The south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1879-1883, 1879-10-07
The School Question.

II Ia not my purpose to answer, In
detail, the communications Of DR..
Young, which hAyc appeared in your
paper, but simply to point out the
salient points In the bond PROPOSE.
ton. A very largo majority OF the
opponents of the bond plan are as
earnestly in favor of free schools in
this city. in which all tho substantial
branches Of an English education
will be taught for ten months in each
year, and BY competent teachers, as
DR.. Young or any other advocate of
the bond plan, is or can lie, and
quite as willing as he, TO be taxed to
establish and support them. But the
opponents Of the bond plan, repre-
senting the bulk Of the taxable prop.
eriy in the city, and from whom the
greater part OF the money 10 establish
aud sustain these schools must come,
claim the right TO say how the ncces-
sary sums ought TO be raised.
1t is all evident fact that il the
schools can be established and sup
ported by tho issue of bonds, as pro-
posed, these bonds, principal and in
ierest, TO be paid by direct tnxation,
it is equally feasible to build them up
and sustain them by direct taxation,
aud without the issue of interest
bearing bonds.
Tho fact that possibly a less sum
than $4,000 will be needed now to
build tho schoOl.house or houses, is
poor argument in favor OF the bond
plan. 1t is true that II would be east
er to pay $4,000 than $4,000, but the
principle involved ID the same. II
the school and city Interests are not
advanced by such issue OF bonds as
will cause US to pay 81 400 in interest
every year for probably thirty years,
! cannot sec how any benefits are 10
accrue by the issue OF $4,000 in bonds,
upon which we will have to pay 500
for ten or fifteen years. Suppose the
interest on the school bonds can he
paid by the extra poll-iax Of 81 per
head why should not this poll-tax be
applied TO the construction of school
houses or payment OF teachers sala-
ries?
Judge Littell, who Is acknowl.
edged to be sensible, .pru lent and
practical man, in communication in
the New Era OF last week, offers two
or three plans BY which the schools
can be established and placed OH
solid foundation. Either plan sug.
gested by him 10 preferable to tile
bond plan, and that one which re-
quires sum fret to be raised for and
applied TO the purchase of ground
and erection of school. houses and
when the school-houses are built and
paid Tor, then TO open the schools and
sustain them by direct taxation,
seems TO me the safest and wisest
plan yet proposed. 1t Is true that
the adoption of this plan would delay
the practical operations OF the city
schools for two years, but will it not
DO better for us TO bear the ills we
have for two years more, doing IN
the mean time, the best we can with
present schools supported by State
aid), and place our SCHOOLS upon a
safe aud sure footing for all time to
come, than to risk a failure OH the
bond plan? We should certainly use
the strictest economy 10 this matter,
and IL Is evident that all we pay in
interest on bonds, whether II be much
| or little, is lust 40 much lost 10 The
school fund. i.
No arguments are needed 10 induce
the opponents of the bond plan to "a.
vor the adoption of a proper school
plan for the city. With very few ex-
ceptions they earnestly desire the es-
tablishment of these schools. They
feel that 1t is wise and properto have
them, and that much of tho future of
the city depends upon the success or
failure of proper school system.
Bnt they wishand demand ordinary
prudence in raising the funds by
which they are to be established and
kept up. They desire 10 settle up
every year, and firmly oppose any
plan by which their property will be
mortgaged to pay bonded debt, and
by which hundreds of dollars will be
wasted yearly in Interest on these
bonds. The issue of the bonds, IL
voted as proposed, will establish o
precedent that may hereafter cause
niaGv Of the advocates Of the bond
plan TO regret the aid they are giving
10 the corrupt aud corrupiing infu-
encies which are now governing this
country. Vote these bonds and 1t