The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1882-08-31

In them is the hope OF Virginia. From these
must flow the influences which are to make
progressive, enlightened and prosperous
people, in the highest sense, if we we are ever
to advance in all the elements which go to
make up great State. Our mora, intellectual
and material welfare is Immediately asso-
ciated with popular education. An intclli-
gent discharge of all the duties appertaining
to citizenship must be provided in the edu-
cation OF the people, and this through the
public free schools, which open the doors OF
knowledge TO all classes and conditions
Philanthropy, religion and patriotism COM
bine in urging their full development, liberal
encouragement and systematic management.
| Prejudice may oppose, seltishness may essay
to embarrass, and parvenues may scott at
them but deep down IN the consciousness OF
the People, the education OF all becomes a
paramount interest which must subordinate
prejudice, selfishness and false and per
nicious pride, until with all classes the pub
| lie schools shall be considered public bene-
| factors.
| Whatever may he the motive of political
organizations In their relation to this great
institution, involving such momentous inter
est to the State and country and Republican
government whether to attract the sympa-
thies of the masses on the one side or to COM
mand the support of class, assuming more
| intelligence and manifesting more selfishness
than their fellow men not so favored by for
tune-the party that practically proves its
concern for the public school, and legisates
for their enlargement and support, will COM
mend itself to public confidence, and be
sustained at the ballot box-the only method
by which the people can impress their wishes
and convictions upon legislation.
1t is profitable, therefore, to refer to the re-
cords OF the two parties, or political forces
now asking the judgment of the people of
Virginia, and to reproduce the facts and fig
ures which speak for each upon this important
subject.
In 1874, under the control and administra-
ton of the Conservative party, the schools
numbered 1902. This was orly several years
after the adoption of the present Constitution
and there was desire to impress the people of
the whole country with the sincerity of that
party in the pledges it made in 1869, when
through the mediation of President Grant, the
Republicans of Congress legislated to permit
a separate vote to be taken upon two offensive
clauses OF that instrument. Subsequently realiz-
ing that they had the State under their control,
and that it was no difficult matter as it appeared
then, to perpetuate their power indefinitely,
by reason OF inflammatory appeals TO race
and sectional prejudices, systematic policy
was pursued to undermine and finally destroy
the school system. They were assailed as
agrarian in their tendency-taking money out
OF the pockets of the rich to educate the chill
dren of the poor, leveling class distinctions,
and opening the way to all to have fair
chance in the race of life. The effect upon
the schools was very discouraging The peo-
pie in the rural districts became dissatisfied
with the operation of the system, but not
with the system itself. They had to pay the
school tax, and at the same time to witness
the school term diminished to four or five
months in the year--the school teachers un-
paid, and a gradual paralysis of the entire
machinery of the institution. Thus it con-
tinucd to grow worse until 1879 the last
year the Conservative party had entire control
of the State and the managem mt of all of its
interests The schools were reduced to 2 491 !;
the pupils from 1855 in 1874 to 10S,074 in
1879 teachers from 1909 to 1904; and the
appropriation of moneys for their support
from 81 ,OO4 800 in 1874 to $57O,3S9 in 1879.
In proportion as the schools became ineffi-
cicnt, the assaults upon the system became
more general and aggressive, until a wide
spread sentiment of hostility began TO crop
| out.
In 1879, however, the Re-adjusters entered
the political field for the first lime as separ-
ate and distinct political force. They swept
the State, elected a majority of the Legisa
ture, displaced all the heads of the bureaus in
the State department, and inaugurated thor
ough system of reform, especially as it re-
lated to the public Schools. Under their man
agement, the number of schools increased
| from 2, 491 in 1879, to 5,3S2 in 1881 the at
| tendance from los, 075 in 1879 to 239 DAG in
1881 teachers from 1854 to ,392 and the
appropriations to school purposes from $780,
3S9 in 1879 to 81 ,004 800 in 1881.
| These are facts which address themselves to
the public understanding as well as the public
interest. Not only have the schools, the at
tendance, the teachers and the appropriations
been nearly doubled between 1879, under
Bourbon administration, and 1881, under Re
| adjuster administration, but there has been
public sentiment developed which stands guard
around this sacred benefaction and will contin-
mes to foster and encourage it, until Virginia
will present an example of enlightened add
| mnistratOn, in this respect, worthy OF lmlta-
| ton in all the Southern States.
Let the people study this contrast-take in
| the facts and results, and determine wherein
| the welfare of the State will be promoted
| whether under Readjuster or Bourbon con-
troll There is no interest which carries with
| it so much of hope and assurance as that
which exposes jealous watch over our cdu-
tional instiluiOns--which involves the men
| tai and moral development and growth of the
children of the Commonwealth and prepares
them for the intelligent discharge of all the
duties of citizenship, which they are soon to
assume. Build up the Public Schools, open
the doors of knOwled &c to the youth of the
State, of all classes and conditions, and its
civilization, its progress and prosperity are
assured.
When the Liberal Readjustcr or Coalition
party is assailed as the scum of the State
swamp dragons and LESSEE scouts-mect the
ISLANDERS by pointing to the enlightened admin
istration of the school interests rs compared
with the destructive management OF that ben
efactiOn by the Bourbons. 1t is not necessa-
ry to meet epithct with epithet. This any
blackguard or ignoramus can do. But appeal
to the reason of the people, address their
sense of justice and right--their concern for
the future of their children and their State
and country, and it will go home to the peo
pies conscience, and yield its fruits at the
ballet box--the freeman s weapon of defence
against wrong-doing and maladministration,
in verdict that will forever seal the doom of
Bourbonism in Virginia.
Winfield Scott, Esq, Was nominated by |
the Coalition Convention in the Fifth Dis
trict, for Congress. on the oath, after an ex-