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Gentlemen, T HOUGH this is not the corntry to which I owe my birth and education ; yet I conceive my interests, and yours, and those of all your countrymen, to be the same. We enjoy, in common, the friendly protection of one govern- ment, and of the same laws. Our prosperity is advanced, and retarded by the same means. If we cannot, therefore, call ourselves, country- men^ certainly, the names, felIow-citiz€7is^ and brothers^ cannot be refused. Impressed with the recollection of so many causes of unanimity and confidence, I have ventured to lay before you, the Ir'lowing reflexions on a subject in which we are all deeply concerned. Next to the desire that our countrymen should be virtuous and good, ought to be the wish that they should possess some portion of knowledge ; of that knowledge which gives a man resources within himself ; which discovers to him the certain, though remote consequen- ces of vile conduct ; and which enables him to employ his talents, to the greatest advantage for himself, his family, and his country. We cannot, then, without regret, contemplate That A 2 the state of knowledge in this Province. ^1 ■L M^^tM rn rn m ^^ ^rniti-^ there should, in this enlightened age, be num- bers of persons, pmprii tors of large tracts of lind, who cannot write their n:vmes ; woiiki, in raanv parto o'l lun-ojie, appear incredible. What would hv the astonishment of a Swiss peasant, if he saw, as may often be seen here, the pro- prietor of two hundred acres of land, undertake a journey of lour or five miles, to get a letter read r In some parishes, there are probably not more than half a do^en persons who can read. Such is the difliculty of p ocuring instruction, that the country nurchants, those persons who conduct ihe river craft, and others who necssa- rily require some knowledge of writing and arithmetic ; arc obliged to send their children to a great distance, to one of the few places in which ihey can be educated ; or to engage some poor and illiterate pedagogue to reside in tiieir housL'S for that purpose. I'he expence, in either case, is such as few are able, and still fewer are willing, to incur. The seventeenth act of the first session of the third Provincial Parliament, enabled the majori- ty uf the inhabitants of any parish, to erect a schi\.il-house and a house lor a teacher, at the joint expence of the parish. And the liberality of the British government has, in every instance in which these accomuK^iations have been pro- vided, discovered itself in granting a salarv for the support of the Teacher. But, though nine years have elai)sed since this law was enacted, twelve parishes only have yet availed themselves of the assistance which it offered them.* Those * Si-t' the )Kimes of tliosc I'aiishcs in the Provincial Accounts laid before tht- lloubf of AbHiuIily in l&O'J. ;7JW«WR*F*HMff- d age, be num- Uirgc tracts of nies ; wouUl, in crediblf. What a Swiss peasant, a here, the pi )- land, undt-nakc ;, to get a letter are probably not IS who can read, ring instruction, ose persons who iiers who nccssa- of writing and d their children he tew places in r to engage some o reside in their ■xpence, in either id still fewer are rst session of the ibled the majori- arish, to erect a a teacher, at the Vnd the liberality in every instance 5 have been pro- iting a salary for 3ut, though nine x\v was enacted, vailed themselves ithem.* Those Provincial Accounts laid who, like me, have been accustomed to cjitimat'' knowledge above all price, will b.* ustonishe'd at this fact. But, v/irhout inquiring into the causes of past neglect, I would only reconunend to ynu to use vour utmost efforts in future, to remove as soon as possible, this stigma from the coun- try. Mvictr has been said in favour of knowledge in all ages. And, after the encomiums that have been bestowed uj^on it by the inunortal writers of other times, it cannot be expected that 1 should advanc'..' much that is new, or any thing that is better than has formerly been said in its praise. This circumstance, however, forms no objection to the propriety of the present address on that subject. To render the observations of these illustrious writers useful to ourselves or cur cotemporaries, they must be adapted to the peculiar circumstances of our own times. They must be placed in such a light, as to meet the prevailing errors and prejudices of our own age. My present object is to combat the prejudices which have prevailed in this age against the in- struction of the lower orders, and particularly thos(j which have hitherto prevailed against the instruction of the Caiuidians. In the execution of this duty, I shall consider, First, the conse- quences which we might naturally suppose to follow from the instruction of a rural people ; Next, the consequences that have actually fol- lowed from it, in those countries in which it has been accomplished ; Lastly, the application of the argument to the particular circumstances and condition of the Canadian people.. ri ^mmrn'^^^^^-'^^^^^T^^^'^ ifiiif a I. Ol THi: PRODAUI.E CONSrQUEKCES Of THE LDUCATION OH A RURAL PEOPLK. ,, These may be considered as aiFccting a rural pcMplo, either in tluur political attachments, in their rciigicuis sentuiiL-iits, or their individual happiness, VVi in rcc^urd to tlic attaclimrnt which the in- habitants of any C(.untry may form for the go- vernment undor which they Hve, I would lay it down as a fixt d principle, that no attachment of this l;ind can be depended on, while the people themselves remain in ij^norance. While this igni^rance continues, they are capable neither of appreciating the merits of their government, nor of foreseeing the fatal consequences of attempt- ing a change. Wfiln a government possesses only a moder- ate share of rxceileace, still it is better for the people r,> sul)mit, than to risk, the consequences of a revolutiiin. This is a position of which the experience of all ages proves the truth. Histo- ry renders it undeniable to all who arc fitted to receive historical iniovmation. And all those in every country who possess only a moderate por- tion of kaiowl'dge, are convinced of its truth. They are firmly attached to good order, and re- gard revolutions v. ith horror. But how are the totally i'^^nonint to learu this important lesson? How are they to come to the knowledge of it, who have no means of instruction ; who have no records of the past, besides uncertain tradi- tion, and the family tales which they learned al- most as soon as they acquii'ed the use of speech f To them the history of nations i:, s.aled up, the experience of other timjs is lost. The admoni- '.J*«ai^SJ'i» .»«r»«. nir -^:rr'Tr-rrr ff r!' . ^ ii ' »iJ ' i ii ! ' ^ :;Hy<»-... w«i»Hu -,T!! » ;i 5(«»iii|ttJtttittiita»fe«,,i.. HHi.l;:''ttiL,ulkili^;tl;i;^^r('ii*m'KH/tJfy;,|^l :t^^ tions conveyed in the revolutions of their coun* try, is never heard by them. Th^ir mind remains as fearless of innovation, as if no such events had ever before occurred to illustrate its dread* ful consequences. -•• But if general knowledge be advantageous under a government of only moderate excel- lence ; it must be far more advantageous and desirable, under a government so transcendently excellent as the British. Under such a form of government, ignorance is to be deprecated as onfe of the mocf dangerous symptoms that can pre- sent themselves. Public information is, in such a case, the best possible means for securing good order ; the most rational and successful method of promoting that attachment to the established system, on which the only reasonable hope of its permanence can be founded. For in what other way are the generality of its subjects to become acquainted with its merits ? How cati they be persuaded of its superiority, if they have no means of judging what portion of their hap- piness is derived from it, and if they are totally ignorant of the consequences that would result from its destruction ? "'« ' • ■- ?j Th£ truth is, that the attachment of ignorant people, to a good, and to a bad government, is the same. It is, in b6th cases, equally possible, for it is always accidental. Even under the best forms of government, and the most upright ad- ministration, much hardship and many privations must be suffered, in the present condition of men j and the ignorant are never able to dis- tinguish, whether their misfortunes are occasion- ed by the tyranny of their superiors, or by thfe r ;.