The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1879-12-05

mand.
The other defect referred to, to wit, the sho,
neriol during which the schools are kept open,
, due not 50 much to the system rs to the TACT
efficiency in the sum appropriated for ru
~ kept open to ,sron"n the f" ,hs Gn'9n' enc
The schools a.. the State Su"
.m' nI'ns aPprofria'1o.' The cheapest ever Of
~ "''u host e'rhest efforts VI per-
inendent, arc doing all the good that can possi-
bly, be accomplished with the limited means pro-
vidci; ard until the State is prepared to enlarge
Its appropriation, either through State or local
taxation, this evil must continue, unless in the
meantime private efforts can be combined in
some way with public aid TO continue hc schools
after the public funds are exhausted
This matter of public education. however, is
ot the very highest Importance and requires the
maturcst consideration and in n government
like ours, resting ~ it docs upon universal suf-
iragc, 1t Is indeed the question Of questions
Inc lime ~ coming, and is rapidly approach
ing, when public sentiment will not only approve
but demand, that education in all its grades
higher and lower shall be free to all, without
oncy and without price. If | had the power
would hasten the arrival of that time and
would then rejoice in the consciousness that |
had borne some humble part in work than
winch no greater can mark the history of any
people. But you are far more competent than
myself to deal with this great subject and into
your hands / commit it. commenting to YOUR
consideration the very able report Of the Super
ihiehieht win The valub!e facts.ana suggestions
contained therein
1t will he seen that this report furnishes
much important and Interesting information
showing the growth and Improvement of the
school system. The number of pupils attending
the public schools during the last year was 122
1863 of this number 5S|6S were whites and
GlO93 colored. This is probably the largest
number of pupils that has attended the public
schools III any one year.
Tie Improvement in the schools for the col
ored race has been marked it is worthy of note
that since 1876 the average increase Of atten-
dance Of cclorcd pupils has been more than 45
per cent. cca,cr than under the Republican all
ministm,ions. Four of the Counties, it appears,
had not matc returns Of the school fund collcc-
tel when the report of the Superintendent of
Education was submitted, but enough is known
TO warrant the assertion that the school fund for
the fiscal year lS1S-T9 was greater than for any
preceding year.
The expenditures have been kept within the
receipts and the general management of the
school fund deserves csDccial commcnlation
The heavy load of debt which WAS left by the
schoo! officers under the Republican adminisra-
tons has embarrassed greatly the working OF
| this department, and the shortncss OF the school
session Is due in some measure to this cause.
would earnestly recommend some legislation
winch vii! secure to teachers in the public
schools the prompt payment of their salaries
The difficulties with which teachers have to con-
tend because of delay in this matter are fully
explained III the report Of the Superintendent.
of Education. II will not be possible to retain
competent teachers if we 10 not make provision
for paying them promptly for their services.
MILITIA.
The condition Of this department Of public
service will be founl fully set forth in the re-
port of the Adiutant and Inspector General
This officer has been most untiring in his efforts
TO place the militia of the State upon proper
| footing, and the result of these efforts will be
seen in his report.
The militia has been surrounded and cmbar-
| rassed with many difficulties, not the least OF
which is the scany support given it by the Leg
| islature. Notwithstanding this, a splendid nu
ciens has been organized, which, if encouraged
could be easily extended to meet all the ncccs
| stiles Of the State in this department but if i
fails III the future, rs it has i'll the past, TO nee
| that cordial encouragement from the Genera
| Assembly which the system demands, il is idl
to expect the establishment and continuance o
well. organized militia, such as would do cred
1t to the State and be prepared for any cmcrgen
| cy that might arise. The spirit. patriotism AM
State pride Of the young men OF the State STAN
|
build up this system and make it al honor l.
South Carolina. But they cannot do this at thci
own expense. They need arms aud suitab!
| equipments; let these be furnished AMI the
will do the rest The report of the A,juai
and Inspector General, however. will present tn
wants and necessities OF the system, and cor
meal this report and its recommendations
your careful consideration and favorable action
BUREAU OF STATISTICS.
Frequent inquiries have been made of me du,
ing the year 10y parties outside of the Stat
seeking investments or new homes as 10 the rs
ricultural, nncralogical, manufacturing an
| other resources Of tnc State, with such stalisi
cal information upon these subjects as migl
be able to furnish but there being no dcpar
ment in charge of these matters, with colcctc
and arranged data from which | could draw
have been unable to meet these inquiries rs fu
! ly ns was desirable. There is no doubt aboi
the fact that the State abounds in resources
the character indcated-that there is q wi,
neld here for the imm grafton of tho agricult,
rist and the manufacturer, ard that we have
belt Of mineral resources running through IL
State as rich, if not richer than any that ha'
been discovered elsewhere. In fact, these ma