Article 7

A few weeks since the Board of Education, established under the school system in operation in this town, gave to the public through the papers, a statement of their proceedings under the law, with an annunciation of the fact that the time had come when it was felt to be necessary to take some steps towards securing a new building for the use of the High School. To spend more on the old building which had been temporarily used, was considered a waste of money; and the Board was without the means to erect a new building. To secure means it was necessary either to suspend the schools between one and two years, or to levy an additional tax, under a law to be adopted for the contingency, the Board being limited as to the amount of tax to be assessed. After allowing time for the consideration of the question the Board forwarded to the Legislature a Bill providing for an additional tax. While this Bill was under consideration, remonstrances against its passage were got up in town and in the same connection petitions for the abolition of the High School feature of our present law. These movements arrested Legislation.

In this posture of affairs, in favor of the system as it is, and also for power to levy an additional tax for a new school house, were got up and forwarded, and a public meeting was called in order to a full discussion of the whole question and the attainment of an expression of public sentiment. The meeting was held at the Court House on Thursday, evening last. The house was crowed by deeply interested and somewhat excited auditory. The evening was exhausted in an able and earnest discussion, participated in by Messrs. Spelman, Spalding, Commins, Carpenter, Bliss and Baker. As the question had not been exhausted, an adjournment was had to Saturday evening.

On Saturday evening the Court room was again filled, and the discussion was continued by Messrs. Spelman, Commins, Wolcot and Robertson, - Messrs. Commins and Bliss were opposed to the additional tax and the High School feature of the law, and the other men were in favor of both. At the close of the discussion Judge Spalding offered adoption resolutions in favor of the law as it is and passage of the Bill now before the Legislature authorizing the levy of an additional tax for erecting a new building. These resolutions were adopted by a large majority, amid vociferous expressions of applause; and copies of them were ordered to be sent to our Representative at Columbus. The meeting then adjourned sine die.

It is deeply to be regretted that some intemperance of feeling and expression has exhibited itself as well in public meetings as in the street discussion of the question, since its agitation was begun; and as a consequence, community is deeply excited. Motives were assailed and expressions used in the public discussion in a manner calculated rather to increase than to allay excitement. This is wrong, and the state of feeling now existing should be depreciated by every good citizen. If there is anything in regard to which the community has a common interest, and should have a common sentiment and feeling, it is in regard to the education of the rising generation. Abundant discussion, extending though a great many years and every part of the Union, has in a great measure disabused the public mind and brought about cordial feeling and energetic action on the question of Common School Education. There has been a steady, healthy progress on the subject, and as a consequence, a wide diffusion of blessings of education among those whose intelligence and virtue is the only safe guarantee for the perpetuity of free institutions. Public intelligence, public virtue and public freedom have come to be regarded as correlative terms. Thus should it be. C Nothing is surer than that we have an equal stake in this matter, as friends of our common country. The rich man is as deeply interested in the education of the children of the poor man as is that poor man himself, and nothing so significantly shows the general appreciation of the truth, as the rich bequests made from time to time to educational institutions, by National and State Legislatures and the wealthy citizens of various portions of the country. To find therefore, in our midst, clashing feelings and discordant views to public duty, cannot but be a source of regret and pain.

We do not propose to go into a discussion of the particular points at issue in our midst. Our only object alluding to the matter is to invoke calmer counsels, more harmonious action. We are satisfied that all desire the education of the youth of Akron. All should desire that the standard of common school education be as high here as in any other portion of the country. We are all equally interested in having important work done as cheaply as possible. The burdens of taxation are heavy, and should not be needlessly increased. If our present school system be adopted, or if be found that as good a one can be established, at a less expense, the introduction of a substitute is a matter of moment for all. If the administration of the present law be defective, we are equally interested in knowing and remedying the evil. If on the other hand, experience here and elsewhere, shows that our present system is a good one, we should not hesitate to take any step necessary to give full effect and secure to community all its benefits. If the High School feature be an essential feature of the law as demonstrated by experience elsewhere, we want the benefit of that feature secured in the best was and at the least possible expense. As to the necessity for a new building, it that feature be preserved, there cannot be a doubt in the mind of any man who had looked into the building at present used. A gross error has been perpetrated, we think, in purchasing, fitting up, and attempting to get along with the present building. In the erection of a new one, reference should be had mainly to the comfort and accommodation of those who are likely to enjoy its benefits. A plain, strong, commodious building is needed; and if such an one can be had at less expense than the Board of Education estimated , ($6,000) let that result be attained. But in any event, let us, as a community, move forward harmoniously, assured that any sacrifice made to secure to all the blessings of a good education, will be “as bread cast upon the waters.”