The Abbeville messenger. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1884-1887, 1886-06-29
Communication.
Editors Of Messenger:

AS this is campaign year and the nu-
merOus candidates are booming forth
with pleasant a%nticipations Of filling the
official positions Of our counties. |
would say to our citizens that after look
ing we'll to the morality and integrity of
those ~"HdatcS we should also assure
ourselves of their competency, and as |
will not have time to comment on tho
different offices to be filled will be con-
tent to speak Of the one ! consider of
most Importance, that Of School Com
missioner.
In the first place allow me to as
Scrt that it makes no difference as to his
qualifications, no man can fill this res.
ponSihl" position comprtently without
having first had practical experience IL;
a teacher. 1t is like tail %rua,iin- and
many other occupations. When til.
train hand begins at the. foundation and
works himself up to the position Of
conductor or superintendent, then he is
considered 4 competent rail road man.
.Niter having several years Of practical
rXre;lcHc" as a teacher. he knows not
only what is necessary for the govern
meiit Of Il school successfully but how
to Systema;izr the rducation Of our
country. Look at any avucation Of life.
or that OF any corporation and what
success is acquired without system &?
And i would ask if there is any subject
OF more Importance or if there ever was
Il time in our history when it was more
essential to educate our children both
morally and intellectually than the pres
cHt
Stree emancipation we have n COM
petlng race who aspire to attain rank
among us int! &C tally and officially,
and what true hearted southern man
doc; not dcSir" that the accomplish
mGnts or requirements of his ci,i,i.rn
excel thnSn Of hi; former slave. Iiui |
am sorry to say that il, manv portions
OF our country especially among the
poorer class, they are taking more pains
aud make more sacrifices To educate
their children, than nur race.
Then let rs in or,irr to elevate that
class wno think they are not able to nay
tuition and derive their benefits from
those Of the public schools. have Il
competent School Commissioner who
can Introduce the Normal system and
instruct the teachers undcr him and
T. 'rcby advance them as rapidly as pos
S'hle during their term. Let him look
we'll to th" morality, sobricty and COM
potency Of those employed 10y the trus-
tees to teach those schools. aud visit
them and see thae they Introduce Svs-
TEN and science in their schools. By
clccting ono who has had this practical
experience and who has been tried and
gwen general satisfaction both officially
amt aS Il conscientious gentleman in
every respect. We can hope to ob'ite-
waite fosgyiSm in the school-rnom and
%a'!vanc" the educational interest OF our
country. Those who may from Editor
iai influence have been prcjuliccd to
some extent must remember that Jesus
Christ could not please ever ono dur-
ing his mission on earth. l., conclusion
allow III" t" say in the opinion o. Your
humble correspondent, that Ahhrvillc
county coulo rot be benefited bv i
change Of the present occupant of that
responsible position Of School Commits
sioncr. Thanking You for time and
space | am very respectfully,