The Newberry herald. [volume] (Newberry, S.C.) 1865-1884, 1883-01-25
For THE HERALD.
ssOnr Free schools.

as Lhe ctlZenS OF hSpuOLc, our peOpi6
have in the loud tones of responsible vote
chosen representatives, who have pledged
their oath.strengthered word to be true to
their country's welfare. Every one knows
that our State, in her legislation, has
provided Gree Schools" for her own
advancement. This is an effective ar
rangement, and we rejoice that it is one step,
if only short one in its present condition,
toward the great educational plateau on
which Germany is rearing her massive pill
lars of State. Almost every historian, since
the days of Herodotus, testifies to the fact
that in the yeomanry Of country lies its
intrinsic power, and we see practical dem
oustration Of this in every campaign which
preeedes an election. But who is the true
yeoman? It is he
"whose face is wet with honest sweat,
Who earns whate'er he can,
And looks the whole world in the face
For he owes not any man,
For whom are sour Free Schools" intend
ed? Not for the wealthy. They "are whole
and need not" and surely the ameunt given
is not intended for the paupers, as they are
few. For whom then? The reply is for
those who by strict economy and mean saw
ipgs make the Cr. column balance the Dr.,
and whose little ones have always had salts
may be. OF course the Iauper, too, will re-
ceiYe his proportionate share. Well, since
we see for whom our schools are provided.
let US see, when they must run. The farmers
children are n Constituent part Of his work
ing forces, and they must weed the corn and
fax that the necessary demands of Nature
may be satisfied. Our schools must then oc-
cupy the four months during which weeds
do not grow, and when the days are too short
and cold, for much profitable employment,
at least by children.
We know that our representatives, though
men of fine mental calibre, are not omniscient
or omnipresent, consequently they may be
| ignorant of the fact that our present system
Of s'Free Schools" is simply farce. We
speak that we do know and testify that we
have SEEN" If other proof is required we
can give it. Many have complained loudly
of the appropriations. Well, there does
seem to be some room. Every sensible citi-
zen knows that the maj rity of country
children can never be educated abroad. Tui-
ton may be gratis, but can board my child
| at home for an amount infinitely less than In
| any town of oar State. But we did not COM
mence to complain about what has been
| done, we only think that far enough has not
been done, or that the appropriation should
1 have been more universal.
To be convinced ofour real condition as re-
| CARDS school, just come in with Us one day. The
roll calls for fifty, or sixty and sometimes
| seventy pupils. When we look kat the boysfrom
six to sixteen, their country's hope, perhaps
1 her pride, and the girls who would be as brave
as Carthaginian women, if it-were necessary
/ our heart grows faint as we consider how
little we can do for them. Sometimes our
4 mind will ludicrously revert to the thought
| Il ~ A
haps more relevant. A good disciplinarian
might keep them in order. Some of oul
scientific teachers say, classify them. Would
that we could, but to commence with, such 8
i heterogeneous mass of mind scattered all the
way along from A to Algebra, is more thar
we know how to methedze in an hones
manner. And then country children must
needs be detained at home, some perhaps 8
day in each week We cannot keep these
classed in Mathematics and learn them the
whole. Some one else says, go TO your Com
missioner What does that word signify, &
| creator or one who is appointed to carry on
the enactments Of another? Is he not tht
way and means by which teachers are receiy
ed aud the provided funds distributed fol
the support Of schools? He has nothing tc
say about the amounts given as whole fol
schools, and can only proportionit as allowed
| 10 our legislators we are Oound 10 ioek 10!
help. They should not "despise the Gay o
small things" and, if they in legislation vii
provide first grade teacher for every thirty
children, we viii pledge ourselves, at tht
close of every public session to call in the
examining committee and public generally
that they may judge of our. progress. If VIZ
do not equal The "age of PericIes," every
boy will at least be able 10 write the name o.
his choice At the ballot box, and each CIR
calculate her butter money. Can we not ge
a petition for better arrangement concern
ing "Frec Schools" j. A. L.