«*.-::_; .cUWh-i^-'.-i-.- I \ > ^ I / t necessary imperfection of human things. Nor do they know that the blessings which they en- ~oy are separable from their condition, and might e wrested from them by a change of govern- ment. Under tyrannical government, on the other hand, they are equally ignorant what por- tion of their calamities is referable to the tyrant that oppresses them. They feel, indeed, the misery of which he is the remote, though certain cause ; but his minions every where proclaim, that this misery cannot be prevented, that it aris- es from the necessary imperfection of human government, and that no nation in the world is happier than theirs. They have no knowledge and no experience by which they can refute these assertions. And they submit or resist, just as a greater or a less degree of art is em- ployed to deceive them. The condtct of the uninformed subjects of every kind of government, appears to be this. If*, by chance, they are pleased with the govern- ment under which they live, all goes on well. They are contented anu happy. jThey will do every thing in their power for the support of government. I'hey will encounter death in its defence. But if some fit of ill-humour seize them, if some measure of administration give them offence, if some demagogue inspire them with disaffection ; their attachment will be ex- tinguished, and most probably will never be re- vived. They will then become a prey to ey&cf pretender who warmly professes an interest in their welfare. Their simplicity and credulity form the foundation of his hopes, and give suc- cess to all his schemes. It is vain to oppose reason and common seiisi; to the torrent with which they proceed. Their passions are inflam- ed, and cannot be calmed, but by time and chc calamities which inevitably follow. Such a poo- pie know not their own inrcrest. lliey cannot be taught it by the example of other nations. They have no means of learning it, except from the ratal experiment which involves them in ruin. It is on ignorance and credulity that the ascen- dancy of demagogues and revolutionists has al- ways l>een founded. This is the soil on which they have ever sowed with most success the seeds of anarchy and confusion. It is however objected, that the small degree of instruction which the lower classes can ever attain, is rather hurtful than salutary. Seditious writings, it is observed, are easily disseminated among a people who have been tauglit to read. And this, it must be acknowledged, is an engine of discord which could not otherwise be employ- ed. But, there is good reason to believe that the cause which is the instrument of this abuse, is at the same time the means of preventint; another and a far greater evil. The art of read- i ' —hich sometimes gives rise to the purusal of sedLious publications, prepares the mind for re- sisting impressions of a much more dangerous nature. Let us consider only what are the methods usually employed to inflame the minds of a Dc-ople wholly rude and ignorant. They are neither 4>amphlet^ nor newspapers ; bat con- trivances far more destructive than either. They are, at hrst, secret whispers and insmuations, quietly, but assiduously circulated amon^ the f: u^ unthinking multitude ; aftenvards, more bold, avowed, and animated appeals to their prejudi- ces ; and, at last, inflammatory discourses and unqualified declamations, addressed, viva voce^ to crowds of discontented persons, who swallow every extravagance of the impassioned orator with greediness, repeat it with conftdence, and communicate it from one to another, withouv reflexion, without discrimination, or any regard to truth. But people who are accustomed to read, are more capable of sober reasoning, and more disposed to reflect. If they are to be duped and inflamed, it is certain that much greater tal- ents, at least, and much more art must be em- ployed. And, if experience is to be our guide in this subject, it seems to assure us, that hardly any talents, or any arts, are sufficient for this, purpose. So far, therefore, as political attachments .are concerned, we are authorised to conclude, that public and general information is, in the highest, degree, advantageous. It renders men patient of the inconvemencies which they suflfer under governments that have reached only a moderate degree of excellence ; it is the only means of discovering the superiority of those which ap- proach nearest to perfection ; and, in all cases, it removes one of the most formidable instru- ments of facdon. It cannot be denied, however, that many po- lidcians and legislators have discovered an un- accountable andpgthy to the diflfusion of know- ledge. But whatever may have been their rea-^ sons for adopting this jealous policy ; it must be observed, that those who have adopted it, have li It seldom been illustrious characters ; and all ty. rants and usurpers range themselves in this num- ber. On the contrary, those who have been at the head oi regular, long-established, and en- lightened gOTemments, have ever s^peared to consider the instruction of the people as highly advantageous. It is well known that the Roman government, whether Republican or Imperial, was always favourable to the civilization of man- kind. Among the English monarchs, Alfred the Great paid the utmost attention to the in- struction of his people ; and his example was followed by all those among his successors, who have been distinguished either for the greatness of their deeds, or the liberality of their minds. The great number of Colleges and Universities, established a few centuries ago, in all parts of Europe, sufficiently demonstrates, that, even un- der absolute governments, when they are per- manently e8tablished,and regularly administered, the sovereigns have found the greatest advanta- ges to be connected with the diffusion of know- ledge. And, with respect to the British govern- ment, we have already seen, that the principal security for the ht^e of its permanence, must be, its being well understood. To command t-he respect of its subjects, it requires only to be known ; and, to secure permanent respect, de- mands that it should be known. It must appear surprising that afty suspicion should ever have ariser that Religion might suffer from the diffusion of knowledge. It is certain that the moalt ignorant nations have ever been the most supersatious, and the most im- B2 r 12 1 moraL Though Savages may possess many vir- tues ; yet these are to be attributed more to their poverty, than to their ignorance. When plen- tifully supplied with the necessaries and pleasures of life, they liave generally given themselves up to odious vices, and brutal sensuality.! £xpe« rience puts it beyond a doubt that knowledge is favourable to rehgious sentiments, and to moral impressions. Persons who possess iwt the art of reading, but who are yet instructed by their teachers in the doctrines of Religion, are certainly far su- perior to those who enjoy not even this advan- tage. Still, however, the knowledge of such persons is far inferior to that which they might attain, if, in addition to this instruction, they possessed also the sagacity and reflexion produc- ed by the habit of reading. I speak here of the Chnstian Religion in general, without regard to any of the particular classes and parties that have been introduced among its professors. And do not, then, all Christians, Greeks, Catholics, Protestants, and all others, with the exception of a few Mystics, admit that the doctrines of their Religion are addressed to the understandings of men? Are not all the arguments which the Gospel oflTers, either for the encouragement of vinue, the destruction of sin, or the consobtion of the afflicted, addressed to our reason ? And does it not follow, that, like all other sound ar- guments, they must be weighed by the judg- ment, before they can influence our conduct ; and that they must be more effectual, in propor- tion to the extent in which they are imderstpodt t RobensoD'i Amerip, Book 2. t' ■». 