I transmit herewith a paper on the subject of Education. It may be deemed presumptuous to have put it in the exact form it is " as an article ready prepared for the new State Constitution. If it is at all likely to be so considered by the committee or any one, please amend by putting it in proper shape for presentation, with the necessary "Be it enacted" &c., & see that it appears before the proper body— I have been expecting some papers & documents from abroad, bearing upon this subject. But they are not received, & I thought better not to delay longer, as I desire my views upon this subject to go before the Convention in proper time.

It has been my purpose, as you will observe to link & blend the interests of the University & of Common Schools. Both are of great importance to the State, but a jealousy has for years existed between them that ought to be broken up. The aristocratic family influence that has controlled the University ought to be crushed, & the institution should be popularized. It should be thoroughly legalized. Better than have the State University a nursery of treason, to foster & perpetuate the feeling of disloyalty, that its doors be closed forever. But this would be an affliction to the state & wholly unnecessary. Let the present Board of Trustees be superseded by a loyal Board of Education as provided in Section 10 ofthe enclosed article, & the evil will be amended, & the University be a blessing instead of a curse.

I have provided for the appointment of the State Supt. of Education by the Gov. of the State, subject to the confirmation of the Senate. I am attached to this after much consideration. The constitution of Maryland adopted in 1864 contains the following upon this subject:

"The Gov. shall within thirty days after the ratification by the people of this constitution, appoint, subject to the confirmation of the Senate at its first session thereafter, a state Supt. of public instruction, who shall hold his office for five years & until his successor shall have been appointed & shall have been qualified. He shall receive an annual salary of $2500 & such additional sum for travel & incidental expenses as the Gen. Assembly may by law provide" &c.

The constitution of Louisiana, adopted in 1864, gives a salary of $4000 per annum to Supt. of public education, & makes his term of office four years.

The first constitution of the State of Michigan provided that the "Gov. shall nominate, & by & with the advice of the Legislature in joint vote, appoint a Supt. of public instruction "&c.

The constitution of Texas adopted in 1845, has this provision, "The Gov. by & with the advice & consent of two thirds of the Senate shall appoint an officer to be styled the Supt. of public instruction. His term of office shall be four years, & his annual salary shall not be less than $2000 " &c.

I think the term of office in this state should be five years. I think it best he should be styled Supt. of Education if he is to be an officer of the University as well as Supt. of Com. Schools.

As it is growing late, I cannot now enter fully into a discussion of the various sections. I trust they may commend themselves to yourself, the Com. on Education, & the Convention. I am personally acquainted with but one or two members of the Com. on Education. Mr. Read is a personal friend of mine.

All well & join me in love to you.

Write to me.