The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1855-12-14
ABBEYIE II, SOUTH CAROLINA MORNING. DECEMBER H. 1885,

the PuDllc VIII. Superficial knowledge is
better than no knowledge, for after all, the
truths that regulate the relations of life are
plain, and lie near the surface. An igno-
rant people may passiyely enjoy liberty, but
they cannot feel its inspiration, and will
bring no sacrifice to its altar.
will not on such an occasion enlarge
on the necessity and Importance Of public
instruction. All civilized governments re-
cognize the duty, and labor to meet its re-
quirements The subject addresses itself
with peculiar force 10 a slavcholding COM
munity. The, world owes its civilization to
slavery. 1t exists with us in its most desira-
bic and enduring form. s"Itais the corner
stone OF our republican edifice," and its
strongest defence will be found in the cduca-
ton OF those entrusted with its preservation.
Its, however, impossible. that the present
system, or any other, can be made to work
well without responsible headl5. There
must be unity and energy. Allow me to
urge upon You, rs has often been done, the
necessity OF appointing u Superintendent of
Public instruction. Select a man suitable
for the work: Pay him liberally. Cheap
officers usually render cheap service. Make
1T his first duty to visit every ncigbborhood
in the State, and ascertain where schools
are needed-whcre school houses NAV be
conveniently located-where, owing to
sparseness Of population, they cannot
where those who arc able to educate will
unite with the State in the establishment Of
Academies. In a word, do as has been
done elsewhcre-have survey of the field
of ignorance, and with the map before you,
decide on your system. Make at least this
effort, and If it results in noling-if in
consequence of insurmountable difficulties
IN our condition, no improvement can be
made on the present system, and the poor
OF the land are Eopelessly doomed to icno
rance, poverty, and crime, you will al least
teci conscious Of having done your duty,
and the public anxiety on the subject will
be qpicted.
The Lunatic Asylum is well managed,
and successfully performs its mission of
mercy and humanity. feel relieved from
the necessity Of making any special recon-
mendation in relation to it.. as committees
were appointed at Your last session to exam
'nesits condition and report on its nescssi-
tlesss After a comparison of its results with
Iother institutions, and Il careful inspection
OF its interior condition. cannot withhold
the expression of my belief that it is all
institution "mores sinned against than sin
nirg." - p
Not less humane in its Object, than the
care and dtreatmento of lunatics, is the instruc-
tion of the deaf dumb, and Blind. The
State recognises her obligation to provide
for this unfortunate class Of her citizens,
and has always generously responded to the
appeals which have been made in their be-
halt For many years a sum was annually
appropriated for the maintainance and edu-
cation. OF; her poor mutes in Northern
| Institutions. Parents generally were avcrse
10 sending their children abroad, and few
ayaiied themselves of the opportunity :thss
afforded. In 1919, Mr.. N. p. Walker was
induced by various considerations to estab-
lsl aTschool for their education at, Cedar
Springs, within our own State. The motive
that prompted he effort was praiseworthy
IN tho highest degree. His success, consid-
ering the difficulties lie had to encounter,
has been remarkable, but his means are lin
tied and wholly inadequate to meet the
Increasing demands of the institution. I
recommend TO you the propriety Of author
izing the commissioners of the deaf
dumb, and blind, to purchase tile establish
ment, and to place upon it such additional
conveniences and buildings as will make it
efficient for the number Of inmates who are
likely to occupy the, same, and to lease it
TO Mr.. Walkeror some other suitable teach
er, or to make some other arrangement
which they may deem the best, for the sup.