25 » and in proportidn to the conviction which we have of their trufh ? . It is admitted that the most illiterate may, by the pains and care of their instructors, acquire some general knowledge of the outlines of moral duty. But, it is evident, that the task of instruc- tion must, in this case, be an exceedingly diffi- cuk one. And, after all the pains which it is possible to take, parsons so .rude and illiterate, generally remain liable to a variety of errors from which a very slight expansion of the rea- soning faculty would be sufficient to set them free. They have always been disposed to rest in the external forms of Religion, and to con- sider the observance of its rites as an atonement for the neglect of moral duty. They talk about sublime doctrines and mysteries, they wonder and are astonished, without ever considering the intimate connexion which these subjects possess with the conduct of human life. Besides, as has been observed by Quintilian, the impressions which are made through the medium of the ears, are evanescent and transitory ; those which pass through the eyes, are incomparably more permanent. Were there no other method of teaching Religion and Morals, than oral instruc-. tion ; we should then be obliged to confine ourselves to this, and should still have reason to be thankful to Providence for the possession of it. But when, in addition to this, another and more effectual method is in our hands ; who will justify our conduct, if we confine ourselves to the use of an inferior mode of instruction, and entirely neglect that which we know to be better calculated for producing th eifect intended? V, J I ''/; (J \ \ I r in '< [h 14 7 By what arguments can we extenuate our neg- lect of so important a duty to our countrymen and fellow-christians ? No diligence on our part, no activity, no labours however great, can prove that we have been faithful to their interest ; so long as we entirely overlook the means, which we know to be most effectual for their instruc- tion. " But the publications which many persons read, are trifling, or improper ; some so mani- festly useless that the perusal of them can be considered as, in no respect, different from idle- ness -f and others directly immoral and flagitious in their tendency. Numbers of the novels and comedies which persons possessing a little infor- mation, devour most greedily, are either so com- pletely insignificant, or so pernicious ; that it has been doubted, with great appearance of truth, whether those who confine themselves to such reading, would not have been happier, had they never learned to read." Such is the full extent of one of the strongest objections that have ever been brought against the diffusion of the art of reading. But it must be observed, that the abuses to which this art may be turned, can never prove that it is not, in itself, a most valuable attainment. They can never balance the numerous advantages which this art brings to its possessor. As well might it be said that the gift of reason is useless or per- nicious, because thousands every day abuse it, either to the injury of others, or their own de- struction. With equal justice, we might decry all civil power, and all political institutions, be- cause many are the diiiappointments and distres- Mi|M«iMMM :'n«*?f|^«}{?I^F^! :iim»f*^Hil!iU^mm u ?r- ses which they unavoidably occasion to individu- als. In the same manner, we might wish the Sun to become invisible to our hemisphere ; be- cause he sometimes scorches, although he much more frequently nourishes, the fruits on which we live. But, independently of this general reasoning, it may easily be shown that this objection does not apply to the case before us. The Canadians are to be considered as an agricultural people ; at least, it is chiefly of those who are so employ- ed, of whom I now speak. Of the people em- ployed in husbandry, it is to be observed, that they have always been found of a graver deport- ment than the inhabitants of towns, or those who are employed in manufactures. Their amusements are of a graver nature, and all their ideas and reasonings are of a more sober cast. When, therefore, they learn to read, the publi- cations which engage their attention are suitable to the general turn of their minds. They are such as tend, for the most part, to improve the mental powers, and afford useful lessons of mor- ality and virtue. The subjects to which sucli persons generally confine their reading, are Re- ligion, History, Geography, Voyages and Trav- els. Such we know to be the case with the in- habitants of Iceland, with the peasantry of Scot- land and of Switzerland. And such, no doubt, will be the case with the Canadian husbandmen, whenever they shall have it in their power to participate of such amusement. If we now bring down our attention to the common occupations of life, we shall find know- ledge no less favourable to private happiness. 4n (t ') :i:::.'^'i^ytf^l,:.:;M. \Q ffian to political attachments and religious senti- ments. 1 1" has sometimes been objected, that the in- struction of the peasantry is accompanied with ihe disadvantage of raising their ideas above the employments necessary in their condition, and inspiring them with a taste for other occupations, often to their hurt, and sometimes t« their ruin, Ihu little knowledge which they acquire, it is 'iaid, raises ihem, in their own esteem, above their former equals and companions ; so that they are no longer willing to be confined to the same ignoble pursuits, or the same unpulished society. — In answer to this objection, i. is suffi- cient to say, that this consequence does not fol- low from education in those countries in which it is generally diffused. Every person who has been in these countries, knows that no people are more happy, or more contented, or more averse to change. The attachment of the Swiss to their country, to their own manners, and their own pursuits, is universally known. — The ground of the objection appears to be this. In countries of which few of the inhabitants can read, any individual who happens to receive a little instruction, finds himself elevated above his ftjrmer associates. He conceives himself fit- ted for higher pursuits, and nobler undertakings, than those of which the grovelling herd around him ever dreamed. Hence he becomes discon- tented with the condition in which his ancestors have left him. He engages in schemes beyond his talents, autl unsuitable to his attainments. His projects are perhaps disproportioned to his capital, which is not necessarily augmented by WM^^0f^'^^^m,^i^'^i>± ^l\t 17 !Ous Rcnti- lat the in- nicd with above the ition, and :upations, heir ruin. uirc, it is ni, above ; so that led to the npolished i: is suffi- :?s not fol- ; in which I who has no people or more the Swiss ers, and /n. — The this. In ants can receive a d above mself fit- rtakings, arcund s dibcon- mcestors beyond inments. d to his ented by the accession of the (irst rays of knowledge, iiiid tiie result is distress and embarrassment, perhaps, vice and infamy. But all this, when- ever it does happen, arises plainly from tlie im- perfect manner in which knowledcre is diffused. It is the scarcity of education, tiiat prompts the vanity of him who has received a little, and