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About The daily morning Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1883-1899 | View Entire Issue (April 4, 1884)
p Zht JJattg gtetovum. ASTOKIA, OKKGON: FRIDAY. Al'KlL 4. 1S DEFECTIVE EDUCATION. Ttlv North Aim than Review has an incisure article on the '"defects in our public school sstem" from tbe pen of Eev. 3L J. Saage, which ev ery parent in tbe land bbould read Speaking of tbe defects of our edu cational system, be says: Perhaps it i9 too early as yet to pass final judgment on the results. But it is quite oertain that so far they are not what the sanguine founders of our common school sys tem hoped they would be. Many that our schools have ""educated" are found riot to be practically fitted for the kind of life they must lead. Many, instead of being educated into honesty, Have" only learned to be sharper villains. Instead of being educated into good citizenship, many of them are as blind "partisans as are the ignorant;, they, take -the worser side of -pubh(?-questions;--they buy other's votes and sell their own. Many of .them show.little knowledge of any taetiiod by whidh-the true can be sifted from false iridealing with the great, problems o'f commercial, social, political and religious duty. Few have learned -how to get the best out of life'for thomselves,or how to put the best into life for others. And multitudes of both boys and girls nave only been "educated' into re3tless"distaste for the common life that most of us must lead, instead of naving learned now to make that oommonvlife the plastic material for tbe production of healthful, helpful and happy results. Thousands have gained a smattering of many thint'Si while they really know nothing thor oughly and welL Not knowing even their own ignorance, they are not ready to learn; and they fret against circumstances, when the trouble is they have not been trained to under stand and control them. It would be very unjust to find fault with the teachers of our common schools, They are, in the main, intelligent and faithful men and women. Out of our present system in its present stage of development, they are doubtless get ting all it is capable of producing. Ihe only question is whether the sys tern is tbe best one, and whether it ought to be any further developed along its present lines. Before we are more completely committed to it, may it not be well to examine its foundations? It is still -time to mod ify its methods and aims, if in any direction they be found to need it And it will be easier to do this soon than after it has hardened into more definite form. In the first place, it seems to me that we are still very much "at sea" as to what ought to be the meaning of the word education. And if we are not agreed as to our goal, it can hardly be thought strange that we have no common conception of a method for reaching it. Most certainly educa tion must mean something deeper and more essential than merely "knowing" things, or than having passed through a certain school cur riculum. It can be nothing less than the leading out, the developing, and then training into a fitness for coping with life's problems, of the native fac ulties and capacities of the pupil "When this is done, through whatever process, the boy or girl is odncatod So long as this is not done, whatever miy have been' studied, or whatever may be known, the work of education is not accomplished. It seams to be a matter of course, then, that , the practical meaning of the word should be determined by the nature of the being to be edu cated, and by the answer to the ques tion as to what he is being educated for. The St. Bernard dog, who should understand the art of the setter, but knew nothing of the Alps, or how to lead the lost- traveler in a storm, would be but poorly "educated" for his life-work. Is it any bettor for a man to , be trained into a taste and fitness for some other :path than that his feet must follow? It should be the aim of the common school, then, to fit theaverage boy and girl for a successful solution -of -the practical pioblems of the common life here in America to-day. Not to attempt this is either not to comprehend or else to be false to the very object of its ex istence. Witness the army of the at least partly unem ployed, and the crowds ready to be siege the doors of any vacant place. However much room there may always.be "at the top," only a few can ever get there.. Society is a "pyramid broadest at the base. And so long as man lives on a material planet and in a material-body the far larger part of the world's practical work must con cern itself with the production and istribujbiqn.pf material things. The first thing, then, thaLany boy or girl needs, on coming intdthis-world, is to be trained into an ability to earn an honest living. This is the prime condition of anything, further or bet ter. This, therefore, ought to be .the first concern ofLany scheme for com mon education"" And since it is de" termine"d by nature and circumstances that the great majority of men and women .must do some kind of manual labor, it -would seem to be self-evident -that any wise .scheme of common edu cation shonld;tiin-the hand as well as the bahar8,5 If any. boy of girl is not educated as to be able to earn an honest living, he or she is liable to become, directly or indi rectly, a public charge. The state, then, has a manifest right in this matter. It is clearly her right and duty to see that, so far as possible, this is dona To secure this, the hand needs to be trained as well as the brain. Thus the opportunity for an industrial education should be an integral and essential part of our common school system. Indeed, so long as a majority of the children must be hand-workers, in some de partment of life, the common inter est, and so the common right, calls muoh more loudly for this than for many things that now are liberally provided for. It needs not that all trades be taught, or attempted to be taught, to all. For, a3 training the brain in one department of study gives aptness in all, so also is it in the training of the hand. It is, then, the right and duty of the state to see to it that all its embryo citizens are educated, so far as is possible, into fitness for independent, honeBt and intelligent citizenship. It owes it to all to mak"e so muoh even compulsory on the part of each. But beyond this I am unable to see what right the state has to go. I have never been able to understand why I should tax my neighbor to teach my boy Latin, or the higher mathematics, or chemistry, any more than to help me buy him a bioyele. His owning a bicycle, and the out door exercise so gained, might be the means perhaps, of saving his life; and the life bo savqd might prove a great public blessing. But on that chance I should hardly have the face to make the demand. ' On a chance as slender, why then, -should I make the other demands, whioh are quite as personal in their nature? What is clearly for the public good, in the way of his education, I may ask public assist--ance to carry through. So far as his personal and private success or pleas ure is concerned, I have a right to ask only "a free field and no favor." In departing from this principle, I put myself in the position of a pauper taking publio charity as though I took soup instead of geometry. This, in a view of the fact that the rich can avail themselves of pri vate teachers. On this point two things are ta be said: First, if this is the obligation of the state in the mat ter of education why stop there? Why not horses, and all the "good things" of life? Indeed no state can carry out this idea completely until it learns some way by which to make all people equally clever. But, sec ondly, an equal chance for what it is the duty of the state to provide? If it be, bo far as possible, an