Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1884-04-18
Our Public Schools.

In an article in the last num-
Der of the Cadiz Old Guard, in
speaking of the educational facilities
of Hopkinsville, the editor makes
this statement:
1--WE do not design this as an en-
dorscment of the public school sys-
TEN that has recently been inaugu-
rated there-which to say the least
of it, is matter of questionable pre-
priety."
TO the people Of lIopkinsville, who
know that our Public Schools are
conducted in manner approximate
ing perfection, no retutation Of this
peculiar statement is necessary. But
there may be those not familiar with
the facts, who may be misled by this
disparaging alllusion. We are at
loss to know what fault the Old
Guard can see in our Schools. The
bLilding was erected in 1879 by the
issuance of $4,000 in 800 bonds. To.
maintain the schools the citizens
voted to increase the property tax
few cents and to assess poll tax of
~ upon the white male cit ,ens of
lIopkinsville. This was passed by Il
good majority, although it was hi tr-
ly opposed by many who are ready
to-day to endorse the action of their
more far-sighted ncighbors.
The Schools opened with 324 pupils
the first session. To-day the number
is nearly doubled and the capacity of
the building is taxed to its utmost TO
accommodate the hundreds of chill
drcn, many Of whom would have
grown up in ignorance but for this
provision Of the more progressive
element of our citizens. The tax has
been paid che3rfully by all, except
ing some few who have 10 children
to educate, or perhaps those whose
interests were interfered with in
some way, and one-fourth of the
bonds have already been called in.
What have been the advantages of
the Schools? Under the superb
management of Superintendent
Dietrich and his efficient corps of
eleven teachers, they have become
the pride of our city. People with
children to educate have tlocked TO
the city, and our population has been
largely increased, the value of prop
crty has been enhanced, and rents
have risen, thereby bcnetiting the
very property owners who opposed
the tax, and to-day no place in Ken
lucky is more prosperous than Hop
kinsville, and there is not vacant
house in the city. This is due in Il
great measure TO our Schools, and no
fair man will deny it who is con-
versant with the facts. They are
conducted upon plan far superior
in system, in thoroughness and in
discipline to many Of the so-called
colleges. As an illustration of til,
system taught in everything, th'
building, three stories high and will
twelve rooms, occupied by over 81!
hundred children, can be cleared il
one and half minutes in case o
fire, and so well have the pupils bee
drilled that they take their books ant
move out in perfect order at a give
signal.
We speak the truth when we sa,
that we have not heard word spo
ken in derogation of the Publ
Schools of IIopkinsvllle from all.
= source for years, until we read til
Old Guards article. We do not be
lieve our friend would knowingl
reflect upon our Schools. lie hi
. been misinfOrmcd as to their re-
cxcellency, and if he will come
Hopkinsville and visit them he wi
e be convinced that the half has NJ
been told in their praise.