Address Delivered Before the Washington County Association for the Improvement of Public Schools: at Wickford, January 3D, 1845

Address Delivered Before The Washington County Association For The Improvement Of Public Schools: At Wickford, January 3D, 1845 by Rowland Gibson Hazard. The address argues that progress is the essential condition of human happiness and that universal education should be provided for all. Hazard cites the diffusion of knowledge as a foundation for personal, social, and national advancement, and urges the state to support education while respecting parental responsibility and individual liberty. He advocates practical steps such as funding public schools, establishing normal schools to train teachers, and circulating libraries to extend access to learning. The talk emphasizes balancing physical, intellectual, and moral development, improving school facilities and teacher qualifications, and elevating the status and compensation of educators to attract capable individuals. It also discusses the broader societal benefits of educated citizens for property values, governance, and civic virtue. The Appendix details the Washington County Association’s constitution and the Teachers Institute, illustrating organized efforts to promote public education in Rhode Island.