equal chanoe for a successful, contented, useful and happy life, it is jufct that which is here contended for. It is that which the public school is now not doing, but which it dught to do. The public schools, then, supported by the public money, should confine themselves to giving a good, thorough, common education to that great mass of the children that, with a few exceptions, will never go beyond them. They should be well trained in the few essentials of good citizenship, those things that wrill fit them to lead self sustaining, honest and honorable lives; and. that, for that reason, are of public conoern, and for which the public has, an interest in paying. To neglect or slight this for the further education of a very few, and that few in such studies as are chiefly of pri vate concern is a plain and manifest perversion of pdblic funds; as well as uegligenoe in the performance of a publio duty. Artemas Ward says, that on a cer tain occasion he "tried to do too much, and did it!" This is just the weak point in our public school sys tem. It is trying to do too much, and, as a consequence, is doing very little thoroughly and well, while the things that ought to be of ohief im portance are oertainly not accom plished. It pains the Standard to have Alex. McClure's utteranoes concern ing the Democratic party quoted, al most as badly as it does the Oregon ian to have Blaine's name approv ingly mentioned in connection. with the Bepublican presidential nomina tion. NEW TU-DAV Progress In Astoria. We LEAD IN BUSINESS ENTEBPRISE U well as In Superior Quality of Goods. In a few ds there will be opened a briach of tbe Popular Astoria Bakery, In Connection with a Candy Manufactory by J.P.CLASSEN, FORMERLY ON MAIN STBK1T. The Weekly Astorian OUT ?2lfli MdrnlTiy In Wrappers ready for Mailing. Price, - - -. Ten Cents. - Notice. fflHERE WILL BE A STOCKHOLDERS JL meeting of the Point Adams Pkjr. Co,, nt their office In -Upper Astoria, oa Saturday April 5th. at 1 o'clock p. M. tiy oraex oi me jiresioent, unrneuxii. "as1 T.CHcrrrEB, ST7. NEW TO-DAY. Notic. t rilHK DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY WILL X bo hold In the County Court house, on Saturday eveulntr. at 7 -.30 o'clock, fur the purpose ot electing twenty one delegates to thp Count j convention. a H. STOCKTON, C.J.TREXCHAKb. A. A. GLKVELAND. Precinct Committee. Astoria. Or., April 3rd, 1861. Notice of Application. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE undersigned will, at the next meeting ot the Common Council of the City of Astoria, Clatsop county. Oregon, apply to s iid oun- rai tor license to retail wtue. mail and spir ituous liquors In lest quantities than one quart, for the period of one ear. In the building on lot five (6), block ten (10). cor ner Benton and Cbenamu street, in said city, as laid out by John McClure. J.BOTTGER&CO. Astoria. April 8, 1834. FOR Finest Groceries, FOABD t STOKES. A FULL LINE OF HARDWARE AND Ship Chandlery. A-- NEW SLIP Just Finished In Rear of Store. Fiihermen's Headquarters. THE GENUINE Cape Ann 0 led Clothing, OVERALLS COATS. HATS. SHIRTS, GUM BOOTS. ETC. And a Complete Outfit, ot B-st Quality, and at the LOWEST V RICE of any Establish ment lathe city. P. A. STOKES & CO. Have oponed a New Stock of A L Roods In tne store next aoor to toara s aiosed, ana Guarantee Satisfaction TO ALL CUSTOMERS, First Class Biacksmithing AT LOW RATES AT -Gilbert Christiansen's HORSESHOEING Dune on Scientific Principles by .an Al Horsesboer who i.uarantees (JOOD WORK. General Biacksmithing Done And SATISFACTION ASSURED, at His Shop. In rear of Aug. Danlelson's Saloon Drugs and Chem icais Prescriptions carefully compounded Day or Night. Ladies of Astoria ! Your attention Is directed to the Fact that at Mrs. T. S.'Jewett's FANCY GOODS EMPORIUM, Is a 1-arge and C .raplete Stock of FINE GOuDS. Comprising every variety of Fey Wur, XlUlaerr, HU, BosneU, Lmm, KnferftlderiM, Tin, Collin, Flchat, La