The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-08-28


tablishing upon a firm basis h:Yl
standard Of intelligence and consc-
quent prosperity In some sections il
Is urged that it does not require man
ofgoOd education to make Il successful
farmer, but greater tallucy never OK
listed. AS have b fore remarked. Il
good practical education is the basis OF
every success in life, and it is highly
essential in rendering agriculture sue
ccssiul. An educated planter enjoys
superior advantages, and such udvan-
tagc too as makes him powerful and
influential outside of his own particu-
lar sphere. 1t is my honest belief that
many Of the material ills that atiiict us
arc due to to lack of education
amongst the laboring classes. Imean
white laboring classes, for l am con-
vinccd that the oolorcd laborcr suffers
great dctrimcnt as tillcr of the soil
the momcnta spelling book is placed
in his hands. Nevertheless the So
called spirit of the age and yitiatcd
and perverted civilization seem to de-
mand at least an attempt at educating
those who were lately in bondage,
and suppose we have no alternative,
for the present at any rate, but to hu-
nor the sentiment, however false we
may regard it. There is great dsal
OF common sense sacrificed to what
some term humanitarian principles,
but what would be better defined as
humanitarian humbug and nonsense.
Many Il crime has been committed in
the name OF humanity, and attempting
10 make II statesman out of Il corn
field negro is one of the most iniqui-
tous crimes that has ever been record
cd in history. Excuse this depression,
but l could not resist the temptation to
say what have.
10 resume my subject, the common
school system is dependent for its sue
cess not only upon judicions manage
mcnt, but also upon the favor with
which it is received by the people
whose peculiar property it is. In
other words, no school can subscryc
the end for which it is established
unless it has, in the first place, a tcacll-
er at its head who is both industrious
and capable; secondly, scholars who
arc attentive to their studies and puuc-
tuol in their habits. | think Of all
traits most to be admired in school
children, and i'll every way essential
to their satisfactory progress, punctu-
atty i'll attendance is prc-cmimcnt.
Under the present system where
scholars arc arranged in large classes,
a parent is doing lis child great injus-
ticc and positive harm when he per-
mits it to remain away from school,
except when compelled by actual ne
ccssity. 1t is very discouraging too
TO thc teacher 10 see ,ull benches one
morning ami nart!|lly empty ones the
next. Nothing ,fis i school more
than Il scHn,y attendance Oh tha part
oi iI.r scholars, and llo school can
stand iunG Where >ucN IL condition
ui things EXISTS. Ii j. essential also TO
the success of II school that the teacher
DC vested with iui! authority III all
matters pertaining to ;he government
and management OF his school, without
any outside interference whatever,
except of course in extreme cases.
The law, it is rue, coniers supervisory
powers upon the local trustees, and
also upon the Board Of Examiners,
but these should be exercised ONLY
when actually necessary. If Il teacher
is handicapped with ofiicious iutcrmcd-
ding his usefulness is seriously inn
paired, and The success of his charge
greatly jcopardizcd. 1t is highly inl-
porlanC also that the best possible un-
dcrstanding should exist between the
teacher and his patrons. This can
be brought about only by u free inter
change ofidcas, and perfect .candor OH
tho part OF both. | feel authorized to
say that the Board Of Examiners will
not sustain any teacher that is objcc-
tionablc or obnoxious TO the commune
ty in which he may be located. IIar-
mony is most to be desired, and adds
no little in promoting the cause Of
education. Iwould say then to those
ofyou who arc patrons Of the Salem
School, hold up and sustain tile hands
of the teacher. lhavc had opportuni-
ties in All official way of inquiring
into the qualifications of Mr.. Keller,
and know that he is thoroughly COM
petcnt to conduct school, and [ am
satisfied that if his efforts are cheerful
ly seconded by his patrons, the perlna-
nent success of this school is already
assured.
Upon the success of your common
schools, my friends, depends in great
measure tho prosperity ofourcountry.
NufIttie Iilclll as you WOulQ Il tCnQCr
plant. 1t is a bencflcent system, and
if properly supported will work much
good to your every interest.
Suffer education to be neglected, and
mental culture to be ignored, and
there IS no hope in the future for your
children or your children's children.
Permit the grass to grow up around
your school houses, and their doors to
remain closed, and what will become
of your boasted enlightenment? My
friends, myparting Injunction to you
is, look we'll to your common schools.
Close not up against your little ones
the fountains Of knowledge and learn
ing. Rather let the dark clouds of ig-
norancc be swept away as by a mighty
wind, and the noon-day sun of intclli-
gcncc shine on your hills and on your
valleys. Let not nature and natures
God contemplate you in darkness and
the blackness of darkness.
l thank you very cordially for tho
patient attention with which you have
followed mo in presenting for your
consideration a few rambling thoughts,
Nav | not iN0n1pe tbo hopn fbot what