The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1869-08-02
The Teachers in Oar Public schools-A
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
q turn in the proper direction to any loose
screw you may find, either in the civil or po-
htical machinery now IN operation in our city
and State, I beg to bring to notice one which,
though apparent to many, may have escaped
the notice Of others not so Immediately inter-
ested. Isend this communication in behalf Of
large class Of our much esteemed ladies.
refer to the female teachers in our public
schools Of this city. 1t generally known, sir,
that these ladies have been elected to the re-
spousible positions they fIl, from among hun
dreds Of applicants, by. Board Of Com
missioners, after strict and rigid examina-
ton. Some are members of our best educated
and influential families, nearly all reduced in
their 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 salary
OF twenty-five dollars per month. The salaries
were regularly paid up to April 1st. The teach
srs had made their arrangements for the year
pred. .ated on their promised salary, some pay
ing their board, others assisting their parents
in paying rent. servants hire, and other house,
hold expenses. They have lab0red faithfully
in all 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
received not cent for four months, and feel
that they are working for nothing and finding
themselves.
I have been moved, sir, to write this COM
munlcation by remark 7 overheard from o
lady whom greatly esteem for her piety and
Intelligence. Il do wish," she said, "that
somebody would communicate the facts to the
editor OF The NEWS; he might remind some in
authority Of their duty, and perhaps he could
suggest remedy" Another said, (for ladies
will talk,) Eyes, our Governor borrowed thou
sands OF dollars, pledging the bonds OF the
State to pay off the members of the Legislature
their per diem, and borrowed money, too, to
pay the salaries Of ofice-holders, and to pay
the interest on bonds of the State held by par
ties who had surplus OF money to invest.
Now, I am informed that the sum Of $50, 900
was appropriated for educational purposes.
Can the State authorities not borrow $40 600 to
pay the teachers, even il they have no money
in handf'
make no comment on these remarks.
am not disposed to censure men in authority,
lest might ref ,ct on men who are trying to
discharge their duty. One or more screws
may be loose, but cannot search for them. I
state facts. regret that our worthy Board of
Commissioners are silent and appear to be
powerless. The schools have just closed their
halt year session. am informed mono OF the
commissioners we're present, and they have
failed to meet or visit their schools for some
two or three months past. Que OF the teachers
expressed the fear that their comm ssloner 8
we're too much mortified at their inability TO
help them. This may be so. I am told that