dled XJnitrntir, Chlldrea't Clothes, Setter?, GtevM, Zephyrs, Went, Etc., Of the Newest Styles, And GUARANTEED to be FIRST QUALITY. SUaaplag Doae at lUasoaable Rated. .Dressmaking a Specialty. None but First-class Assistant Employed. Squemoqua Street, two doors west of Cass. Seining Ground for Rent IN FRONT OF B.C. KINDRED'S CLAIM, near Fort Stevens. Enquire on the premises or of C. A. May, Astoria. o ms3-im For Sale. IIVE HUNDRED CORDS DRY HEM r lock Wood, which I Will deliver at tbe houses ot customers tor 9 a cord. . Draylngof all kinds done at reasonable rates. - tu n. aiakiuiv TAX NOTICE. "DESIDEKTS OF SCHOOL DISTRICT NO MX 9 are hereby, notified that tbe taxes for mejearjBW.in iaia amnn are now aue and payable at the oftlce oi Badollet&Co., upper Astoria. J. E. HIGGINS. Acting School Clerk. Astoria, Febrvary fl, ISM. House to Let. INQUIRE AT STONE 'DAVIDSON'S. 1. Notice. mHERB WILL BE A STOCKHOLDERS' X meeting or tbe Garibaldi PacklngCn.. at the .Longshoremen's nail. No. 2. In this city, Saturday. April Stb. at 10 o'clock In theore uoon. By order of the President, OHAS. WICKS IBOM. Astoria, Or., April Sd, 1681. Notice. A LL PERSONS ABE HEREBY NOTIFIED A not to trust mv wife. Bridget Ortrrrmn on mr aocoum., as i on my aocoum.. as j contracted by her. 7 - ?- jtz v n, " ; i .T-rv.v will not pay a&y bills P. GORMAN, Notice of Application. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE undersigned will, at the next regular meeting of tne Common Council of the city of Astoria, Clatsop Connty, Oregon, apply to said Council for a license to retail wine, malt aud spirituous Uquors In less quanti ties than oae quart, for tbe period of one year. la the bu ldlng froatlnt on Concoatly street; and sltsated on lot o. In block 8, iu that part of said city laid out by John McClure.,. . - v H.BPABKEB. AyrUlst,!!. J.E.TH0MAS, t DRUGGIST i PharmacM, ifc? Aastoria'S' A fa You Are Sure AT Leading Furniture House OF ASTORIA. CHAS. HEILBOEN. FOE Hall, Offics, Library, Parlor, Chamber and DINING ROOM, in WALNUT, CHERRY, ASH, AND MAPLE. We are without a doubt showing the Largest and Most Complete line of CHAMBER SUITS in this city, unequaled in Design, Work manship and Finish. We Carry an IMMENSE STOCK OF CARPETS of All Designs and Colors in Body, Roxbury, and Tapestry Brussels, Three Plys, Extra Supers and Ingrains. HBBi3to9ciSip3SS& vj -ipS Columbia Transportation Company. FOR POFtVX.AKX. FAST TIME 1 THE POPULAB STEAMER FLEETWOOD "Which has been refitted for the comfort of passengers will leave Wilson & Fisher's Doik every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6 A.M. arriving at Portland at 1 P.M. Returning leaves Portland e ery Tuesday and Thursday at 6 A. M. arriving .at Astoria at 1 P. M. tyAn additional trip will be made on Sunday of Each Weu, leaving Portland at 9 O'clock Sunday Xoralajc. Passengers bj thb route connect at Kalrtm for Sound ports. U. B. SCO FT, President. THE AEW YORK Opposite the Parker House. Headquarters for the Young and the Old. Books Musical Instruments, Toys Sta tionery and Novelties ot Every DeacrijiUon. All tke Leadiaff Pablleations of the Day. Ask to be shown the Cltrlona, the latest novel of mechanical Ingenuity. J. W. RUDDOCK, Practical Plumbing In All Its Branches. Steam and Gas Fixtures. A Complete Stock of First-cla&s Material. All Work Oanraateed. Offloft and Shop on Cus Street, rear oi C&'3 bank, Astoria, Oregon. THE FINEST BREAD IN THE OITY ' Hade from the Finest Flour AT F. B. ELBERloN'S SEASIDE BAKERY ! FANCY CAKES AND CONFECTIONERY. Everything first class and guaranteed. FURNISHED ROOMS TO LET. A T MBS. GEO. HILLER'g, NEXT DOOR JX. to WMttU HotoL NOVELTY TI jF THE V Oew York Novelty to be Suited THE F U B N I T XT R E THE FAST TIME I PETEE BLANKH0LM, Dealer In FINE CIGARS, IMPORTED AND DOMESTIC. THE BEST BRANDS OF TOBACCO. M3IOKERS' ARTICLES. Cor. Squemoqua and Olney Streets, Astoria. COAL! COAL! The