The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1849-11-10
CO M NJ MICA TION S .
For The Cecil Wing.
--E, GaEsanL. c CINEE Z. I1EON.

lie SCSAJGil EC&g t =. HUN,
M. EolroR:--I have been frequently
called upon during the past twelve months,
through the medium OF letters and other
wise, by persons interested in the subject
Of Education, desiring TO knew what has
been done toward the establishment OF
system of common Schools in this county.
| II was my purpose lonG since, to have adj
dressed you on this subject lut my pri-
vate engagements have been such as to oc-
cupy every hour Of my time. Ny atten-
ton, however, has recently been again
called to the subject in such 4 manner as
seems to require some public reply.
These inquiries have been directed to
me, presume, in consequence Of my hay
ing been placed at the head OF = committee,
upon which was imposed the duty Of franz
ing system, to lie submitted 10 the consd-
Grafton oihe people Of The county, y a con-
vention of Delegates held at ElAton, in the
month of April 1913.
It will be remembered, that hut four OF
the districts Of the county were represent
ed in that convention; the third, tomth,
9Th, aAd seventh, and two Of these, the
fourth and seventh not fully, the fourth In
! fact having but two members out Of seven.
In consequence Of this limited attendance,
the President and several OF the mem. ers,
thought It most advisable to postpone any
action until the convention wa full,
bu: majority Of the delegates over
ruled that suggestion, and the coaven-
| ton proceeded al once 10 the appointment
OF a committe. of one from each Of the
! districts represented, with authority TO pro-
cure the assist lnce OF one person from
each OF those not represented, ior The pur-
pose OF framing a system to he submitted
/ TO the convention at some future sitting.
Immediately after the adjournment Of
the convention, difficulties presented them
selves to the minds OF some otthe members
OF that committee, which seemed 10 pre-
clude the possibility Ct successful dis
charge of The duty imposed upon them;
not the least OF which, was the limited
character OF the convention by winch they
We're appointed. Regarding it as Of the
utmost Importance, that any system, the
| design of which was 10 create so great a
change in the policy OF the county, should
e!nanate from source calculated to secure
the respect, confidence and cordial co-cpe-
ration Of the people Of the whole county;
they lesiIatcd 10 commence the perform
anse oft the tasl. imposed upon them, until
primary meetings were held in the first
NnI s. cond districts, and delegates appoint
ed to represent those districts in the con-
vea1ion This seemed TO increase our diff
fcultle3, as we had clear y 10 right to act
for those di.tricts that had chosen 10 act
for themcolyes, either in the selection OF
our associates on the committee, or ether
wise. 1t vas manifezty their right to
participate ia the framing Of the system as
We'll as N its adoption alerward,
This difficulty, and some others upon
which have reason TO believe the COM
mittee were divided in opinion, induced
delay in the outset. In the meantime the
Presidential election Of 1913 came on,
ana cur desire to keep this matter entirely
clear of all appearance OF political affinity,
induced US to suffer it to remain in the
back ground until that election, and indeed
until the election Of tie present year was
over.
In conversation wlh'some Of my fellows
on the committee, and with other gentle
men favorable TO the movement, it was
!, deemed most advisable that the delegates
to the Legislature should be chosen with
out reference to this subject, lest IN the
heat, OF the contest such Use might be made
of it by politicians, as would he likely to
prejudice il in the minds of the people;
that the subject should come before the
next session of the Legislature, standing
upon its own merits, disconnected with
any political bias whatever. For this rea-
sor il was determined that the matter should
rest, until the delegates were chosen and
then that the committee should, they deem
ed 1t most advisable, request the President
to call theconvention together again al
some convenient time, for the purpose Of
selecting committee in full convention
from the entire county, with instructions &c
proceed Immediately in the preparation o.
, their plan or system, to be submitted to an
, other session of the convention in the month
, Of December, and from thence transmitted
} by committee, or otherwise, to the Legisa.
ture, for the purpose of its sanction in tht
shape of law. In this l have the CON
/ currence oftwo of my fellows on the com
mittee, and as soon as Lean hear from the
! third, will address the President OF The
: convention on the subject.
, Nov. 9th, '49. F. A. ELLIS.