of education and mode of management prescribed by the provisions of the school act.

Why the government should not have the sole power and management of a general system of education, the following reasons may be adduced. In the first place it would increase its means of power, patronage and political corruption, by the vast number of teachers, directors, superintendants, rate-collectors, paymasters, commissioners and sub-commissioners required, who would be its special servants and paid dependants; as also by the large additional revenue which would be placed at its disposal. Secondly, it would give it a state moulding power, which no government should possess; of introducing insidiously into such schools their own party notions; and of preventing the rising generation from being taught any views or opinions regarding their social and political duties, but such as those in power approved of. And thirdly, it would destroy all local energy and interest in the subject of education, and prevent those experiments in teaching and training from being made, and improvements from being introduced, which the ever growing subject of education so much demands.

If, also, such schools were the property, and under the controul of the ratepayers of the district, they might be made available, of an evening, for the purposes of adult education and improvement; but if they belong to the state, the securing them for such purposes would greatly depend on the party views and opinions of the officials of government.

The establishment, however, of a wise and just system of education formed for, and controled by, the people, cannot be much longer delayed. Ignorance, prejudice, and bigotry may succeed in retarding or marring it for a season; but when the people shall be made to perceive its

full power and potency, as an instrument of individual, social and political regeneration and happiness, the evil will pass speedily away, and the good be established for

ever.

DUTIES AS CITIZENS OF THE STATE.

RESPECTING CIVIL GOVERNMENT.

CIVIL GOVERNMENT, in its just and legitimate sense, means an organization, controled and supported by the people of a country, for the purpose of protecting themselves and their possessions against the dishonest, violent, and disorderly conduct of all who may strive to injure or invade them; and to otherwise aid in promoting their general well-being;-or, it may mean, an organization of force and fraud, for the purpose of keeping the people in subjection, and for depriving them of the chief fruits of their labours, for the benefit of individuals or of privileged classes.

The forms of government may be either monarchical, aristocratical, republican, or a combination of either, but the general character of each will mostly depend on the intellectual and moral conduct of the people; for, as no form of government can make an ignorant and demoralized people free; so no despotism can enslave a wise, resolute, and determined people.

But each and every form, whether constituted by rulers or people, may be said to be an organized injustice, that has not for its object the general welfare of the community; to effect which it should seek their enlightenment, prosperity, freedom, and happiness.

The constantly recurring contentions between rulers and people, for absolute supremacy on the one hand, and

liberty on the other, have struck out for future guidance certain fundamental principles of government; among which are the following:

That as all government is, or ought to be, constituted for the welfare of the people, its rulers should be appointed by them, and be dependant on them; and should govern according to the constitution and laws of the land.

That as no one party in the state can be safely entrusted with the making of just and equal laws for all, a general legislative body, responsible to the whole people, and representing their views, feelings, and interests, is absolutely necessary.

That as government depends for its support upon taxes, raised from the great body of the people; it is but reasonable, and just, that all who contribute towards them should have a voice (through their representatives), in determining that the amount raised shall be justly and economically applied.

That as the laws ought to be administered with impartiality, and executed with justice; all those who are chosen to administer them ought to be placed in an independant position, above all party bias, or individual

control.

That every person suspected of offence against the laws, should be brought to trial as speedily as possible; no person having the power to detain, or imprison him, but according to the forms of law.

That as the administrators of the law might be prejudiced or biased against an offender, it is necessary to shield him as much as possible against such influences, by having a jury of his peers to pronounce their opinion of his guilt.

That the greatest publicity should be given to all debates in parliament, and all proceedings of govern

ment; excepting, in particular cases, when publicity might endanger the public safety.

That the people should have the fullest liberty (through the press or otherwise), of examining and canvassing all subjects connected with the public welfare; and of expressing their opinions on all matters relating to the acts and conduct of their rulers, and of all public offices, and persons in authority.

That the people should have the right of publicly assembling to make known their opinions on all public questions, to express their grievances, and to memoralize their legislators and rulers for redress.

That every person should be at perfect liberty publicly to express his religious convictions, to establish and support his own mode of worship, and be subject to no civil disability on account of his opinions.

That every person should be entitled to have his person and property protected by the authorities and powers of government; and to have justice speedily and cheaply rendered to him against all offenders.

That every person should have a right of property in all that he can produce by the exercise of his bodily or mental faculties; that he should be free to dispose of the fruits of his labour in any market he can find, whether at home or abroad; and a right to give, or bequeath, his property to his children, or to any other person.

The fundamental principles of a government are called its CONSTITUTION; which may be said to be certain declared laws, rules, or principles of national right or policy, for defining the liberties of the people; and intended for the guidance of rulers and legislators, much in the same way as the laws of a country are intended for the guidance of judges and magistrates.

To render a constitution as effective as possible, i'

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