It may reasonably be doubted, whether to studies, in a course of education, are taken even the higher ranks of society, this preferfrom Dymond's Essays on the Principles of ence of ancient learning is wise. I speak not Morality.] of those professions to which a dead language may be necessary: A physician learns latin as "It is no less true than lamentable, that hith-he attends a dissecting room: it is a part of his erto the education proper for civil and active system of preparation for his pursuits in life. life has been neglected; that nothing has been Even with the professions, indeed, the need of done to enable those who are actually to con- a dead language is factitious. It is necessary duct the affairs of the world, to carry them on only because usage has made it so. But I speak in a manner worthy of the age and country in of that portion of mankind, who, being exempt which they live by communicating to them the from the necessity of toil, fill the various graknowledge and spirit of their age and country." dations of society, from that of the prince to "Knowledge does not consist in being able the private gentleman. Select what rank or to read books, but in understanding one's busi-class you please, and ask how much its memness and duty in life." "Most writers have considered the subject of education as relative to that portion of it only which applies to learning; but the first object of all, in every is literally, "Almost nothing." Now this is a nation, is to make a man a good member of serious answer, and involves serious consequensociety." "Education consists in learning ces. A young man who enters upon what makes a man useful, respectable, and hap-cerns of active life, has to set about acquiring py, in the line for which he is destined." new kinds of knowledge, knowledge totally dissimilar to the greater part of that which his "education gave him; and the knowledge which education did give him, he is obliged practically to forget to lay it aside: it is something that is not adapted to the condition and wants of society. But for what purpose are people educated unless it is to prepare them for this condition and these wants? Or how can that be a judicious system which does not effect these purposes?

If these propositions are true, it is evident that the systems of education which obtain, need great and almost total reformation. What does a boy, in the middle class of society, learn at school of the knowledge and spirit of his age and country? When he has left school, how much does he understand of the business and duty of life?

bers are indebted to ancient learning for their capability to discharge their duties as parents, as men, or as citizens of the State the answer

the con

Education is one of those things which Lord Bacon would describe as having lain almost unaltered "upon the dregs of time." We still That no advantages result from the study of fancy that we educate our children when we ancient classics would be idle to maintain. But give them, as its principal constituent, that this is not the question. The question is, whesame instruction which was given before Eng-ther so many advantages result from this study land had a literature of its own, and when Greek and Latin contained almost the sum of human knowledge. Then the knowledge of Greek and Latin was called, and not unjustly called, Learning. It was the learning which procured distinction and celebrity. A sort of

as from others that might be substituted; and I am persuaded that we shall become more and more willing to answer, No. With respect to the sum of knowledge which the works of antiquity convey,as compared with that which is conveyed by modern literature, the disproportion is