Mississippi Democrat

Common Schools.

We copy the late act for the establishment of free schools, to which we call attention. The supplemental acts exempt the towns of Canton, Jackson, and Lexington from the operations of the law.—The Legislature, it seems to us, has done all that could have been done—unless, indeed, they had asked of Congress, as we think they ought to have done, permission to apply the "Seminary fund" to common school purposes. The remainder is with the people. It rests with the inhabitants of each county and township to say whether the law shall be carried out in its intent and spirit; whether those to whom the destinies of the State are hereafter to be confided, shall be fitted for the high trust. It has been well said, that the principle that society is bound to provide for its members' education, as well as protection, is the most important of modern philosophy. It is essential to free government—the only sure foundation for Republican institutions. True liberty is the child of knowledge: she sickens and dies in the arms of ignorance. To carry out the intent of the Legislature, something more than a silent acquiescence, or words of assent, is necessary. So much has been said and written of the importance of educating the people, giving all an equal start in the race of life, that the public mind has been hebetated by the repetition. Now, there must be action; above all, an awakening public interest, a laudable rivalry. The means required must be contributed with cheerful alacrity. Men of enlarged and liberal minds should be selected as school commissioners, and the station will soon be looked upon as one of high honor—affording the opportunity of rendering the most useful, if the most unostentatious service to the State.

In the honorable rivalry which we hope to see engendered, what county will take the lead, and bear off the palm for the best organized system of public instruction!