al- lures him out of the phiin road which his ances- tors have beaten, and which his countrymen still tread. The misfc^rtuncs which take place in this manner, are consequences of the very evil of which I ccmiplain. They arise from the rarity of (education, and camiot be prevented but by rendering it more common. With regard to women, it is undeniable, that i^-norance, and the thouiihtlessness ari,s'ntj from ignorance, are the sources of the greatest number of deviations from virtue and respecta- bility. Ignorance Icavi-s women a prey to tha arts of the seducer. It diminishes the effect of those religious sentiments which are the gr.atest supports of their natural love of modesty and decorum. It begets an improvidence, and an inattention to futia-e honour and respect, which are as l"at;il to the correct conduct of women, as destructix e of the industry and frugality of nier.. It is an observation of Dr. Smith's, in his " Wealth of Nations," that those unfortunate women w ho live in London by prostitution, are chiL'llv supplied from the least cultivated, and least enli;';htened parts of the British dominions. In the manufacturmg towns throughout Great Britain, thi^y consist in general, of those who have been collected in crowds, and at an early C ft '■''^. .*v. V 1« "^ I period of life, at the manufactories ; in which they are soon able to earn a little money, but are neither taught the lowest elements ol educa- tion, nor accustomed to think, nor instructed in the nature, or importance of female virtue. There is one argument, which I have some- times wondered how those who oppose the in- struction of the people, would answer. It arises from the pleasure and enjoyment which every person who can read, derives from this source. is not every person who can read, happy that he can ? Is there a man, who having once ac- quired this art, would be willing, for any con- sideration, to unlearn it ? As this question can never be answered b'Jt in the negative, every person siiould be ashamed of endeavouring to conceal from his fellows, an attainment which is never gained without a certain elevation of mind and genuine satisfaction, to both of which the rest of mankind are strangers. Hence it appears, that those w^ho argue against the dilFusion of knowledge, proceed upon a system of entire sellishuess. Knjoying the advantages of know- ledge thf.'mselves, they discover no regard what- ever for the hapi>iness of the millions who have never had a glimpse of its rays. They resem- ble those who have argued, that a state of rude barbarity is preferable to a state of refined so- ciety ; and who, with equal inconsistency, have, after all their theories, still refused to return to the woods, to the hovel, and the canoe. Just in the same manner, our opponents, however de- sirous to retard tiie progress of knowledge among others, have ever been sufficiently eager to advance themselves by its aid. I ^ -..j.j»).ii n i mn .iiiii ihiCTg '^' "■*-■..-, ^-!l)U?«^^ w y )iTTOr3tUlfciii»n»«'tfiWii^«f^**^^'-'" 19 in which ney, but -ii cduca- ructcd in irtiie. vc some- le the in- It arises ch every s source, ppy that once ac- any con- ition can e, every uring to which is of mind the rest appears, usion of entire know- d what- lo have reseni- of rude nod so- , have, urn to Just in cr de- led /// to an obji^ct. The Greek word from which tlie English term, TDK A, is derived, had a similar application to light and to knowledge. And the Italian, CHiARo, is applied exactly in the same man- ner. Were we to examine the practice of all languages, we should find traces of the same mode of reasoning in every one of them. By the \manimous consent of the human race, knowledge resembles the perception of light ; ignorance is allied to obscurity and darkness. This consent could not be produced by educa- tion, nor extorted by power. It could not be occasioned by any exterior cause. Jt has its foundation in those natural, unrestrained, and undisguised feelings of the soul, which are com- mon to all mankind. They who object to the diffusion of knowledge, ought to extend their objections to those things which the whole hu- man race have connected with it ; to the .light of the Sun, and to the power of vision. " Education," say the ancient poets quoted In the title-page, " is the fairest inheritance ; it is an incorruptible posscvssion ; useful even to hus- bandmen, and humanizing all who obtain it. He who acquires this, sees twice ; he alone has the true use of his eyes, and he is possessed of a superior understanding." C2 f- i 7 ^v^. 1 \ 11 'f. 20 *J. Of the conseqtif.nces which havi. ACTUALLY FOLLOWI I) FROM CliNl-RAI, IDU- CAIION, IN rilOSK COUNTRILS IN WHICH 11' U.\.^ TAKEN PLACE. Pi RHATs it may be thought I have dwelt too loivj; on the probable cf>nscq uenc.es of ecUic:\ti(»n, or ^ hat may be tennetl, the examination of the subject a priori. I have been induced to extend niy observations to this length, because ihnbc who have argued against the diffusion of know- ledge, have, for the most part, confined them- selves to these general re asonings ; and I wish- ed to meet them on their own ground. But, the propriety and expediency of what I contend for, will more clearly, and I think, undeniably, appear by considering the state of those coun- tries in which this object has been accomplished. The countries which appear to be most deserv- ing of notice, in this view, are Iceland, Den- mark, Switzerland, Scotland, and the Northern States, ol America. If any (^f the ancient nations could be cited as examples, Athens seems to be the only one, which can, with any propriety, be mentioned. It is certain, that the Athenian people possessed considerable knowledge with respect to several subjects ; that they had a very delicate ear with regard to the use and pronunciation of their own language ; and that they acquired a degree of political knowledge, probably exceeding that which the common people of any other coun- try, ancient or modern, ever possessed. The delicacy of their ear with regard to language, arose from the close attention which they gave to the public orators, and to dramatic represen- I \ "-^VKdB^ p-J-ttHi ■- 21 tatlon. Their political knowledge also, they derived from their orators, who were obliged to t'X])liiiii [o them, in the clearest manner, all pub- lic measures, and all their relatit)ns with other Grecian States, and with foreign nations. It doefc" not appear, that this diirusion of knowledge among the Athenians, was, in any respect, in- jurious to public peace and good ord ^r, or to the virtue and patriotism, to the sobiijtv, industry or bravery of the citizens. They were an. in- genious and scientific, an enterprising and highly conimercial nation. There never w as a braver, or a more public-spirited people. I'hcir bravery alone defended Greece against the vast power of the Persian empire ; their patriotism and love of liberty, proved the best, and most formidable obstacles to the usurpation of the Macedonian Priiicer. — Yet, their means of mformation were far inferior to those, which such among the moderns as acquire the first elements of educa- tion, do, or may derive from the press. Their method of obtaining information was momenta- ry, fluctuating and calculated to inflame the pas- sions : among the moderns, it is permanent, and fitted to improve the reasoning faculty. But, undoubtedly, the most proper examples niust be sought for in modern times, and in countries that more nearly resemble our own. And, to remove every shadow of doubt on this subject, nothing shall here be taken upon trust or conjecture : on the contrary, my authority for every statement that is brought forward shall be distinctly noted. All writers who have given us any account of Iceland, are agreed, that a certain degree of \ ^ V 'i u 22 i f- l\ ' information is possessed by its inhabitants. Dur- ing their long nights, which someiimes continue several weeks, one of the family frequently reads for the instruction or amusement of the rest, who are employed in certain branches of indus- try.