the State of Massachusetts was the best, supporting them all according

to property, and opening them to all without distinction; but that the

application of this principle should not be made by the requirements

of state or provincial statute, but at the discretion and by the

action, from year to year, of the inhabitants in each school

municipality—thus avoiding the objection which might be made against

an uniform coercive law on this point, and the possible indifference

which might in some instances be induced by the provisions of such a

law—independent of local choice and action. Thirdly: That the series

of elementary text-books, prepared by experienced teachers, and