I believe our Legislature, if left to itself, would permit the Common Schools to sink and perish in their hands. That body possesses at all times individuals of great worth, but the larger part have very little intelligence, and their motives of action are entirely different from those which would subserve this cause. I believe that an association of gentlemen in this state is the only mode of leading the Legislature into the necessary measures, and that, through them, this might be accomplished by the press and by public lectures (if the right man and measures are employed). I believe that a change of public opinion on this subject cannot be secured, indirectly, through the elevation of the minds of a few, nor by the dissemination of good principles by the circulation of Bibles and tracts, or the settlement of ministers, or the cultivation of young men in colleges, or in any other speedy mode except that of an association acting on a specific plan, and pursuing it with perseverance, and by expedient means. I deem the employment of some agent indispensable to give form and intensity to such an association; and a man for this work would require a rare combination of qualities.
The following is from one of the leading Lawyers of Ohio.
The more I think of this subject of national education, the more I feel anxious to be up and doing. I do not think that any other field of labour now presents itself in which so much good can be done, and it is not the least important consideration, certainly, that while thus engaged in doing good to others, we shall be, in the highest sense, educating ourselves. All that I can do, I feel anxious to do in this great work; and as soon as any plan is definitely arranged, I will go to work, and if I can get time in no other way, will diminish my business for the purpose.
The following is from E. C. Delavan, Esq., who has devoted so much of his time for several years to the cause of Temperance.
The importance of the question of national education cannot be overrated. In a selfish point of view, the old states could well afford to be taxed a million a year to enlighten the new, but they will not see it or feel it, I fear, until it is too late; yet much can be done. When leading minds are suitably impressed, the mass will be. Under God, the press is the great instrument that must be used, and a long time before the mass will move. It appears to me that the first step to be taken is to interest men in all parts of the Union to feed the political and religious press. Then, when the public mind is aroused, talents and means will be found to take hold practically.
The following is from a Lawyer in Cincinnati.
Our city and vicinity would furnish room for a dozen labourers in this cause instead of one; and one of the most effectual modes of operation would be to enlist a dozen others in the cause. A man devoted to this cause would be welcomed among us as an angel of light by all classes and all sects, and would be sure to enjoy the good wishes of all, the positive aid of many, and the useful counsel of not a few. The spirit of education is largely abroad among us, and only wants an efficient leader to enable it to breathe a new existence into the whole moral, social, political, and religious being of our community here, and, by necessary consequence, into the whole valley of the West. We have the best tools to work with, the best materials to work upon, and we only want, and this we sadly want, some person to influence us to use the one and act upon the other, by commencing an example.
I should hail the commencement of such an enterprise as the dawning of a new light upon the West, and would not only give what little aid I might, but would use all my little influence to make it work effectually in its onward progress.