a
COMMUNICATION.
For Iho Columbia Democrat.
LYCEUnrswSociA societies.
Mr. Ingram": I have frequently been in
terrogated on the subjectf Lyceums as
to" their object and utility, and beglcavo to
reply through the medium of your useful
Ppor. I approve of the plan suggested by
Mr. Kolbrook, in his discourse on that sub
ject, in which ho Tccortimends'thc -forma
tion of "Social Societies," consisting of
any convenient number of neighbors: The
meetings to be held as frequently as the
daily occupations of the membors will nd
mit, for'thc. purposc'of "talking over" In a
social way, (without all the cold formality
of rule and order, and without the labor in
cident to '-elaborate -speaking,) various -subjects,
calculated to improve the mind.
The advantages resulting from societies of
this kind are two fold: First by furnish
ing useful topics of conversation'and 'filling
' the mind with wholesome ideas, it tcnd3 to
exclude a train Vf frivolous or wicked
"thoughts, durihg" the recess of the society.
Secondly. If people, (particularly the
young,) are left unemployed, they too fre
quently resort to places of amusement, to
Hho intoxicating bowl and the gaming table,
2to fill up their leisure hours. Therefore
"the formation of '"social' societies'" would
be attended with bdneficial consequences,
even if nothing were -gained by tliese 'meet
ings but to prevent worse ones.
But I do nofadmit that nothing will be
gained, but on the contraiy I believe inttch
must necessarily be attained by such "meet
ings: and more will be gained in the infor
mal way of' treating a subject, than by in
cumbering it with loo much formality; be
cause if one person be explaining a subject
with which he is acquainted, he may eluci
date it very clearly, yet owing to one sen
tence being misunderstood, or not perfectly
comprehended, the wliole subject would be
-obscure, or perhaps quite lost. But if no
rule be interposed, the audience can clear
the doubt instantly by asking the speaker a
question, or requesting him to explain,
which would be inadmissible under rigid
rules. Further, this plan affords better op
'p'yrtunity for examining specimens of art or
natural formations, than the more pompous
method of declamation and also lays less
burthen on the nerves of the modest and
inexperienced lecturer.
The benefits to bo expected from these
institutions, conducted on any rational plan,
are many and .great, and amongst them may
be enumerated the following in particular.
Suppose the subject of botany to be in
troduced, and familiarly explained, from
time to time, both by oral description and
specimen; docs it not follow that every per
son who had previously read essays on the
subject becomes a practical instead of a
theoretical botanist? And why? Because
from books ho had learned the virtues of
many plants and trees, and the uses to which
they may be applied, but for want of a les
son from tho living teacher, specimen in
hand, he had been rambling amongst those
very useful productions for years, without
knowing that they are the same which he
knew well by name in print. Thus, then,
ihe farmer may in one evening learn to ap
ply to tho benefit of his farm the very plant
which he had read of as a matter at a dis
'tance, but which he thus learns is the pro
duct of his own soil.
Suppose the subject of minerals and
Tossils to be discussed, and specimens pro
duced, which had been examined by an ex
perienced geologist and labelled: may not
tho society derive' from a few hours study of
this kind, all advantage almost equal (prac
' tically speaking) to that derived from a reg
ular course at college? Cannot the mem
bers by comparing the minerals they may
find, with those which they may (by course
of exchange) possess, ready labelled, form
a pretty correct opinion of their quality and
worth? If they can, they may avail them
selves of many of the advantages attendant
on profound learning, without the labour of
acquiring it. For example, suppose a farm
er has read, or became verbally informed,
of the nature and uses of lime, both as a
manure and as a cement andis theoretical'
ly acquainted with the mode of burning it,
but does not know tho stone when he sees
it: suppose he sliould receive a number of
mineral specimens from an experienced
hand, with the names written on them, and
that on comparing the one marked "Lime
stone," he discovers that it resembles the
atone on his own farm, ovor which he lias
been stumbling for half a century he tries
lha MBoriiHOiit, and finds his quarry of
heretofore useless rubbishi turnsout"to be
a mine of wealth and fertility, concealed
under the name of Lime. Then he knows
the value 'of Lyceums and' Specimens.
