The Russellville Democrat., 1879-02-13
I INV EIVtfV E V N4' 1@HN4y' Russellville, Ark, Feb. 3, 1879.

MR. EDITOR: The School question is opened again for discussion, and as there has been few shots fired, sup pose we turn our scatter gun loose at 1t. In the first place let me say in praise or our school that it is as good as any we have mad and anything we may say has no reflection upon it, but only to extend and enlarge its usefulness. Then in the first place do we want a first class High School? and in the sec ond place are we able to build it? and in the third place can we get at some legitimate plan?
 Now, Mir. Editor. believe it is the wish and desire of our people to have such a school ill our town. l think we are lovers of education, and do see the great need of furthering on the good work that is already begun. Then are we able to do the work. This IS hard year, m money is scarce, and what shall we do? Shall we fold our arms; sit down on the stool of do-nothing, and wait for times to get better? No! times are regulated by exertion, and If we do nothing, the result will be nothing. Well, shall we depend upon the free school system for the education Of our children. No, our people have shown at the ballot box that they don't want free school. Well, suppose they did? It is not enough to amount to much. Because under our present system ot running the government under the re- sumption act, our property IS reduced at least one-half in value, consequently only one-half as much money can be raised now by the same rate of taxation. Then five mills, the present rate, will h.,1 ey as it did eight years ago. And the present reduction in prices, has not les sened the public or private debt. Prop erty in our town years ago that was assessed at one thousand dollars is high now at five hundred; then by that act we have lost one-half of our power. Then what are we to do? know O: but one way to get out of hard times, and that is to work ont.
 But some say we will have to wait for immigration. Well, we want and need good immigration. But if we sit still and wait, l fear it will not come. think we had better rally our forces, use what power we have to as good advantage as we can, and by so doing we will attract good people to come among us, because we must have some attraction, or we will not get thorough immigration. Well, MT. Edi tor, you say all we need is more house room. Well, all l have to say on that is, we will refer it to the committee ol buildings. Well. Six has suggested plan when fully explained perhaps will meet the appreciation of all.
 What would be some of the good eff fleets arising from thorough High school? It would cause good and healthy immigration; 1t would enhance the value of property; it would streng- then our business it would improve so- ciety; it would bring education within the reach of many, who would other wise have to go without: it would cause thousands of dollars to be left in our country, that would be sent away.
 There are other considerations that we should not lose sight of: that is the many evils arising from bad habits formed by boys away from home, 1 am satisfied that there is no eye so watchful as the parental one. To make useful men and women out of our chil- dren; we must educate the head, heart and muscles--in other words we must learn them to work, to be honest, indus trious and economical; and this can only be accomplished at home and at school. G. w. II.