* Thus, the habit of reading serves to alle- viate the horrors of a most inhospitable climate, and to elevate the ideas and sentiments of a peo- ple, who are doomed to subsist on a most sterile soil. Accordingly, ** The character of the Ice- landers is good. They are calm, discreet, or- derly, and serious in their religion, capable of great labour of mind and body, and accustomed to live upon little ; not abounding much in men of genius ; but producing, in the various universities of the North, many zealous and indefatigable scholars, who have struck with successful vigour into the most intricate' and untrodden paths of litcrature."t Some of these virtues are, no doubt, produced by other causes : but it cannot be doubted, that they are all pro- moted by education, and the habit of reading. The dominions of the King of Denmark, are, in general, supplied with schools. In each parish, there are two or more, in which children are instructed in Reading, Writing, and Arith- metic. A house, a small salary, and some other advantages, are allowed to every Teacher. | The history of the Danes, furnishes no reason whatever for supposing or suspecting, that any hurtful consequences, can proceed from this in- struction of the people. On the contrary, the • Edinburgh Revi*w for Jan. IR04. f Jiid. \ Pinkrrton's Modern Geography. :^ ■aLT"'^^'"*'— I ner 23 Danish government are, by experience, conviflo ced of Its beneficial operation ; and have given the most striking proofs of this conviction, by not only supporting the former establishment, but by confirming and increasing it. In the month of October of the year one thousand eight hundred and six, a new law was promul- gated, which rendered the Danish schools more useful, and more efficacious, than they could ever have formerly been. By this law, the Isl- and of Zealand, the most populous part of the kingdom, is divided into districts so small, that all the children resident in each, may, without inconvenience, attend the school which is esta- blished in it : A decent income and house are provided for the Teachers : All parents are com- pelled to send their children to school, as soon as they reach the age of seven : Instruction is provided in Reading, Writin?, Arithmetic, and Religion : None are allowed to leave school, till they understand these branches : And those who have capacity and inclination, are instruct- ed in the history, and geography of their coun- try.* I do not quote this law, as a model to be imi- tated in all respects ; for, surely, the compul- sory part of it, might have been omitted. But I quote it as an experimental proof of the expe- diency of general instruction. In reality, what stronger proof of this expediency, can we de- sire, than to find it attested by the conviction, not only of travellers who may occasionally visit that country ; not only of the most intelligent observers resident in it ; but of the very persons * Monthly Magaziae for Jvnt 1807, page 473. »• ■ ill ..^ - --* *- 23 Danish government are, by experience, convin- ced of Its beneficial operation ; and have given the most striking proofs of this conviction, by not only supporting the former establishnienf, but by confirming and increasing it. In the month of October of the year one thousand eight hundred and six, a new law was promul* gated, which rendered the Danish schools n\ore useful, and more efficacious, than they could ever have formerly been. By this law, the Isl- and of Zealand, the most populous part of the kingdom, is divided into districts so small, that all the children resident in each, may, without inconvenience, attend the school which is esta- blished in it : A decent income and house are ! V > t 24 ) )' >y. who conduct the government, and who are con- sequently most deeply interested in maintaining its good order, and promoting its prosperity ? And what stronger proof can any government give of having such a conviction, than enacting a law, still farther to confirm, extend, and even enforce the instruction ctf its subjects ? The romantic country of the Swiss, like that in which we live, is inhabited, partly by Roman Catholics, and partly by Protestants. It ap- pears, that there is here a regular establishment of schools. In some of the Cantons, there is a school in every village.* The inhabitants of different parishes exult in the superior education of their children, as much as in the beauty of their women, or the bravery of their ancestors.! The peasants, in general, are more intelligent, entertaining, and companionable, than persons of the same rank in almost any other country.* In fact, all travellers express pleasure and sur- prise at the intelligence and penetration which they discover. Their countenance bespeaks in- genuity ; and their conversation and manners confirm this prepossession. It would be an end- less task to quote all the passages in Coxe, Moo RE, and other travellers, which confirm this statement. Those which I have mentioned below, are sufficient for my present purpose. Such as wish for farther satisfaction, may con- sult these authors themselves. Yet the following account of the school- establishment in the country of the Grisons, shows, that the source from which the Swiss * Coxe's Travels in Switzerland, Let. 10. f Hid, Let. 24. t IbiJ, Let. 4. ':j^- w: I / (i iifp<»*»— WfcawMMWt ■iw . ,.,ji, " I had not time, and indeed it would be a work of great labour, to make an accurate en- D2 ^*>**..t ?uiry and comparison ; but, to hazard a guess, should be disposed to say, that setting aside our two rebellions, the above number of trials in England for one year, is nearly equal to the whole number that has appeared in Scotland since the Union. " Supposing this calculation to be accurate, or in any remote degree accurate, it calls upon us for very serious reflexions, and to consider if we can discover the causes of this proud inferi- ority. Allowance must, no doubt, be made for a difference that has always existed in the population of the two countries : for it would be unreasonable to suppose, that the number must not, in a great degree, be in proportion to the number of people in any two countries. ** It may be said also, that commerce and manufactures, hardly existed in this country in the earlier part of the last century. True— but, now at least, we are treading fast on the heels of England ; and, yet, thank God, the same con- sequences do not follow. In this very city and district, commerce and manufactures have long been introduced, to an extent equal to any place or district in the United Kingdoms, the capital alone excepted. And, yet it was stated by a po- litical writer, but a few years ago, that one Quar- ter Sessions at Manchester, sends more criminals to transportation than all Scotland in a year. " We must, therefore, look to other causes for the good order and morality of our people. And I think, we have not far to look. In my opinion, the cause is to be found, chiefly, in our institutions for the education of youth, and for the maintenance of religion. i«»» I II » mmmm 29 *' The institution of parochial schools, in the manner, and to the extent in whicli they are es- tablished in Scotland, is, I believe, peculiar to ourselves ; and, it is an institution, to -which, however simple in its nature, and unobtrusive in its operation, I am persuaded, we are chiefly to ascribe the regularity of conduct by which we are distinguished. The child of the meanest peasant, of the lowest mechanic, may, and most of them do, receive a virtuous education from their earliest youth. At our parochial schools, they are not only initiated in the principles of our Holy Religion, and in the soundest doctrines of morality, but most of them receive difTerent degrees of education in other respects, which qualify them to earn their bread in various ways, and which, independent even of religious in- struction, by enlarging the understanding, ne- ;cessarily raises a man in his own estimation, and sets him above the mean and dirty crimes, to which the hardships and temptations of life might expose him.