.MjEwMQ.MjYzNzY

IV

of early instruction. Several, if not all, of the Literary Institutions within the State, which have received aid from former Legislatures, are still in need of additional resources. But especially do I commend to your liberality and protection, the common free schools established by our laws, which are justly regarded by our fellow citizens with great solicitude. This class of schools extends in design and effect to the children of our whole population, to the poor as well as the rich, diffusing, impartially, their durable blessings among all. Perhaps, however, the most profitable aid that can at this time be extended to the cause of primary education in our State, would be found in the establishment of a Seminary, for the better qualification of instructors. It is not sufficient that towns are required to maintain schools, nor that schools are kept within the reach of all our youth; the desired result will seldom be attained, certainly not in its full extent, unless the several towns shall be enabled to procure faithful & competent teachers. I am convinced, that these cannot be obtained in sufficient number to supply our rapidly multiplying districts, without additional facilities for their qualification, by the establishment of an Institution in which they may be instructed in the interesting and important duties, which as teachers, will devolve upon them. Whatever, therefore, you may deem expedient to be done in this behalf, calculated to elevate the standard of qualifications among school instructors, will receive my cordial co-operation. The appropriations from our Treasury for the benevolent purpose of furnishing instruction to the Deaf and Dumb, have been applied by