Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1877-09-15
HIGH SCHOOLS.

The LEDGERs position 10 regard to
the high school of Memphis we find is
heartily indorsed by many of our most
thoughtful and substantial citizens. 1t
is believed that the school board in its
struggles to advance educational inter
ests and to make the schools established
for common school purposes successful
canao. do a better thing than dispense
with this rather ornamental aud high
sounding %appendage to the system. The
board commenced last year with about
six thousand dollars in the treasury,
Expenses we're greatly curtailed, and yet
there is a deficiency Of nearly four thou.
sand dollars now which must be paid cut
Of the first money hat is received from
any source. 1t is a misfortune to cut off
the sessionss so short, and it is not unlikely
tina, the teachers Of the other schools
would prefer teaching ten months in the
year at reduced pay to teaching nine
months at present prices. None of the
prices paid seem extravaganza but we
greatly fear the board will have to revise
the payroll and cut it down at least
twenty per cent. This may become a
matter Of economy and necessity. But
in that event it should be understood that
all those retained are to be paid prompt.
y at the end Of each month. If the high
school is retained the cut in salaries may
go as high as thirfy-three and one.third
per cent, but by dispensing with that
heavy expense and economizing at every
point such a heavy reduction may be
avoided untihlimes are better. Memphis
is not the only place where there is &
move toward s~bolishing high public
schools. The same proposition has
been made in Evansville, and it
seems to be very popular, and it is likely
to bs so here. The board will no doubt
take all the facts and necessities into
consideration and act strictly with refer
ence to the general interests Of the peo.
pie. II the matter could be left to the
popular vote We believe the people would
decide to abolish the high school and in
crease the efficiency and value of the
other schools as far ss possible, with all
the means in hand. 1t is not a preju-
dice against higher education when thor
ough aud we'll directed, but q feeling that
ii is unjust to tax the many for the sup
posed benefit Of the few, WHO are under
no obligations to give any service in re-
turn to the public. The West Pointer is
required to serve in the army four years
after be graduates. By this time if
there is anything in him be probably
acquires a taste for the service and at.
tsehes himself to it voluntarily. 1t is
the same with those educated at the
United States naval academy. And so
with many endowed institutions Of
learning, including normal schools,
where benefciaries are required to teach
80 many years or expected TO return the
money it cost to educate them. Il is
not the amount involved SO much as the
principle we have been discussing. From
year to year the people have become
more sensitive 10 regard to the expendi.
ture of public revenues which they know
come directly out Of their pockets, until
they insist o on rigid economy and
limitations, and the same care in the use
Of public money as individuals exercise
in their private affairs.