The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1864-12-27
TO THE LADIES OF NORTH CARO-
LIMA.


The State Educational Association, a, It's annual
meeting in Charlotte, on the 9Th OF November, sp-
pointed the undersigned committee TO address the
educated ladies of the State and urge upon them the
importance Of aiding in the educaton Of the young.
As appropriate introduction to what we would
say, we ask an attentive perusal Of the following
paragraph from the Message Of our hOnored Gov
ernor to the Legislature now in session.
"The subject Of Common Schools is one which /
beg you will not forget amid the great concerns of
the war. The efforts making by the friends oe
education with our jealous and ipdefagabie Super
iniendent at their head to prevent The public from
losing sight of this great interest is worthy Of our
admiration. l earnestly recommend TO your con
sideratiou the whole subject, and especially the
system Of graded schools advocated by the Super
intendent, for which memorials will be presented
By the Literary Board, and the Educational Asso-
citation of North Carolina. 1 also suggest that
regular teachers be exempt from State military
duty whilst employed in teaching Though fully
aware OF the Importance Of their vocation, l have
not felt at liberty TO excuse them under existing
laws. The Common Schools should surely be kept
going at every cost, and If sufficient inducements
cannot be offered to disabled soldiers and educated
women to take hold of them, the necessary males
should be exempted Surely, though, IL convinced
of the great necessity, patriotic country women
would assist in the absence Of these male iustruc
to appreciate the Government which this one IL
bleeding to establish. When we see 30 little doing
to educate the youth soon to succeed us, and be-
hold abroad the vicious and demoralziug influences
everywhere bghting the land It is enough to GIL
one with shuddering for the future Truly the,
mental burrows are gaping for the seed and il the
good be not put in the crop of evil will be sponta-
peous and fearful. 1t is with pride that observe
the publication in State Of various new school
hOO 10 oil fEn 10 0ha I'd 40 Nha
public which has demanded them. Our great sys-
tenn of Common Schools is, after ALL our only true
and solid foundation for public education and d.
mands your constant ard fostering care"
If no other inducements can be offered that will
prevail upon you to devote your time TO this abori
our but noble work, will you not as patriots como
forward in this hour Of your counry's trial, when
every strong arm is needed to defend you and Souv
homes from merciless foe? Many of you, we
know, must look for such employment as will be
remunerative; but there arc many others who ara
not compelled to labor FOR q support. These ws
would urge especially to engage in this work, since
the compensation must necessarily be less than We
would desire. Teach, not for the pay, and, it may
be, not for the love Of the work. but teach for the
sake Of the children'of our State who must grow
up in ignorance, if you do not instruct them.
Fully 1000 teachers are needed in North Caro-
lima, and 900 able-bodied men can not be spared
from OUT armies 10 90 tnls WOFk, winch inc Iaules
can do so we'll Consider the subject WELL and do
what your conscience and your patriotism say is
your duty. And now we would say word
TO THE PARENTS.
1t is we'll known TO every who will reflect,
that the small amount paid the teachers Of our
public Schools will not supply them with food and
clothing, and for this reason few are willing to
teach except such as desire by this means TO be
exempt from military service, You feel the ncces.
sty of having your children taught, you are un-
willing that they should grow mp in ignorance, aud
be unfit to enjoy and maintain the independence
for which we so earnestly striving
Is it not your duty then to sec that those who
devote their time to the instruction Of your
children, receive n competent support, so far as
you able to give it? Let some one in each
secure such contributions the
parents give especially in provisions and articles
Of necessity, to be added TO the public funds aud
we feel sure that every District in the State can
support teacher and souo competent lady can be
fouod to teach every school.
J. d. CAMPBELL, }
r. r. GAINES, Com'tcc.
s. J. STEVENSON,