Oregon Improvement Co. Now have for sale at the new Bunkers. SEATTLE COAL For Domestic use, clean, 97.50 per ton of For Steam use, average, $G.50 per ton or 2,240 lbs. For Steam use, screenings. $4.50 per ton of 2.3io lbs. Abo constantly on hand Flrat-elast Cumberland Coal For Blacksmith use, at market rata. . M E. A. NO YES. Jan20-3ni Agent. THE BEST IS THE o:B2ja.:E:E:sa 2 Royal Brand Flour Manufactured by the OREGON MILLING COMPANY Is of Superior Quality, and Is Endorsed bysull whouelt. THE HOUSEKEEPER'S FAVORITE Of Superior Hlsing Quality. Guaranteed to Givo Satisfaction. WYATT & THOMPSON Solo Agents for AHtorla. ASTORIA LIQUOR STORE, AUG. DANIELSON, - Proprietor Jteballtand Refitted ronghout. The Rest of W1XKS. LIQUOR, AXD CIGAR For a Good Cigar, call for one of "Danielaoa's Best." Corner West 9th and Water Streets, Astoria. n9-m The Gem Saloon. The Popular Resort for Astorlans. -FOE THE- Finest of Wines and Liquors . r .Go t0 Ul8 QEM SALOON. AI, CAMPBELL, - FUOPKIETOB. For The Finest Groceries. For The Freshest Vegetables, For The Most Complete Assortment," For Absolute Satisfaction, In Filling and Delhi nn,j All Order. C ill at . FRANK L. Family Grocery and Provision Store, Corner Benton and Chenamus Streets, Opposite Custom House Square. TEH apply to the Captain, or to EMPIRE STORES RE-OPENING I Fine Goods -ReducedPrices Ladies desirous of procuring Goods unequaled in Style and linish. will take pleasure in examining our Stook of SILKS, SATINS and DRESS GOODS. IN THE GENTS' FTJENISHING DEPARTMENT, Everytning is Complete and of the best, PRAEL BEOS. THE NEW MODEL ffiStfStf -mHBX-tXDLU?-J' flli is . ttV. - -ik 5Wai WCZMY7TZZ umi&M wmmmimm mm A FULL STOCK ALWAYS ON HAND. 33. . ITTA WS, Two doors east of Occident Hotel. ASTORIA, OREGON. John A. IVIonfgoznery, deali:u jy Tin, Sheet Iron and Copper Ware. A General Assortment of HOUSEHOLD GOODS. Agents for Magee Stoves and Ranges The Uest In the market. Puirabiug goods of all kinds on hand, .lob work done In u workmanlike mannei PLUMBING, GAS FITTING. AND CANNERY WORK Attended to Promptly on Reasonable Terms. ClienamuH Wtreat. A'oxt to C . Parker's Store. ASTORIA. - - OREOOll. M. OL8EN. J. GUVTA MARTIN OLSEN &, CO, KALERS IN Bf FURNITURE 55 BEDDING. Corner 3Iatn and ediuenioqnu Htrcets. Astoria, OrezOB WINDOW SHADES AND TRIMMINGS; WALL PAPER ETC. X Complete ritock. PRICES AS CHEAP AS QUALITY WILL AFFORD. n. itixns of FrKniTiTiirc repaired aist varnished. Magnus C. Crosby Dealer In EARDffABE, IM, STEEL, Iron Pipe and Fittings, STOVES, TINWARE AND HOUS. FURNISHING GOODS SHEET LEAD STRIP LEAD SHEET IRON, ?! AND Oo;E3- B. F. STEVENS & CO., CITY BOOK STOHE, Have Just received a mammoth stock of Book.. The youiijt and old, rich aud poor (un all be accommodated. AGENTd FOR THE Kranlch A Bach and Jfandsfeldt Siotnl Pianos and Western Cottage Organs, Orders for all klnda of Music or Instru ment, trill be FWUgkvsj- & PARKER'S STEADIER CLARA PARKER Eben P. Parker, Master. For TOWING, FRKIQHT orCHAK 51. B. PARSES. KANGE CAN BE HAD IN AS TORIA ONLY OF 5&U . BAWE9, rZ AGENT CALL AND EXAMINE IT, YOC WILL BE PLEASED. E. R. IIAWE3 Is also agent for the Biol patent Onfr Store And other flrst-class stoves. Furnace "Work, Steam. Fit. tings, etc., a specialty. & - KaON'. A. JOHSSOS. THE LATEST STYLES IN WALL PAPER AT B. B. FRANKLIN'S, NEXT DOOR TO X8TOEIAN OFFICE. A very large Stock Irora which to salect. Window curtains made to order. -My patent Trimmer to cut Wall Paper n HI be lound convenient to ihTpatrons. WM, EDGAR, s Dealer In Cigars, Tobacco an! Cigarettes liteerschaum and Brier Pipes, GENUINE ENGLISH CUTLERY Revolvers and Cartridges. CORNER MAIN AND CHENAMTJS ST8- Delinquent School Tax. THE DELINQUENT SCHOOL TAX LIST ot School District No 1, Ls cow In my hands fur collet tlon. Parties Interested. will govern themselves accnr luirly. A. MTWOMBLY,; Sheriff Clatsop. County, Astoria, Or,, March 13th, 18M. -. c BlrI j-ffllfl
