[91] in what company, it be done. The law contemplates not only that they shall all be taught, but that they shall be taught all together. They are not only to receive equal quantities of knowledge, but all are to receive it in the same way. All are to approach together the same common fountain; nor can there be any exclusive source for any individual or any class. The school is the little world in which the child is trained for the larger world of life. It must, therefore, cherish and develop the virtues and the sympathies employed in the larger world. And since, according to our institutions, all classes meet, without distinction of color, in the performance of civil duties, so should they all meet, without distinction of color, in the school—beginning there those relations of Equality which our Constitution and Laws promise to all.As the State receives strength from the unity and solidarity of its citizens, without distinction of class, so the school receives new strength from the unity and solidarity of all classes beneath its roof. In this way the poor, the humble, the neglected, share not only the companionship of their more favored brethren, but enjoy also the protection of their presence, in drawing towards the school a more watchful superintendence. A degraded or neglected class, if left to themselves, will become more degraded or neglected. To him that hath shall be given; and the world, true to these words, turns from the poor and outcast to the rich and fortunate. It is the aim of our system of Public Schools, by the blending of all classes, to draw upon the whole school the attention which is too apt to be given only to the favored few, and thus secure to the poor their portion of the fruitful sunshine. But the colored children, placed apart in separate schools, are deprived of this blessing.
He shows with great force how the welfare of classes in all communities, as well as that of individuals, is promoted by mutual acquaintance. The French and English nations, separated only by a narrow channel, across which they can look upon each other's coasts, remained in a state of almost constant hostilities for hundreds of years; but when the new age came on, with steamers and increased travel, prejudice,—the child of ignorance,—began to give way; and as they mingled more and more together, they at last became friends.
