(* 46) I Ann. c. 9.
(* 47) Manslaughter, counterfeiting, arson, asportation of
vessels, robbery, burglary, house-breaking, horse-stealing, larceny.
_A Bill for the More General Diffusion of Knowledge_
SECTION I. Whereas it appeareth that however certain forms of
government are better calculated than others to protect individuals
in the free exercise of their natural rights, and are at the same
time themselves better guarded against degeneracy, yet experience
hath shewn, that even under the best forms, those entrusted with
power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into
tyranny; and it is believed that the most effectual means of
preventing this would be, to illuminate, as far as practicable, the
minds of the people at large, and more especially to give them
knowledge of those facts, which history exhibiteth, that, possessed
thereby of the experience of other ages and countries, they may be
enabled to know ambition under all its shapes, and prompt to exert
their natural powers to defeat its purposes; And whereas it is
generally true that the people will be happiest whose laws are best,
and are best administered, and that laws will be wisely formed, and
honestly administered, in proportion as those who form and administer
them are wise and honest; whence it becomes expedient for promoting
the publick happiness that those persons, whom nature hath endowed
with genius and virtue, should be rendered by liberal education
worthy to receive, and able to guard the sacred deposit of the rights
and liberties of their fellow citizens, and that they should be
called to that charge without regard to wealth, birth or other
accidental condition or circumstance; but the indigence of the
greater number disabling them from so educating, at their own
expence, those of their children whom nature hath fitly formed and
disposed to become useful instruments for the public, it is better
that such should be sought for and educated at the common expence of
all, than that the happiness of all should be confided to the weak or
wicked:
SECT.
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