*'* No person can surely imagine, that the opin- ion delivered in this manner by the learned Judge, was peculiar to himself. His Lordship appears evidently to have given an opinion co- incident with that of the generahty of those who know the subject, and particularly with that of the British government whose servant he is. Thus, as in the case of Denmark, we find the expediency of general instruction, confirmed by those who have witnessed the progress of its operation, and who are most interested in pre- serving the subordination and good order of so- * Scotti Magazine for Aug. 1808. 1 30 i ciety. It cannot, surely, be overlooked, that these ai'gumcnts arc founded," not on theory, but on the ininiovcablc basis of practice and experi- ment. li'vTT, in no country, can we find an example nK)re perrincni to our present purpose, than in tlie Unileil Staters of America. That Union ex- emplifies the t fleets both of knowledge and of ignoiance, in people situated as nearly as possi- ble in the same circumstances, living under the same government, and descended in general, from the same stock. In the Northern States, the education of nil the inhabitants is most care- fully })roviiled for ; in the Southern, the educa- tion of the poor, is entirely neglected. The different effects arising from these two situations, are unequivocally mark ?d in the opposite char- acters of the pfjc^ple. A [jretty correct idea of the state of education in the different parts of the American Union, may be obtained from the following facts, ex- tracted from WiNTERBOTHAM*s American Ge- ograpliy. In New-England, education is very generally diffused among people of all ranks, and a per- son that c;nii;ot both read and write, is very rarely to be found. There is a school in almost every townslup, supported by a public tax, and subject to the direction of a committee elected for the purpose. In New-York, much attention has been paid to education in later tim',?. Still, however, many places arc destitute of schools, and in many others they are conducted by low and ig- norant persc>ns, unfit for tlic purpose. Know- 1 . t >jS!!gi>"*i »» « *' " t*^itel«iFi<*««ii*MtrMiWf-?*t-> ithiwwMiu^ 31 leJge is less generally diffused In this State, tlian in Neu-Enghmd. Iw Pennsylvania, numerous schools are sup- ported by the' different religious societies. 'I'hcre are private schools, kept separately by Masters and Mistresses for the youth of both sexes. The Quakers support a school for the instruction of Africans of every diff'jrent shade of coKjur ; and into this, persons of every age and sex, whether free, or slaves, are admitted. There are none, whose parents, or guardians, or mas- ters will take the trouble to make application, but may be admitted into one or other of these schools. The means, therefore, for obtaining education, are, in this State, ample. But a more extensive taste for information is wanted, .to render these means effectual ; for, it is stated by our Author, that a great proportion of the labouring people are still extremely ignorimt. In New- Jersey, there is no regular establish- ment of schools. The usual method of obtiiiu- ing instruction, is this. The inhabitants of a village, or of any particular part of the country, enter into an agreement to support a school- master upon such terms as may be mutually agreeable. This method is evidently precarious ; and, accordingly, the encouragenic .t is gener- ally so inadequate, that no person of proper qualifications can be found to undertake the task. In Maryland, so far from every township's possessing a school, as in New-England, whole counties are destitute of that advantage. Many of the schools formerly established, have been neglected. A great proportion of the people, are therefore, whollv uninstructed. I f:> Tr^- 1^' s I * w I tl In Virginia, in the CaroHnas, and in Georgia, we are informed nf Colleges, many of which are said ro be, in no respect, superior to Gram- mar Schools ; but no mention is made of Com- mon Schools. From this circumstance, it is plain that little or no information can be diffused among the labouring class of society Indeed, great part of this class consists of slaves, a race of men so peculiarly unfortunate, as to be sel- dom within the reach of instruction. According to this statement, the diffusion of knowledge, fantastic as the idea might seem were it not founded in fact, appears gradually to decrease as we proc(\x-l from North to South. One might almost determine the latitude of a place by the degree of information diffused among its inhabitants. A farther proof that this statement is correct, may be taken from the different proportion in which newspapers are published in the Northern and Southern States. A few years ago, the proportion whit h the population of the New- England States, h'^ld to that of all the rest ; was, as one to four and a half. The proportion in the number of newspapers published annually, was, as one to two and a half. So that, while the other States, taken collectively, possessed about four times the population of New-Eng- land, they issued only twice the number of newsprpers. In other words, they had, in pro- portion to their population, only half the num- ber of persons who could read.* From this difference of education, there arises a difference of manners and character, corres- * Oiiphant'i No.'th America. '^^t^UWA' llEll^SHl?^^ **^ 1 Geor<;!:i, of which to Gram- ; of Com- ncc, it is ic diffused Indeed, es, a race :o be sel- ■ diffusion ight seem gradually to South, tude of a 1 diffused s correct, Dortion in Northern ago, tht he New- ?st ; was, ortion in annually, at, while possessed ew-Eng- iniber of 1, in pro- the num- ere arises corres- 33 pomlciu to the cause. The inhabitants of thj North'jni parts of the Union, arc, comparative- ly, simple in their manners, virtuous and reli- gious : among those oi' the Soutliern parts, inunorality and irrelii^iun predominate. IJitj former are, tor the most part, in easy ci-cum- stances ; few are in alUuence, and few i---duced to poverty. The latter are divided intcj two classes, the rich and the poor ; and the distinc- tion is no where more strongly marked. In the Northern States, are few or no slaves. In the Middle States, there are more ; but they are, in many cases, provided with instruction. In the Southern States, they abound ; and, t'ur aught thu appears, remahi as ignorant, as when they left the coast of Guinea. In the Nv^rth, is an industrious and enterprising people, lovers of their country, and possessing an ardent at- tachment to the country from which their an- cestors emigrated. In the South, the inhabitants are, in a great measure, destitute of taste for knowledge, addicted to low pleasures ; and, though vicjlent sticklers for liberty, are the very p- trons and propagators of slavery. Untaught by facts and experience, they continue attached to the alliance of a Government, under which military power has overturned every civil insti- tution, trampled under foot the unalienable rights of men, and nearly enslaved the nations ol Europe. E .m^Mtt^met*.. -..