The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1877-12-13

ced, while the burden OF paying it in
this manner would fall lightly on the
Taxpayers. I merely suggest such a
system, leaving its practicability and
its details to the wisdom and expert
ence OF the General assembly.
FREE SCHOOLS.
Another subject of vital conse-
quence to our material prosperity,
to which beg to call attention, is
that of the free schools. The super
intendent of education, in his annual
report gives not only the result of his
labors during the past year, but
makes suggestions worthy of your
grave consideration. Owing to cir
cumstances with which you are ia,
miliar, the facilities for the education
of our people have not been, as yet,
what we desired and expected them
to be. We must not forget that
among the pledges of reform made
by lis there is none to which we
are more solemnly committed than
that of placing within the reach of al
classes the means Of education. l
earnestly invoke your favorable ac~
ton on this subject, and I trust that
you will bo able to mature some sys,
tenn which, while benefting the
scholars, will secure prompt payment
to the teachers. Many of these lat,
ter, after discharging their duties
faithfully, now hold claims against
the State, which should at once be
paid. | recommend tie ratification
of the constitutional amendment re-
gardlng the tax to support free
schools, adopted by the voters at The
last election. From the funds which
will thus be provided, together with
those arising fsom the poll tax, or
schools can be put OH footing Of
usefulness.
The late professors of the Unicer-
slty were not paid in inll when the
institution was closed, and I suggest
that provision be made to pay the
claim held by them. My attention
has been called to the fact that there
are also portions Of the salaries Of
Professors r Reynolds, Rivers, and the
late DIR. LaBorde, of the old faculty
still unpaid, and it appears to me em.
inently proper that whatever amounts
may be due to these gentlemen, or
their representatives, should be paid.
These claims can be examined by
committee appointed by the Legisla-
ture, and report embracing the fact
can be submitted TO that body for it's
final action. The daughters of Pros
fessor LaBorde request me 10 trans
NIT to the General Assembly me-
mortal on this subject, and I take
great pleasure in doing 80 commend~
ing it to your. favorable considera-
ton.
THE UNIVERSITY.
The action of the General Assem-
bly, at the last session contemplated
the reopening of the University as a
school for the white youth of the
State, and the establishment of q sim
liar institution for the black. This
plan strikes me as wise and well.con ;
sidered, and / recommend that such
measures be taken at the present
session as may be necessary for its
successful Inauguration II will, of
course, be impossible to put these
universities or colleges in complete
working order at once, but snch leg
islation to that end can now be had
as will lay secure foundution for
them. They can gradually be built
mp until they are able to offer 10 the
youth OF the Stat" every educational
advantage to be found elsewhere. In
no mode can the funds contributed
by the people of the State be more
judiciousIy, more wisely, or more
proftabIy expended than by giving
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