The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1869-08-02
The Teachers I'm Our Public Schools
Sad state OF Things.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEWS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEWS.
As you are always ready ard willing to give
turn in the proper direction to any loose
screw you may find, either in the civil or po-
itlcal machinery now in operation in our city
and State, l beg to bring to notice one which,
though apparent to many, may have escaped
the notice OF others not so Immediately inter.
ested. 1 send this communication in behalf of
large class OF our much esteemed ladies'.
REFER to the female teachers in our pubic
schools OF this city. tits generally known, sir.
that these ladies' have been elected to the re-
sponsible positions they fill, from among hun
dreds OF applicants, by Board Of Com
mlssoners, after strict and rigid examina-
tion Some are members of our best educated
and influential families, nearly all reduced in
tneir circumstances by the war, and now
Obliged to support themselves and families by
their personal effort and labor.
The Board of Commissioners elected these
teachers for their important work at q salary
OF twenty-five dollars per month. The salaries
were regularly paid mp to April Let. The teach
ers had made their arrangements for the year
predi~ ated on their promised salary. some paw
ing their board, others assisting their parents
In paying rent, servants hire, and other house.
hold expenses. They have labered faithfully
In oil weathers; have taxed to their utmost
their BODILY and mental energies, and now
they are depressed in spirits at the failure OF
the board to pay their Salaries. They have
|aseceived not cent for four months. and feel
that they are working for nothing and finding
themselves. WIZ
have been moved, sir, to write this COM
munication BY remark overheard, from a
lady whom greatly esteem for her piety aud
intelligence. II do wish," she said ssthat
somebody would communicate the facts TO the
editor OF TIE NEWS; he might remind some in
authority Of their duty, and perhaps he could
suggest remedy Another said, ifor ladies'
will talk,) eyes, our Governor borrowed thor
sands OF dollars. pledging the bonds OF the
State to pay of the members OF the Legislature
their per diem. andborrowed money, too, to
pay the salaries Of ofice-holders, and to pay
the interest on bonds OF the State; held BY par
tics who had surplus OF money to invest.
Now. am informed that the sum OF $50. O0l)
was appropriated for educational purposes.
Can the State authorities not borrow s10 OO, to
pay the teachers. even if they have no money
In hand?" &a4As f'FNfR &% i1.
make no comment on these remarks r
am not disposed to censure men In author;tv
lest 4 might reheol on men who are trying to
discharge their duty. One or more screws
may be loose, but cannot search for them.
state facts. Iregret chat our worthy Board Of
Commissioners are silent and appear to be
powerless. The schools have Just closed their
halt year session. l am informed none OF the
commissioners were present, and they have
failed to meet or visit their schools Tor some
two or three mouths past. One OF the teachers
expressed the fear that their comm ssioners
were t,o palrh mort,aed A. their inability 20
help them. This may DO 90. ana told that