The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1884-12-24
EDUCATION I'M TIE SOUTH.

EDUCATION IN THE SOUTH
1t was urged against the South during the
late campaign that it has been guilty of
gross negligence in the matter of public in
struction. OF course the cry came from the
Republican party, and was intended to man.
ufscture sentiment against the Democratic
party, with which the South is solidly al
lied. An impartial investigation OF what
the late slave States have done in this direc-
ton in recent years will show them not
wanting in either desire or effort for educa-
ting the young OF both races. Let it be re-
membered that the Southern States were
not burdened By surplus in their treasures
at the close of hostilities in 1865. The cur
rency which they had was wiped out with
the overthrow of the confederscY. 1t
could be gathered. The country was
In chaos. There was 'sloth in the mart and
scism in the temple" A band of Republi-
can plulderers seized the reins of govern
ment in each State, precipitsted immense
deb:s, the moneys from which were appro-
pTisted By themselves or sQuandered by reck-
less legislation. When Democratic State adj
Rinistrstion succeeded TO these criminal tray
esties on government they had their hands
full to untangle the meshes and raise funds
for ordinary expenses. Desirable es was
public instruction, they we're unable to pro-
vide appropriations for its maintenance.
But so soon as the latter was possible the
good work was undertaken, with what d.
mansions and results is outlined by Rev.
A. D. Mayo, in an address delivered in Bos-
ton few evenings since. Mr.. Mayo says:
First, the South, this year, will pay more
than SO, 100000 for education; a sum, in
view Of her RADIATION, under present cir
csmstances, not to be despised in compari-
son with the North. Within the past three
years the Southern people themselves have
paid as much money for education es the
North and the Nation have given to the
South for that purpose since 1860. Second,
the free school, in all its departments, for
both races and classes, has been established
by law in every Southern State. In several,
q country district school of four or five, in
all of two or three months duration, is sup
ported, and the larger towns are rapidly
establishing graded schools Of six and nine
months duration. Great numbers of young
people, especially women from the leading
white families are teaching In common
schools, and many thousands OF the supe-
rior colored youth are thus engaged. Third,
tue Cul1eSldlos hCdueLnlCal anu PROFESSIONAL
schools, upset by the war, have been re-
stored, in all but endowments, on the whole,
better than in their original state. The
State Universities admit girls, and the edu-
cation OF women is largely on the increase"
Continuing, Mr. Mayo points out what he
co1ceives to be the defects and needs in the
methods for public instruction. He adds:
THE chief defect IN this side OF Southern
education is the lack of suitable elementary
preparation in their students. The colored
people, through northern beneVolence, are
as well supplied in the higher education as
the whites. Fourth, great revival of pop
ulsr interest in education peryades the whole
South. in some parts with most happy effect
No people is now in better condition to re-
ceive truth in educational affairs than the
Southern people, The North and the Ma
ton owe certain duties to the South in this
respecl-to aid these States and people with
money 10 meet the peculiar perils or the IL
Iterate lower classes. both by National aid
and Christian and private benevOlence. A
vast system Of training their young people
for teachers is needed, in which the best
Northern school men and women should Co
operate. And, above all, the South needs
friendship, encouragement and hearty aid
from all the people of the North to overcome
its peculiar difficulties and enable it TO as
sumo It's true place in our new National life"