PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR 393 .adverted to it as one of the most important objects of government whilst I am disposed to claim for this exalted science such helps as Congress may consider itself able to furnish, satisfied that this hon- orable body will require no prompting from any source to aid in the elevation of the only standard of true excellence, by the diffusion of knowledge & virtue. The riches of a people consist no less in the productions of the mind than in the fruitful harvest of her soil, and conduce far more than the wealth of mines to the elevation of national character and to the preservation of free government. The fertilizing streams of cultivation are as requisite to the supply of rich, intellectual fruits, .as the dews of Heaven are necessary to bring forth the valuable pro- ductions of the earth. It is the duty of this government to endow a National College and to establish primary schools throughout the Republic upon the most liberal policy which her resources will permit. A virtuous education being the great basis of Republican government, there is every claim upon the Representatives of the people to call forth early & liberal legislation. Perhaps this object could in no wise be better and more effectually accomplished than by the establishment of a department for the government, to whose diligence and care this interesti{\g branch of public affairs should be specially committed. The formation of a wise & permanent system of education is not a work of easy accomplishment. Some of the most distinguished states- men of England and America have been engaged for years in the active investigation of this subject, and they do not yet seem to be satisfied with the result of their labors. It is now the prominent topic of discussion among the statesmen of Great Britain, and no one of them has devoted more labor or shed [m]ore light upon education that Lord Brougham. We should undervalue its importance, if we passed lightly or carelessly over this powerful lever of popular government. It is the great support of man. All other acquirements may change- :fortune may be lost- Ambition may be foiled- friendship may be uprooted, but education remains as a shrine, where the best feel- ings of the human heart may be sheltered, when we are within the sphere d knowledge, we may be said to be in an empire of enchant- ment.- Amidst confusion, its spirit will calm the tumult of the -mind- As the rays of the sun, it will scatter the mists of doubt & fear- And like the polar star to the marine at sea, it will guide the follower to the haven of happiness & prosperity.
No. 977
[1838 ?], AKONYl\WUS
Texas as the property of the United States. Newspaper clipping. Incomplete.
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