Now I tlo nbUnippose the discovery of com
mon lime will be brought about in this way,
because it is too generally "lilloWn; but I
haro merely chosen it as a plain case for il
lustration. There are, no doubt, many
minerals of great value that remain unno
ticed, from the very ignorance that I suppo
sed in the instanced have chosen. Infinite
advantage wouldresult from the discovery
of marl in this vicinity; and I am notccrlain
it docs not" exist. The same observations
will apply with equal force to timber, plants,
and every other branch of mineral science.
Nor need the discourses and examplcs'be
cohfined to these topics alone. They may
be varied to suit the taste and capacity of
the audien'ce, or the particular studies and
pursuits of tho speaker. The mode arid
time of cutting and seasoning timber for
particular uses the time of planting ahu
manner of treating fruit trees the mode of
grafting fruit trees and method of preserving
fruit, and in'sliorfa thousand other subjects,'
arc properly within the scope of these so
cial meetings.
Nothing is more common than to hear
men complain of the inconvenience arising
from "the want Of learning'' and to hear
them end by saying, "as'l know the want
myself, my children shall never suffer from
'the same cause." This is well. But do
these persons use all the mcans'in their pow
er lb remedy this "want" as they journey
through life? I fear they do not. I have
often seen such setting idle, or worse than
idle, formany long winter evenings'; during
which, by proper application, they might
acquire the very knowledge they are pant
ing after. And do they fulfil the promise
made with respect to their children? Here
1 fear the negative reply is loud. I know
many comjilaincrs and many p'romisers
who scarcely ever sit down at home with
their families, but leave all to nature and
school-taught theory. Tosuch men let me
say, if you expect your children to grow
tip removed from the evils of ignorance, it
is your duty, and ought to be your pleasure,
to spend your time with them to explain
that which may appear dark to open that
which is closed to make their studies as
practical and pleasant as possible to make
them partake of the nature of amusement
as much as convenient, and yet more, to
show by example, what cannot be taught
by precept.
If a father sits down at the close of the
day, or for a leisure hour, with his chil
dren, for their improvement and his own,
what is it but a "Social society" of the most
interesting character? Does it not tend to
increase the lie of affection, to improve the
mind of father, mother, son and daughter?
But docs it not do more? Docs it not tend
to imbue the mind of the young with mor
ality, lestrain the old from dissipation) pro
mote peace in the family, and strengthen
the bond of domestic harmony? Does not
tho attainment of ends like these make the
heart of the mother glad, and support .the
father in the decline of life? All will admit
the propriety of the latter instance. If
then social instruction in a family is good,
Why is not similar instructions in a neigh
bourhood good? Such instruction or amuse
ment must bo attended with equally bene
ficial results in the latter as in the former
case, because it is not every man that is ca
pable of instructing his family. Therefore
occasional meetings will throw those not
blessed with competent instructors at home,
in tho way of better abroad.
Before dismissing the subject, I beg leave
to remark, that every village and district in
the 'state, contains tho elements for a social
society, which when formed, will of" course
act in a sphere proportioned to the compe
tent parts. And here let mc add, that tho
common error is to look too high. In
choosing topics of discussion and elucida
tion care should be taken to avoid technical
difficulties and ideal hypothesis. The im
agination should be restrained from running
after great and mighty tilings, because tho
affairs df practical economy are small things.
It is of more consequence to the ordinary
mqn to Know at what season a particular
species of timber should be cut to Season
clear of worms) than -it is to know tho num
ber of days in which tho moons of Sa
turn revolve round that planet
I have nothing to say coitcerningScuoo'ts.
If the people prefer' schools, supported by
public means, and carried on under tho di
rection of public officers, let them be carried
on efficiently, with aoal and ability, and I
am one among their supporters. If the peo
ple prefer the mode heretofore practised,
of supporting schools by private contracts,-!
"go ahead," and I am with you. All I in
tend from establishing Lyceums, or Socie
ties, is to build up aids or coadjutors to
Common schools, let them be taught and
supported as they may. In regatd to the
Usual mode of teaching, I may remark that
it'isnot sufficiently practical. Teachers
too commonlytleal too much in books, and
ideas unconnected with visible illustrations,
and lead their pupils too much from the
daily avocations of'lifc.
