New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-12-27
Public schools in Ounchita.

Since the subject OF mixed schools has
become somewhat prominent, 1t may inter
est your readers to know how our public
schools in the country have been managed.
Soon after the passage Of the present school
law board of directors was appointed in
Ouachita parish. This board organized
early in 1871 by the election of Hon. 0. H.
Brewster president, and Julius Ennemoser,
secretary and treasurer. These gentlemen
have been retained in those positions up to
the present time From the first Organiza-
ton of the board the president has been the
most active member. He visited all parts
of the parish, made speeches tc the people
on the subject of education, personally
superintended the location and establish
men. of schools, and the employment of
teachers At first there was opposition to
colored schools in some localities.
No attempt was made to form mixed
schools; the public sentiment of the white
citizens was the same here as elsewhere,
and the colored people themselves showed
no disposition to force their children into
places where they were not Welcome. Sepa-
rate schools were provided as fast as pos
sible, and have been continued during four
years without the slightest difficulty or dis
turbance on account Of color. The asser-
ton often made by advocates of extreme
civil rights doctrine that justice can not DO
done both races if the children are taught
in separate schools, is proved utterly
groundless By che actual experience here in
OUac uita. The best teachers that could be
obtained have been employed, and the col
Ored pupils have enjoyed the same adVan.
tages and opportunities fOc obtaining an
education az the whites.
In some localities the white and colored
schools have been in the immediate neigh
bo-hood Of each other. and no trouble has
occurred.
The pupils of the separate schools never
interfere with each other, and in 10 instance
has colored child attempted or proposed
to enter school room occupied by white
pupils.
mass of coiored people do not demand
mixed schools nor social equality. They
! prefer separate schools and churches. They
want equal opportunities for their children
to obtain instruction and tit themselves tor
the duties and privileges Of citizenship.
This it is the duty Of the State or nation TO
provide. 1t is for the best interests Of all
classes of citizens that all children, no mat
ter what their race OF color. shall have
these advantages.
True Republicanism asks this much and
nothing more. A few demagOgues, by urg
ing mixed schools, are intlicting serious in
jury On their own people. They profess
great anxiety to lido something Tor my
race" but they simply desire to gain some
selfish advantage for themselves, and care
nothing for the real interests OF theil
people. :.
The popular opposition to coiored school:
has almost died on: in this the fifth educa
tional district, and good teachers can now
teach coored children in peace and safety
Notwithstanding the intense political ex
| element of the past summer and fall, only
| one colored school was stopped. and then
not by the citizens in its vicinity. In two
| other instances some threats were made
| but the teachers taught out their terms.
1t should also be mentioned that the mum
Der of colored schools in the western par
ishes of the district. Claiborne, Union, etc.,
| were larger than in any previous year:
These facts show great improvement and
| advance in public opinion.
An attempt to force mixed schools would
destroy all that has been gained, and in
| hlct the greatest possible injury upon the
colored people. At present the white citi
zens are willing to see their colored neigh
bors enjoy all the advantages for education
| and improvement which their own children
possess. Both classes are satisfied. LET
| we'll enough alone" HURON.