The state chronicle. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1883-1893, 1884-04-12
AGAINST NATIONAL AID.
Mr. }. III. Mills Thinks that the Gov.
ernment Ought Not SO to Spend

TO IHE CHRONICLE Il. Money raised for
any purpose should never be diverted
from that purpose. The money in the
Treasury of the United States should be
used to pay the National debt, to improve
rivers and harbOrs, to extend and increase
postal facilities, and to make scientific
explorations and Investigations. Our gov
ernment ought to be free from debt and
keep cash on hand to meet war, or any
other national calamity. Those who know
best say that the few thousands spent on
Trent River have added a million to the
wealth Of those who live on its banks.
Other small rivers can be improved as
we'll. Several canals are also needed.
Beaufort needs another Appropriation.
We need more postoffice buildings, and
speedier transportation. Let the Govern
ment give us better mail facilities. When
these needs are supplied taxes can be re
duced.
g. Wherever the Northern people send
their money, thither they will also send
their eyes ears, hearts and hands. North
ern supervision and management must
follow Northern money. Our politicians
accuse each other Of squandering public
school funds. 1t is notorious that many
thousands of school money have dlSap-
peared, even after reaching the counties
IL IS also kllOWH lI1dU III SOllC tilSJIlCto
nine -tenths Of the children do not attend
the free schools opened at their doors, and
that in some cases children are never al
lowed to attend any school. Our legisla-
ton is known to be against the children
in failing to defend their national rights.
New legislation is needed, and the North
ern people know it.
3. Shall we take our hats in our hands
and 90 before the nation in the attitude OF
beggars, and plead our poverty and our
ignorance If we are poor, why 50 much
boasting of our unlimited natural re-
sources, our enormous crops, our manu-
featuring towns, and the fabulous prices
for all that we produce Where is our
self-respect ? And then is not our lgno-
rance our own fault ? Our most prosper
Gus districts are known to be the most u
literate Many of our nabobs cannot
write their names. One of our grand
| juries, composed Of rich men, had to get
a poor clerk for foreman because he could
sign his name to the bills, while eleven
! good men, held in high esteem, could not
| write. We are preparing grand State
| Exposition to show how much we have,
and how much we know. We are invit-
/ ing the Nation to come and see how great
and how varied are the attractions of Oul
State Shall we at the same time make a
| proclamation of our poverty and igno-
rance? Rather let us educate our own
children. If we are ignorant, let US study
and learn. Let us ask Congress to abol-
ish the internal revenue. Then the State
can tax alcohol and tobacco and support
| her schools. COrruptions are the natural
pigs of the revenue law Let US send
away the SOW and the pigs will follow.
Then we will have the means to carry OF
| OIlr own schools IN OJlr own NaN A
any rate, let us stop pleading poverty ant
ignorance. Poverty promotes health, anc
ignorance has a remedy. Most of Oul
people are rich enough for their own good
and many Of them are dangerously rich
We are able to establish schools, librarie:
and laboratories. We are able to ope1
wide the doors of learning and to invite
! all to enter. j. ii. MILLS.
IHomasrIle, 4prI 7.