Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1873-08-27
rzp EDUCATION OF THE coLORED
me PEOPLE

State Superintendent John M. tlem-
inc has addressed letter to Rev. d. 5.
Bennest. Of the Fisk University, who, in
view Of tie fact that the school law, sec
ton 30, provides that white and col
ored persons shall not be taught IN the
same school. but in separate schools,
under the same general regulations as
to management, usefulness and eff
cheney" proposes to canvass the State
for the purpose of securing normal pu-
nils for the University in order to pre-
mare them as teachers of their own race.
Drp,R4uENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. /
NASHVILLE, August %. 1873. }
Rev. II. s. Bennett, Fisk University:
DEAR SIR-You have Informed me OF
your purpose and plan to secure pupils
from among the colored youth of this
State for yonr university, with view Of
educytipc aud training them as teachers
for the eolored public schools in Ten
nessee. and you have desired toeknow
whether your efforts in this direction
meet my approval.
do not hesitate 10 give you an une.
out vocal answer. The public school law
ot Tt nnessee very properly, and In the
intereNt Of both raees, provides that
white and colored persons shalt not be
taupht in the same school, bat IN seps-
rate schools. under the same general
regulations as to management, useful
ness and efficiency" So far as j have
observed, the eolOred people OF the State
have shown a wise appreciation OF the
policy of the separation OF the races IN
the schools, and have eheerinlly &C
cepted such provision of the law. The
County Superintendent OF the State are,
without exception, white men. Yet l
have been gratiied to find smOng them
q universal disposition to administer the
law with strict impartiality as between
1he races | have yet to meet with or
hear from a County superintendent who
does not seemed controlled by purpose
10 secure to the colored children all the
legitimate benefits possible under the
Law
Oue Of the chief difficulties 70 be sn-
eountered, aud already seriously felt, Is
xhat Of supplying the colored schools
with suitable teachers. White teachers
prefer white schools, aud, SO great is the
present aud prospective demand for
them, that ia many Of the esHBfies great
dlFeulty will be experienced - supply
ing ibe white schools with cOmPetapt
teachers Consequently there will be
much need Of teachers from among the
col5red people ior their csc schools, and,
unfortunately, tut tea OF thea Ers now
10 be- found IN this State Who ara sn6-
GENTLY qualified for the work Hence
yoL are no doubt prepared 30 believe me
when / say 10 you taat your efforts 70 drag
as maLy eolored pupils - possible into
your ,nssitution, with a vigs Of preparing
them IS educators Of their own race. com
mauds my most hearty approval, RBd
wiii gain. ! Ggubt not. the sanction Of
the esAghtoasa people Of the State
wherever understood Your university
has already turned out ugmbers Of com
petent teacher. The value u Fb0se quail
ifcatious Is nov bsiug appreciateg. The
SCHOOLS Of the State I'll have pse u
AMY more. CoaBfy SRperintencents
,Lrf.uqhout the State Eih, no doubt. re-
ceige you kindly. and give cheerful 81
eourasse1,-Ht % your undertaking IL
ssving fhis much, have said 20 more
~ le.s 10 yos than ] would say 70 the
.ocrsiited repre- 1taiive Of any other
eimilsr insfitution. eHFE-ed In a Ike en-
ierprise. wishing you eHtl-e success. /
am very rszpscifully, Jour osedieui
..-r.-l JEO. N. FLENyG.
State Supt