A PHASE OF REFORM.
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out the cloud of oppression which overhung the western sky receded before the dawning of that freedom cherished in the hearts of a people who had already molded the character of a great nation. Unlike the American Indians, or the Chinese, who, for centuries, have followed the customs of their ancestors as a mark of respect, we have always sought to establish and advance certain principles which would be for the best interests of mankind. These were brought to the wilderness of America and there yielded attractions dearer than the homes of a mother country.
The question of liberty, which was the first step in advance of European civilization, was determined at the close of the struggle of 1776. Thirty years later we taught the world to respect the rights of American citizens. The war of the Rebellion proved the States a union, and removed a danger which threatened prosperity. These were the great achievements toward our destiny—liberty, nationality, union.—These we would perpetuate.
Since the authority of government is vested in the individual, the character of the one depends upon that of the other. If the government is pure and impartial, it must originate with an intelligent class of people. If fraud is perpetrated within the halls of legislation, it is so permitted through wrong motives. Here then is the proper place to reform political abuses, not by attacking the form of government, but by instilling into the youth of the land better principles and loftier motives. Hence the great questions of the day are not national, but local and personal. Neither do we wish them to become national, for then great danger would ensue. Never has there been a time more favorable than the present for elevating the standard of citizenship. We are no longer hampered with the fear of invasion, neither would we shrink from any duty which would better fit the people for governing themselves.
Every organism contains the germ of its own dissolution. So it is with government. The constitutional monarchy of France trembled in the hands of the middle classes because they knew not how to use their privileges. The forces which brought the Roman Empire to ruin, centered in the depravity of her common people. To avoid the errors then which have formerly led to such fatal results is but the province of wise legislation; for the great and prevailing cry against Republican government has been caused by the influence that the ignorant wield. In proportion to the low standard of moral and intellectual culture of citizens, so decreases the stability of popular institutions. So far as Greece educated the child for the state she is worthy of imitation; but as she neglected the moral training we should avoid her mistake. Hence it is evident that from a political standpoint, the common schools are a necessity, and to educate men for rulers, not subjects, is the highest object to which they can attain.
The state supports schools and educates teachers to aid in carrying on this work. It demands physical support no more than moral and intellectual. Not only are professional men needed, but citizens for a free country, for only such will perpetuate liberal institutions. There is a great tendency among certain classes to lose sight of the most precious principles of our government in the struggle for selfish gain and this has been carried to such an extent at times that we have almost despaired of ever reaching our ideal. But a barrier against all such dangers, the security of our peace and liberty we find in the education of the common people. Here we fortify against political abuses. Here we seek to inculcate principles for the perfection of our government, for the upbuilding of our land.