Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1858-04-15
For the Yorkville Enquirer.
MANUAL LABOR SCHOOLS.

Mr.. Editor 1t is sometimes a matter
of interest to know what is going on in
other parts of the world, as well as that
which occurs in our immediate reighbor-
hood and sometimes it is the case that we
can profit by a neighbor's suggestions. This
may seem strange introduction consider
ing the heading of the article.
Yesterday, and day before, we had the
pleasure of hearing Rev. Mr.. Parham
lay this subject before the people of this
community. He is now engaged, with
others, in canvassing this State, urging up
on the people, the claims of "Manual
Labor Schools" as a means of developing
many of our resources, and as an incentive
to the poor population, to rise above their
present condition and fit themselves for be-
ing useful and worthy citizens. And he
thinks, moreover, it will be the means of
dignifying labor. "The fact that we are
dependent upon the North for so many
things which we can produce of ourselves /"
said the speaker; "aud the still more no.
torious fact that laborby the whites in many
portions Of the Southern States is disgrace
ful-together with the feeling of hostility
almost which exists between the two Sec
tions, loudly calls upon US to be up and
doing if we wish to maintain our indepen-
dence, either in or out of the Union"
He gave some statistics on the subject
which certainly indicate an alarming want
of interest in the great subject of education.
Out of III, 900 of school age in Alabama,
only 81, 900 are even receiving the rudiments
of an education. Such facts are startling,
and well worthy the attention of the philan-
thropist and patriot. Certainly, if We wish
to prosper and carry out the great idea of
self-government, we must educate-inform
the masses. The fact that we connot build
railroad, nor carry on any public enterprise
without importing our engineers--our
laborers even; that for every thing almost,
we must either go North or across the ocean,
bespeaks wrong direction of the public
sentiment. The resources of the State for
want of development in its mineral, agricul-
tural and mechanical channels, are left to
chance; and the object of the School is to
educate men to develop these resources-by
sending men out into the world, not mere
theorists, but practical men. He related
some facts concerning the poverty, degrada-
tion and ignorance of portion of the State,
which were perfectly astounding. They can
only be believed by considering they have
come from reliable source. That the mere
ignition of a match should be considered as
evidence of having connection with the
Devil, is hard to believe in the middle of
the 10Th century, but such he said was the
fact. His cause met with quite favorable
reception here, and he says, equally so in
other sections. 1t is time the South were
rousing themselves to a consideration of
their dependence, and even taking means to
obviate it. The South has the, resources if
she will only develop them. Let each and
every State act its part in promoting this
great object, and the thing will be DONE
Let the masses be informed-show them
that we take an interest in them. Letlabor
become digni6ed and we are safe. Another
time I may expand little more
Spring Hill, Ala. j. W. B.