In my own family I have tried tho social
plan, connected with visible demonstrations,
and found the benefit. Some year ago I
had four, five, or six apprentices and young
men about me, and! conceived the plan of
a republican government amongst them in
the shop. I put it in practice, and during
several years I had no difficulty in 'govern
ing those under my care. They were do
cile, industrious, careful and moral, inas
much that I do not recollect ever having
occasion to reprimand one of them in six
years. They goveriiedthemsolves by laws
of their own making. My plan was in the
winter evenings to invite them to meet me
in some convenient place and bring with
them such of their comrades as they -cliose;
when we all sat down to our studies on
terms of equality. I instructed all that
came in reading, writing, arithmetic, book
keeping, or any other branch they were de
sirous of learning, in as familiar a manner
as possible. I found 'that they improved
rapidly, that they wore always cheerful and
good natnred, and never had the least trou
ble on account of their rafnbling at night.
Here, then, I am convinced that "Social
meetings" of master and apprentice were
fraught with all good, and no evil conse
quences. I am well aware that all was
riot done that might have been done with
the same means, because I did not deal suf
ficiently in visible illustrations; but still har
mony was promoted, minds were impro
ved, morality strengthened, and affection
cemented between mc and my household;
and I have now the satisfaction of seeing
every one who attended my domestic fire
side instructions filling his place in life re
spectably and most of them rearing fami
lies which I hope will "do likewise."
If my apprentices were made better and
happier by social instruction, is it not ra
tional to conclude that others will be bene
fitted also? Then try the experiment: The
trial will cost nothing, and may save much.
It will elevate the character of the country
where it prevails, advance virtue and piety,
and counteract the baneful influence of dis
sipated society,
CONFUCIUS.
Cattawissa, July 20k 1837.
IMPORTATION OF WHEAT.
Jit Itew-York. From a table which wc
find in the New-York Farmer, it appears
that the whole amount of wheat imported
into the city of New-York,
Bushels;
In the year 1835, 18,200
In the year 1830, 493,700
In 1837, to the 10th April 85 1,000
1,305,000
Jit Hochcslet. There was imported
from Canada to this city,
Bushels.
In the year 1835, 05;000
In the year 18110; 223,000
To this time in 1837, only
about 10,000
328,000
Besides these, considerable quantities
have been received at other cities on the
seabord, and moro or less must have reach
ed Oswego, Ogdcnsburgh, Sic. from Cana
da. The 1,305,000 bushels, above enumera
ted as received at New-York, was imported
Hum uiu lunuwing countries:
jjusncis.
052,500
393,000
170,800
153,000
39,000
Bushels.
35,500
10,300
8,009
ft Ann
England)
Germany,
Holland,
Italy,
Russia,
Franco.
Austria,
Prussia,
Sicily,
Denmark,
1,000
Wool. The Rutland Herald says this
great staple of Vermont is now ready for
market, and estimates tho aggregate crop in
that State, at over 3,000,000 pounds, which
at last year's prices (about 00 cents) would
amount to near 2,000,000.
The SuoAucit'o'pin Louisiana is said to be
in a very promising condition, and should
it not suffer from those' accidents to which
it is always subject a large return may be
expected.
Mr. John Piatt, of Poughkccpsio, much
embarrassed in his pecuniary affairs, com
mitted suicide by hanging, while on a visit
to Syracuso..-
THE COLUMBIA DEMOCRAT
"TIIUTI1 WITHOUT FEllt
"Sa?urdaj August 5, 187.
TO CORRESPONDENTS.
"''Socrates" is laid upoli the shelf. He
has committed plagiarism in the first place,
and most horribly murdered the King's
English of the original. V e would advise
him to study the rudiments of language as
preparatory to another attempt to palm up
an editor as his own one of the chaste pro
ductions of Addison.
"Tun Family of Tkout Sp'kinci No.
2," will appear in our next.
