The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1878-02-06
The South Carolina University.

The House of Representatives has been en-
gagged FOR several days in discussing the
propricty OF passing IN act to put IN opera
ton the South Carolina University. The low
country generally lavors the bill, Mr.. Mem
nli,gcr being its champion. while the mem
berS from the upper counties generally OPP
pose the bill. some OF them favOring the SELL
ing out the institution with all its parupher-
MALTA. We think the true line OF action lies
between these c%Ontending factions. The State
is now too poor TO put the University in sue
ccSs!ul operation by making needed repairs
and salnrying the proiessorshipS, so as to Sc
cure Il full corps o! able tcachcrs. While this
Is truc ut present. we cannot for Il moment
contemplate the position to close out the eS-
tahliSllmcnt forever. There are too many
sacred associations connected with its glorious
past. There are oO.lhany seeds OF usefulness
within It's walls TO spring up In the future and
adorn every department Of our State and ma
tlonal government. There is too much need
Of that highergrade OF instruction that cam
not he had ut our local colleges to give up the
University permanently. In the past It did
more than everything else TO give South Car
DINA power and influence in the cOunscls Of
The nation. Hcrgreat men who have adorned
the legal and political world trace their insli-
ration to the walls of the old college. While
they may be silent for a few years let all look
versity will again be the pride and glory OF
Sonth Carolina. When the day comes her
people will demand II higher education and
they can find 1t at home instead Of going to
Yale or Harvard or the University of Virri-
MIA. When the South becomes prosperous the
University will draw studcntSfr0m every part
of this State anu from nearly every state in
the South, bringing money INTO the State, Mt
the same time 1t confcrS untold benefits Oulllcr
people. II the institution was opened at this
time the people are too poor TO patrOniZe IL
and 1t would become II sickly concern. II birth
before its proper time, and Gould lose pres
tigc. Let us hold to the buildings and great
library which has been collected through
nearly a century ut a great cost. Its future
usefulness will well repay the holding. Mr..
.Mcinmingcr In his argument well says moth
Ing can contribute more TO unity the people
of this State than q great University centrally
located. Its day of usefulness is not yet, how
ever. Gu people can barely live and pay
their taxes, and we cannot set II on foot under
such circumstances. We think the discussion
Of the measure ut this time Is inopportunc.
Let our legislators attend to the thorough re-
habilition of The State. by cutting down cx-
penScs, nbolishing useless Offices and ccono-
mixing every branch Of the government. This
Is the first and paramount object of impor-
lance to our people. Let them next provide
for the proper punishment Of petty crimes
and the presentation OF rOguery. After these
things have been accomplished let them HE
home and strive with their constituents to re-
store general prosperity by q system of indus
try and economy In every branch Of practical
life. When the good time comes that the
ey then we can listen patiently TO adaptations
about higher education. We know Its value
ana agree with the highest estimate put OH 1t,
but with an empty belly and an emptier peck
ct our people are not much interested in Uni
versities, or anything else that takes taxes
from their pockets without an absolute neces-
slty for it.-Keouee Courier