The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1874-09-30
The Mixed school Question.

Editors of the Register:
1t is not to be presumed for moment
that the average Martins Fcrryan cares
one whit whether Shakespeare was him
self at all, o. bachelor forlorn, Bacon
or any other man. but one of these say
ings, which at least We may call Shak-
sperian, has driftcd down through the
wrecks of time and seems to fit very APPLY
to some of the doings of this year of our
Lord 1874, in the FERRY
Gift were done, when It's done. then
twere well
'Twcre done quickly"
Though not done soquickly as might
have been, yet It's done, and the majority
saws It's well" For about two weeks
the trouble was brewing, then came meet
ing of the School Board to discuss the
matter of whether white and colorcd
children should attend the same school.
pro and con. To this honorable body
belong six members one of whom. Mr..
Kline, wa absent at the time Of the
meeting. After many wcighty argu-
mcnts being adduccd, it was put to the
vote. and three of the members voted in
favor of the colorcd children attending
the public school, the other two dissent
ing. So soon as this decision became
known. our atmosphere, both public and
private, composed OF all ages and condi-
tons of men, from the hoary- beaded
grand sire, to the non-deScript small boy,
became troubled Indignation meetings
were held on every street corner, and
never were our African citizens cSti-
mated at so much below par.
While there was much excitement and
a great deal of unnecessary talk, as is
generally the case, many of our most in
fluential citizens took the matter up, and
petition for seperate schools was circu-
lated among the people. In the mcan-
time, Mr.. kleine, the absent member of
the Board returned, and public meet
ing was called last week. The question
was looked on in all its bearings. and the
Board expressed themselves three for and
three against mixed school. The petit
ton that had been circulated was pre-
sented, but it was urged that it had not
been properly circulated, is many per-
sons then present had never see it,
The signers We're sufficient. however
to show that the people wished separate
schools, and were perfectly willing to be
at all necessary expense TO educate the
black children. Several colored men also
spoke, and said the colored people wished
a separate school. The question was
finally laid on the table, with the under
standing that legal authority be looked
up, and another meeting held at some
future time, when the meeting adjourned.
Another meeting was called for last
night, and about half-past seven o'clock.
n fair representation of citizens, together
with the Board of Education, were as
sembled. The law that when the num-
Der of colored children, of suitable age 10
attend school, shall exceed twenty.
separate school must be maintained. was
read, and the different bearings of the
question discussed. Blood was warm.
and words came rapidly during
part Of the evening, some Of
the gentlemen, almost forgetting
their accustomed dignity in the excite
ment Of the moment Finally, it was
put to vote, all the members Of the
Board with the exception Of Mr.. Wood,
being in favor of separate school.
Therefore, funds will BE- appropriated.
buildings and teachers procured. the COL
orcd ideas trained how 10 shoot. and in
short time this yexed question I've I'M
thought of in the excitement of some
thing else.
That this matter Is settled. and settled
a it Is, is subject of satisfaction To the
people; but that it should have been
brought to issue at all seems to be re-
GREETED, and many seem to consider it
only as another rendering Of the farce.
=. Much Ado bout Nothing. L. l..