The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1884-05-14
The Public Schools.

e-e~@~0 0S@@NO@Ns
The Public School question is one of
paramount importance to us all, and
therefore the following letter written by
Major Russell, the Inspector of schools,
to the Palatka Daily Ners will be read
with interest:
DEAR SIR-Your favor OF the 18th has
Just been read upon my return to this
office. beg to say to you in reply that
have fora long time regretted, not only
the character Of the building for the
public school in the beautiful and thriv-
ing city OF Palatka, but also the charac-
ter OF the school itself, as described to
me by some of your citizens.
A city such as PalatRa, i'll the midst
of so prosperous country, a center OF so
much travel and observation, annually
under the inspection of $50 great cloud
of Witnesses should indeed, as well as
word, be an exemplar of all that is good
and noble especially in such causes and
enterprises as commend themselves to
the intelligent and refnement-loving
among the many thousands who are con-
tenplating homes in our midst from all
the other States in our country, and
preeminently among these private enter
prises stands our system of public popu-
lar education, and also stands foremost
in commencing any community or local
itv to these home-Seekers and investors
in lands and other property. In refer
enee to the law lnthe matter am clear
ly of the opinion that Boards of Public
Instruction, not only have the power or
authority to provide suitable buildings
for school purposes, but that it is made
their duty TO do SO in the intent and spir-
1t OF the law.
In support OF TINS OPINION cite DeloW
the hrst, second, tnird, iourtn, nitn ana
sixth clauses OF sec!ion 70 OF an ACT OF
the Legislature, entitled an Act to estaD-
llsh ln1Orm system OF common
schools and a: University, speclaiiy the
lst, 9th, and 9th clauses
Section ~. IS the duty OF eacll,
z E5fIectea,
Eioid, Under proper fitleas a ae0flp1UfI5ffes7ff
all property possessed, acquired or held
~by the county for educational purposes,
and to manage and dispose of the same
: for the best interests Of eaueations
8. 2d To have the charge, oversight and
and management of all lands lying in the
county which may belong to any public
educational fund, and OF the common
school moneys, with view to the prop
er care Ol tilc1dluo, anu JuoU UAoSihpe'eioiA
and use of the funds.
Sd. To locate and maintain schools
in every locality in the county where
they may beneeded, to toaccolnmodate, as
far as practicable, all the youth between
the ages OF six and twenty-one years
5 dtlringnot less than three monthsi in each
year.
4th. To appointone and not more than
five trustrees, on the recommendation OF
the patrons, to have charge OF the affairs
OF one or more schools, and to employ
such teachers as may DC SATISFACTORY 10
to the trustees.
eih. 10 sSlsct anu plostee t sl.e lot
each school-house OF not less tnah- an
acre OF grouna IN lne rul''l ulstric.s' ana
as nearly tnat amount as p[act!capie ~
the villages orsci.l lne slluatlolF'o DC
dry, airy, healthlul ah,t pleasant, also
reasonably cehtfai anu Gohyellent Oh
access ior al VINO SHOULD attena the
school.
9th: 10 90 Whatever they may Judge
expedient with regard TO purchasing or
renting school SITES or premises; con-
structlng. repairing, lurhshlng, warm
ing, ~ ,,4h,;,da T III,
ploNns ny "a ,,en,,oobia .ero,n,.t,s.
tses tho 4,,ro,,a, a,r a,'yl.,rat,,s fog tc-