>M»>.I>....ii .wlrtiAiWaP ,ii-M>i;::tivx^-':V{r.surt^ pw^ mMmm t I \i 84 .'3. Ob THE EXPEDIENCY OF INSTRUCTION IN THK PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES OE THE (".ANAOIAN PEOPLE. The reasonings contained in the first part of this Letter, and the facts brought forward in the second ; are sufTicient, I humbly conceive, to establish the certainty of this general principle, That the diffusion of knowledge, whether con- sidered in a political, religious, or moral point of vijw, is of the highest importance. It is now time to consider whether there is any thing pe- culiar to the Canadians wh'ch is likely to pre- vent education from producing the same benefi- cial effects upon them, which it is calculated to have upon human nature in general, and which it is certainly found to have upon the inhabitants of those countries in which it is generally dif- fused. An attentive survey of the particular situation of the inhabitants of Canada, will show that they form no exception to the gt ^eral principle here laid down ; but that, on the con- trary, every circumstance in their condition corroborates the truth of it, and even affords new proofs of its universality. The discussion of this part of the subject, is the more necessary ; because many general rules have exceptions ; and general truths are often acknowledged, even while objections are found and sustained, against their particular applica- tion. The Canadians, as wc have already observed, are to be regarded as an agricultural people. And it is among such a people, that education may, in general, be most easily introduced, and also its advantages most safely enjoyed. The f i h Y '^■'WWlBWf^ il?)! ii.« 35 rural inhabitants of most countries possess a sim- plicity and an ingenuousness in their manners, which dispose lliem for the sober enjoyments of roadinjT, ar.J which, at the same time, prevent them from abusing their knowledge to danger- ous or licentious purposes. I have all along been speaking chiefly of the inhabitants of the country as distinguished from those of the laiger towns. With regard to the latter, however, I would recommend to your atte»tion the plan of instruction, most probably invented, and certainly carried to the utmost practical perfection, by Mr. Joseph Lancas- ter. It is impossible to say too much in praise of a system which possesses every advantage with respect to the labouring classes ; which combines mildness, order, and virtuous tenden- cy, with the highest efficacy in the real business of making scholars ; which joins almost incredi- ble economy, to practicability in every situation in which numbers of people are collected into one neighbourhood. I cannot help remarking far- ther, that the countenance which this plan has received in England from persons of the very highest rank, is no inconsiderable proof, among others, of the liberality of the British govern- ment, and of its disposition to promote general information. The general employment of the Canadians, as it shows the practicability and safety of their instruction, suggests also an additional reason for endeavouring to introduce it. To what cause are we to attribute the small progress which the Canadians have made in the improve- E 2 ■ ■ ^ ■■iiiiniiriW. ■**!rtr ■'';i^- 86 mrnt of their lands, and in all the arts connected with agriculture ? Why does even the small portion of land which is cleared, still yichl so small a part of the riches which might be drawn from it ? Why is it so difficult to promote the raising of hemp, evon after all competent judges are satisfud of its being advantageous to the proprietor, and suitable to the climate of the country? The answir^to all these questions, must be the same. It is the entire ignorance of the land-cultivators that arrCvSts the progre:;s of these necessary arts. 'J heir general ignorance cutjj them off from all knowledge of the new and superior methods of treating the soil, or the grain, or of improving the breed of domestic animals. It does more than even preclude them from the knowledge of improvements. It con- finns their prejudices in favour of all previous habits, and of all ancient errors. It prevents them from adopting even those improvements, which they see introduced by others. Of all the diseases which afflict the human race, that which cuts off the greatest number of lives prematurely, is understood to be the smalU pox. And yet, there is not another, of which the means of prevention are so certain, or so easily applied. It is, therefore, melancholy to reflect, that ignorance, and the prejudices arising from it, should deprive vast numbers of men of almost every nation, of the means of escaping this fatal calamity. Till the Canadian peasantry shall receive some portion of instruction, it is not to be expected, that they can derive any considerable advantage from the Jcnnerian Dis«. coyer y, A practice which would annually save ^1. 37 ii a number of lives to this Province, and prevent the distress of a ni ich greater number of suffer- ing infants and anxious parents, must, as to Canada, remain almost vvlioliy imflicacious. Thk very thin and limited iMijudntion of this Province, and the comparative case w'nh which its inhabitants can procure the necessaiio of life, rendi}r the dilfnsion oi kno\vlcdj:;e more pr.uti- cable jjere, than in many otiier countries. In many of the great nations of Europe, the crowd- ed state of popuhition, and the prevalence of poverty, will, in all probability, for ever exclude multitudes from the benefits of education. Hut the vast extent of unappropriated lands in Cana- da, opens a more chcermg prospect for our pos- terity. They need not fear a crowded population, or a monopoly of the soil for centuries to come. Now, therefore, while our number is small, and while land is cheap and plentiful ; now is the time to plant the germ of knowledge, which will enlighten, enrich, and felicitate the future multitudes, that will one day cover this fertile portion of the globe. Being once fixed in the soil, and having once struck a firm root, this plant will not soon wither or decay. Knowledge has a natural tendency to propagate itself ; and having once found a favourable soil, will not be easily eradicated : But, if we delay to dissemi- nate its seeds, till vice and luxury shall have poi- soned the soil ; we shall in vain expect to culti- vate it, with the same prospect of success. I hold it to be a very reasonable expectation, that the riches and population of this country should long continue to increase. Our climate, indeed, is severe ; but the soil is e.:ci Uent j the H^ 38 1.- j air pure ; the situation admirably adapted to commercial pursuits. These are permanent ad- vantages, and may reasonably be expected to be attended with permanent effects. > In conse- quence of their operation, the country may long be expected to rise in opulence, and in number of inhabitants. With this increase, however, of commerce and riches, we must look for the same disadvantages which other countries have deriv- ed from the same causes. Vices will multiply, and all sorts of degeneracy commonly arising from increased affluence and abundance of the conveniencies of life. It is, therefore, highly necessary to make some provision against this certain and coming evil. Instruction is the only means that can be devised, for preparing the minds of the lower orders to resist the addition- al temptations which they will then have, to imi- tate the increasing prodigality and debauchery of their superiors. This is the only means that can be expected to cure that improvident spirit, for which they are already but too remarkable, and which will certainly grow upon them by imitation and example. And though this reme- dy cannot be expected to remove the evil en- tirely ; it is yd the only one which can be em- ployed with any prospect of success, and, at all events, it will most certainly be attended with numerous, and permanent advantages. The education of th** people at large in this Province, is the only means of uniting the in- habitants of Canada. It is by this means that they may be blended into one people. While the lower classes remain wholly ignorant, there will never be wanting among their superiors, I. iWftW i»i— — <^-..