The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1882-12-15

lie Offices as public tT;sts to be exercised for
the benefit of the people, and not forparty
purposes. .and which shall make merit the test
Tor appointment to and and retention in of;
hco-these are some, at least, of the demands
which the people make of their chosen pub.
lic servants. Let US see to it that South
Carolina contributes her share to the pure
administration of public affairs by keeping
her State Government true to the principles
which formed thespolitical creed of the
founders of the Republic.
10 those States Of this Union which but
lately have suffered the ravages of war, and
have borne the trials of reconstruction,
these elections give reason to hope that the
tiue will soon come when political parties.
no longer divided by geographical lines
shall lconsider the great anessions of. ublio,
policy which concern the welfare and pro.
gress of the whole country. With the re.
moval of sectional questions from public
! affairs, We may look with confidence for that
more perfect Union which shall Establish
ustice, insure domestic tranquility, provide
for the common defence, promote the gen
eral welfare, and secure the blessings of
liberty to ourselves aud our posterity"
The condition of affairs within our own
State is full of encouragement and hope.
During the year now drawing to close the
people have been spared the ravares of
pestdence, rich harvcsts have blessed the
husbandman, and all of our industri al bur
suits have felt the quickening influences
OF order, of quiet and of good government.
In all portions of the State are to be seen on
every hand abundant evidences of thrift
aud prosperity, which are greater now than
at any previous time since the close of the
late civil war. Improved methods of culture
have already produced results which give
assurance OF the rapid aud steady develop.
ment of our ch h;ef industrial interests. Re-
cent experience has shown that the produc.
tiveness of our cotton lands can be greatly
increased, and that our genial climate and
fertile soil arc especially adapted to the
raising oftae diversified crops which re;
ward the labor of the skilled husbandman.
While the development ofthe other resour:
ces OF the State has not kept pace with the
improvements in agriculture, it is gratifying
to know that attention is being directed 10
our great facilities for manufactures, and to
the vast stores of wealth which abound in
our forests, in our streams and in our min
eral deposits. Skilled labor is necessary to
secure the full development of our material
resources. All means should be used which
will attract thrifty and intelligent imu,i
grants to our borders.
Our educational advancement is closely
allied to our material progress. IF We re:
Sard only material prosperity, nothirg is
more certain than that it is best promoted
by the diffusion Of Knowledge. Popular
| edueatSoS IS not more necessary to the
maintenance OF free government than il is
to the tull development of those resources
from which spring wealth and prosperity
The foundation of our public school system
is now securely laid, but much remains to be
uone 10 complete the work. Through the wise
iberality Of the last General Assembly provision
was made for the extension ofthe course of study
In the South Carolina College and the reopening
OF the State Military Academy The restoration to
their former usefulness Of these State institutions
OF learning will stimulate the growth Cf our
puolic school system and lead to the establish
ment of good secondary schools which
must form the connecting link between
higher nad elementary education. The course
Of study in most Of the pubic schools is now too
restricted to offer opportunities for preparation
TO the young men who desire to avail thems sel YES
Of the benefits of the liberal training afforded in
the State institutions and in the excellent collie
gos in operation in different parts Of the State
Tne want of good secondary schools is press
ing one. but it can be supplied without material
alteration in our pnblic school system by the
establishment in every county of one or more
graded or high schools. The additional funds
|
pied by small local tax levies, or by volunteer
contributions, as may be preferred by different
| communities. The present State school tax is
as high as it should be. 1 have given much
thought to this subject, and can suggest no
plan to improve our educational systcm which
promises larger or more speedy results than the
foundation Of good secondary schools through
out the State.
call attention to this matter now, not to rec
omDend general legislation, but in order that
subject of such vital importance as the estab-
lishment of good graded schools may receive
proper consideration from the representatives of
the people and from the people themselves.
Excellent graded schools already in existence
- '.'" e'"'. .,,oot me practlcability Of the
plan which l suggest. 1t is certain that for
some years the resources Of this State will not
be equal to the demands which will be made for
educational facilities. In this connection |
would bring to your attention the efforts which
Tor several years past have been made by friends
OF popular education to secure from Congress
appropriations from the public treasury in did
OF 1.-THE public schools of the Southern States.
Popular education is one Of those matters Of
domestic policy which can best be controlled by
the State Governments, but the right of the