"DELu"'is a very pretty and tender naifto
for a votary of tile Muses"; but the follow
ing stanzas, which precedes ten more of
similar sentiment and diction will explain
the cause of non-publication:
"My heart is full, my love is strong,
My eyes with tears doon (low,
Uccausc to me you won't belong,
You'll craze iny mind w ith w o.'J
And high time it was to hollow "tool"
Such a heart, eyes, mind and tears, arc c
uough to set any person crazy without the
aid of love, or any other passion.
10s We invite an attentive perusal of the
article on the subject of Social Lyceums
from the pen of our correspondent "Con
fucius." It treats of a matter which is be
ing brought into practical operation in ma
ny sections of our state, and which has re
ceived the approbation of those Who have
witnessed its progression and beneficial re
sults. In the language of our correspon
dent, they are only aid3 to schools; and it is
the duly of individuals to employ their most
zealous efforts in promoting an object "so
laudable to its patrons, and so well calcula
ted to advance the education and interests of
community.
' fcyTuoMAs McNaip. has been appoint
ed Post Master at Foundry ville, in this
county, in the room of George Mack, Esq.
resigned.
&C7A eon of Mr. Jonathan Cooper, of
Berwick-, aged about 13 years, was drown
ed in the Schuylkill, at Pottsville, on the
2 1th ult.
Numerous reports have recently been
put in circulation respecting Uzal Hopkins.
Esq. of this county, and others, who have
undertaken the construction of a rail-road in
Louisiana. We take this early opportuni
ty to state that the rumors are without foun
dation', and that mosl probably thev are the
workings of some spirit of malice, who
cither has an old grudge against Mr. II. or
envies the individual prosperity of the com
pany to which he belongs. We extract the
following paragraph from the "L ouisiana
Journal" of a late date, as corroborative of
our contradiction; and as the contractors
are all Pennsylvanians; we feel a double
pleasure in appropriating to our columns
such a compliment to their enterprise and
nuiustry coming, as it does, from the vi
cinity bf their operations.
From the Louisiana jourrini.
Louisiana Improvements. 7V;e hail
J(oau image, across the Bayon Sara, is
now p.ninhlntml -mil io .t,..i i .
,..., 15I j,DDi;u uvur uauy oy
wagons, horses and pedestrians. It is a
slructuro) composed of a singlo arch, 310
feet in length, resting nnnn in.Ln i....
. , -----O IIUUUI.1I ciutn-
ments, and is the longest rail road bridgo
in the Uliited States. It has every appear
ance of being a well built and substantial
structure, and reflects much credit upon
fill nnfntnp!uSiii i t
...w j, ..aiug wumraciors tor tno con
struction of the Won't Fnli,.;.. t:i t...i
Messrs. M'Cord & Co., who overcame do
suiaii iiiiucuiues anu inconveniences,
in
Lujiipiuuiig mis improvement.
The firm of Messrs. 1P
iists of Messrs. M'Cord, Hopkins, J.
Cumnungs, jr., C. A. Snyder; Colcstock,
and J hompson.
C7Tho ragged appearance of iimabSn
plasters iiow in circulation is a premonitory
v ui uiu ucicrminaiion ol the Ba
inks
in resumo specie paymoiitsi They
tainly were only intended originally
temporary species of circulation: and
cer
as a
hope that the good naturo of the communi
ty in submitting to the Moral
we
may not be chanced bv the infliction nf n
new issue of these dirty slips of paper
none of which are redeemed with specie
uii.vsa uy mgai proceeding
EDUCATION.
From the report of the Secretary
Commonwealth on tho subject of educate
by common schools, wo glean tho folio
ing facts in -respect to the cost of priman
schools in rennsyivaiiia, as estimated b(
im for the MrcsciU Year.
From annual State appropria
tion, to accepting common
school districts. Chcincr four
fifths of the whole number,)
From taxation ih the same dis
tricts, including the city
and county of Philadelphia
for tho support of Lancastc
rian system therein,
Annual expenso of teaching
poor children in the non-accepting
districts, (being one
ninth bf all the districts iji
the State,) under tho old
law for educating the poor
gratis,
Total amount of one year's
public instruction in pri
mary schools,
S58.-),OO0
Including the payment of S 100,000 w
of the $500,000 appropriated by the lpgi..
lature at its last session, he estimates tL '
81,000,000 will be expended this year iw
the purposes of education in primary sclioo.
