But the cause of knowledge, in a more enlarged sense, the cause of
general knowledge and of a popular education, had no warmer friends,
nor more powerful advocates, than Mr. Adams and Mr. Jefferson. On this
foundation they knew the whole republican system rested; and this great
and all-truth they strove to impress, by all the means in their power.
In the early publication already referred to Mr. Adams expresses the
strong and just sentiment, that the education of the poor is more
important, even to the rich themselves, than all their own. On this
great truth indeed, is founded that unrivaled, that invaluable political
and moral institution, our own blessing and the glory of our fathers,
the New England system of free schools.
As the promotion of knowledge had been the object of their regard
through life, so these great men made it the subject of their
testamentary bounty. Mr. Jefferson is understood to have bequeathed his
library to the university of his native state, and that of Mr. Adams is
bestowed on the inhabitants of Quincy.
Mr. Adams and Mr. Jefferson, fellow-citizens, were successively
presidents of the United States. The comparative merits of their
respective administrations for a long time agitated and divided public
opinion.
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