^» ^^^^m&^mmM liiiiintl SBBsaBiSSH 39 persons who will abuse their credulity and their prejudices to the purposes of faction. Ignor- ance is the means of perpetuating national an- tipathies, of keeping alive the remembrance of unreasonable jealousy and suspicion. Let light arise among the people, and these bitter animosi- ties will die. Why should the inhabitants of Canada consider themselves as of two distinct nations ? Though their ancestors were descend- ed from different originals, have not they them- selves, the most serious reasons for unanimity and concord ? Do they not breathe the same air ? Are they not nourished by the same be- nignant soil ; and all enriched by the commerce of the same River ? Are they not protected by the same Government ? Have they not the same laws, the same rights, and one common interest ? The happiness of the one cannot be injured without impairing that of the other. The wel- fare of both is promoted by the same means. Though their languages are different, their in- terests cannot be separated. It is ignorance alone that perpetuates the dissensions that disturb this Province. It is ig- norance that, in all countries, has preserved alive the seeds of contention. Ireland has, for seven centuries, been connected with the English Go- vernment. But the fjreater part of the inhabi- tants, being wholly ignorant, have not in all that 'time, laid aside their national antipathy against the inhabitants of Britain. I'he more enlightened peasantry of Scotland, in the course of one century, entirely dropped the most dead- ly animosities that one people ever entertained another. At tl agamst moment, they *• ) , » ■ 40 happy and proud to consider, that the British Isles contain but one nation. Tlie mists of prejudice are dissipated before the light of knowledge. The disturbances which, a few years ago, agitated Ireland, are a memorable proof of the miserable effects of general ignorance. They were a consequence of that darkness which af- fords the inhabitants of any country, no know- ledge of the dangers of civil discord, nor any conviction of the necessity of good order ; but which leaves them a prey to the interested and the factious, to those who would establish their own power on the ruin of public happiness. The same cause gave rise to all the miseries which France has sufferf^d. In the beginning of the Revolution, the total ignorance of the great mass of the people, laid them open to be duped by a multitude and a succession of ty- rants. And, at a later period, the nation, from the same reason, fell a victim to one of the most tyrannical military despotisms, that ever dis- graced the history of nations. These examples are yet fresh in onv memory. They have been recorded in the blood of thousands, for the ad- monition of distant posterity. Let us not, then, conceal these salutary lessons from the eyes of our countrymen. It is possible to open the eyes of their children, at least ; that these may see the dismal consequences of civil disorder, and attach themselves to regularity and peace. If we discharge not our duty in this respect, we become blameable for whatever disasters may, at any future period, arise from their want or this necessary knowledge. And, of what dis- k 1l%:.^\jfr'».in^--y-'^<- mirHmimimm mmm 41 iritish ists of rht of s ago, of the They lich af- know- ^ ar any r ; but ed and h their )piness. niseries ginning of the >n to be 1 of ty- n, from he most ^er dis- camples ,ve been the ad- 3t, then, eyes of the eyes may see ler, and lace. If ject, we ;rs may, want or /hat dis- asters may not the memory of the past, lead us to dread the recurrence, by the operation of the same causes ? Perhaps, you will ask me, Why address nil this reasoning to us ? How useful soever ihe establishment of schools may be, why is it ne- cessary, that we should be the principal pro-" meters of it ? If the people wish to have this advantage, let them make the necessary appli- cation themselves. The bounty of Government is open. The way to obtain it, is clear, and cannot be mistaken. But, I would request you, Gentlemen, to consider, that the people in general never can be so sensible as you are of the value and im- portance of knowledge. As the ignorant never experienced, and never can comprehend, the. pleasures of an enlightened understanding, no more can they properly estimate the permanent advantages which it brings. To make use of a figure that is admitted into all languages, the ignorant can be no better judges of the impor- tance of knowledge, than the blind are of the use of vision. All conviction, in either case, must arise from report. In fact, the prejudices of ignorant people run strongly against all kindsof knowledge and sci- ence. Perhaps, no prejudices are more gener- al, or more inveterate than these. The Indian, the Kampschadale, or the Laplander, regards the rest of mankind, with contempt ; and con- siders his own peculiar habits and mode of life, as his greatest pride, and his greatest happiness. In a polished and enlightened country, the pre* F T "> I BHJMiiMiWtFliMgi"'.'* i»ajli,.t» 42 '■yi ') ■« ■■ f \l '■i judices of the uninstructed part of the commu- nity, against all kinds of education, are not quite so violent as those which a savage entertains agiiinst civilization and refinement. They are, however, of the same nature, and have always been sufficient to form a powerful obstacle to all improvement. And if these prejudices are sometimes overcome, it must generally be in consequence of the conversation and influence of the better informed members of society. By no means, therefore, let it be left to the people to enlighten themselves, or even to ask for the means oJF instruction. If education never be introduced, till sought for by those who are to enjoy the benefit of it ; they will, in all pro- bability, remain destitute of it to the latest pos- terity. In no country has it ever been intro- duced in that manner ; and, without the spirit ti prophf^cy, we may venture to affirm that it never will be. They who introduce it, must be those who know its advantages, who feel the happiness which it imparts, and who have expe- rienced the delightful sensadons that accompany the percepdon of truth. Upon you. Gentlemen, it depends, whether the future generations of the inhabitants of Canada, shall be an ignorant and boorish race, gradu:i]ly assimilating to their neighbours the sava^eiS ; or assume a more respectable charac- ter, and become an intelligent and ingenious peasantry, capable of comprehending the best nictliods of improving the soil, bv which they must support themselves and us, or appreciating the blessings of their condition, and of relieving the fatigues of a most laborious occupation by t -.4.- •.>Knratt(rtTtW;flittlW^«tttttt 1^^^ m'Uill!f^£iimtLXu,..r'% niiiiwaMMii 43 the higlier, and more engaging exercises of the mind. If the latter supposition should never be realised, the fault will not attach to them. Nor can any part of the blame fall upon the Govern- ment. You alone must be chargeable. You alone are, at once, able to discern the extent of the evil, and to bring about the application of the remedy. The country inhabitants, are them- selves able to remove the evil ; but they are not sufficiently sensible of its existence, and, there- fore, will not be at the trouble to attempt its removal. The British Government is sensible of the evil ; but cannot, without deviating from its accustomed liberality and moderation, en- force the remedy. You alone, are, at once, perfectly acquainted with the disadvantages under which the Canadians labour ; and able, by your influence and advice, to do much to- wards accomplishing the necessary reform. Permit me. Gentlemen, to say farther, that if this desirable event should never take place ; neither shall I bear any part of the blame. With respect to this matter, I have discharged my duty. It will remain upon record, that I have been the advocate of the Canadian People. With sentiments of the highest respect, I am. Gentlemen, ' • Your devoted friend. And most obedient servant, DANIEL WILKIE. Quebec, 22d June, 1810. >• s I. , ^',' t • . • , rm Nm 1