3000,000 of which will be paid by i!
slate, and the residue by taxation. In
mating the cost of educating all the oh
dren in the state, he sets down the whn
number between the ages of 5 and 15 year
at 020,000 of whom he calculates 220,oi'
will attend three quarters in each y .
which at$l 25 per quarter will make i
annual cost of primary education $0G0,nim
This calculation is made on the supposim
that the system will be accepted in all tl
districts of the commonwealth.
tOOu Tuesday next the "ninety d.n
of Bank pennance" will expire, and tl.
S 100,005 ! ,o
400,001 p
i
2fl,0l
people soon after acquire correct inform jL
lion in regard to the tnfenlions ol the- ,;,j-t
. . .... - . U
monied monopolies. Will tho Whigs . '.'
Antics, in order to prevent them from -m '
plying the wants of community, and rederm
mg their solemn pledge, make a rush upr
the Banks for specie, and thus induc e s- Jiu
nothcr suspension? Wc know that tun
bcarancc will characterise the demands i ,'Bai
the opponents .of these institutions tliu ggf
will ask no more than is really needed i ""i
the purposes of business; and if the Hank- .V
ites only act prudently, or do not exhihu jjf
prc-determination to oppose specie p.
ments, we feel confident thfX Uiost ot i H j
Country Banks will redeem their bdl- -r
heretofore, and that Shin-plasfcrs will u 'f
longer be requisite for the purpose.' ij.,
,.i. A ft.... .1 .i..:. , . .
of Hnrtlr intPfrritv. rind trivn n tttilnfrit ...
rection to the course of litis paper. N ?
fil'ils nrp ntnlllTllllr. ivn ctllimit in tlinif lit tf
fliction; but when they cmanato from a uV j)
position to oppress and enthral the people
wc shall "hang our banner on the outw t t w
wall," and commence the warfare with a! a,
the zeal and enthusiasm that should bclun? b
to n frerinnn. ..'
tCJTho "all-sorts-of-party" in this coun-, f$
ty have advertised for Township meeting kj
and, for form sake, threaten to nominau ;
and support a ticket of their own. TIip) "1
choose delegates on the dth, and assemWf -fx
in convention on the ilth of next monih. &
Their success in establishing n shin.uht-
ter currency has raised their spunky dan- th
dcr, and, it seoms, has emboldened them w ' si
try all kinds of "experiments." There ,
will be some difference ih tho contest '
The shin-plaster system needed no ot! ' w
nuumuimuuu man wealthy leaders w
their Ticket will want supporters among c:
the r;i.- andfdea, scarco concern in lb' P1
quarter. However, they seem determined Dl
O w '.i-nu OUU111U UU Wlll-'JI UK-1 -D
are no "common soldiers;" and they liae J
already declared that "if wo perish, we
perish but not without a strugglo!" Ho 'a-,
they frighten a body!! .
C?Our opponents assume tho name of
Democrats. Horrible! most horrible" ?
They are ffenerallv the oldest kind of Fed- b
in llirht i tin nlhpnvo !,.. 1.1 .1. ...i il.wi B
khalists something approximating to tfw
spirit of TORYISM, which prompted them f.h
tonnn'nsn limine. ,......: . nti !.:., In Jd
ri ... lug, ul uifuiugi JJUUl UU1" .7
nml r tVn i 1 . .. 11 1 . . i it
-..v. uiiw uiu uiiroucu iniiuia certain uriuc
to remain at home; Gentlemen, appear un
der your true colours; If you are cither
Federalists, Aristocrats, 6r Tories, don't be
ashamed of your cognomens Unless yoi
ciiangO your principles. ,
Bright Prospects. Tho people of Sus-
quehanna county, Penn. arc looking fof- '
ward fo?a coppor currency, out of the iiue 1$,
said tofhavc" been discovered at Brookl)'"-' 'M
r Ji
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