The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1884-03-15
Union Mills Items.

The discussion of the book fee system up
pears to be all one sided, We will, take the
other side but not for the sake Of an argu-
ment, for we are 10th to revive and to keep
alive the prejudices against the public schools
by bringing them constantly before the people,
for after all that can essaid 1T must appear
patent to all who have studied the progress OF
the public schools of Carroll county, that the
prejudices against them have been the chief
barrier to their success. From an experience
extending over the whole period from the
adoption of the book fee system to the present
time, and that not with single isolated
school, but with several schools, and in our
official capacity, which gives us an oppertu-
nifty to examine reports and to consult
teachers of quite number of schools in the
county, we are forced to say that, aside from
the annoyance it gives the teacher in collect
ing it, and mourning the displeasure of his
patrons, thereby damaging his influence and
his success in school, that it is, as at present
administered, grievous, unjust and unequally
distributed. Several instances have recently
come under our observation in which the
children of parents who are owners of real
estate valued at from 81 900 to $4,000 are ex-
empted from the payment of the book fee,
and number of others who are well to do
refuse to pay it. Again, We know of widow
who earns part of her livelihood at a wash
tub, who either has to buy her books or pay
the book fee for her children. These are
facts of which We have personal knowledge.
We have heard of number of similar cases,
and we have but little doubt of their correct
ness, and what is true in our own election
district, in the main is likely to be the ex-
perience of many in the several other districts
of the county, for we believe the trustees of
our district, whose duty it is to grant free
permit for the use of books for those who are
unable to pay for the same, will compare
favorably with those other districts, and no
doubt our teachers are just as active in COL
lecting.
Thus you see that many are exempted who
should not be, and some who should be are
not, and this will continue as long as the mat
ter of exempting is left to the school trustees.
Again, in case payment for the use of books
is refused, the teacher has no remedy but to
withhold the books from the child until paid,
and he must be heartless teacher who could
take the books from that child, who loves
him, loves the school, loves its books and
loves knowledge, and suhiepting it to shame
and exposure, all because it is unfortunate
enough to have an irresponsible father.
We believe that the average taxpayer, in
many instances, pays more book fees than he
would have to pay if the loss INCURRED by the
abolition of the book fee were made up by
direct taxation. Let US suppose a. to have
four children attending school for three terms
during the year, at an average of 10 cents
each per term, which would make 50 paid for
use Of books per year. Now let us suppose
him to be assessed at sc, 900, and it is con-
eeded that 3 cents On the hundred will make
up the loss, then his tax will be but So more,
saving of one-third. The only class upon
which it would fall heavily is the wealthy tax
payer who has no children to educate; and as
education is acknowledged to be q public
benefit, we see no good reason why they
should not contribute to their support, just as
they do to public roads and other public coa-
veniences and necessities from which they re-
ceive no direct benefit.
Mr.. Sylvester Crabbs and family, of De-
catur, ILL.,, but formerly Of this place, are
spending few weeks with their fatherin-law,
Mr. VIM. Grouse, near Mt. Pleasant
Rev. P. Sheeder, who was recently elected
pastor of the Lutheran congregation of St
Mary'E Church, SILVER Run, moved into the
parsonage at that place Oh Tuesday last
The young grain looks very promising,