The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1886-12-08

SLiiileSI unu icWeSI are not
always the wisest economy. Govern
ment is business, and, like any other
business, requires for it's successful con-
duct the use of money; such, for in
stance, as for the adequate compensation
OF officials, the proper maintenance of
charitable and penal institutions, the
prompt payment of all public obliga.
tons, the liberal support OF common
schools and higher institutions of learn
ing, the necessary expenses OF Legislation
itself, and the numerous other incidental
| purposes that foot up no inconsiderable
amount.
We have already achieved much in the
way of economy, having reduced cx-
pcuditures to II point that places the gov
eminent Of this State among the cheap
est, il not the very cheapest, of the
States OF the Union. \ comparison of
our expenditures with those of any other
State will, l am sure, fully Justify this
assertion. While looking, then, with
continued care to the exercise OF this
cardinal virtue of economy i'll the admin
istration Of our affairs, especial attention
should be paid to maintaining the credit
OF the State, now ut II point OF excellence
mover before reached III the history Of
her finances. If this credit is fully sus-
tanned the opportunity will soon he pre-
scntcd, by the early maturity OF our Sc
c~uriticS. Of rounding them at Il much
reduced rate OF interest, and thus re-
lieying the taxpayers, by a single trans
action, of al annual burden of perhaps
one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
This surely will prove II measure Of
cconom that would be sensibly felt as
Il relief to every industry and occupa-
ton, and should enlist, therefore, for it's
accomplishment, the active sympathics
and cooperation Of all. y practical test
OF The feasibility Of this project must
soon be made in the case OF our deficiency
bonds and stocks, which mature as early
as July, 1888, for the reiunding of which
timely provision, will have, of necessity,
to be made.
But however rigid the ideas enter
tanned upon this subject, however great
tie apparent necessity for rctrcnchment
and reform, there is IL direction i'll
sitting the young life OF the people and
sapping the very sources of our material
and intellectual strength. | alluuc to
our public schools and the system Of
Colleges we call the University. The
one is the essential complement OF the
other, and neither can accomplish the
full measure OF its usefulness without its
necessary coadjutor in the grand work
Of education. In the common schools
are to be laid the broad foundations, and
in the institutions of higher learning are
Ia be reared the beautiful and lofty
structures OF intellectual Development
that render 4 people prosperous, happy,
great and respected among the nations
o, the earth. Applausc. Such inSti-
tutions are not like mushrooms-thc
growth ofanight. They require long years
Of patient sacrifice, OF uuccasing patriotic
effort, of liberal and unstinted support,
to attain their full stature and grand
proportions, where their pinnaclcs, reach
mig to the sky, will shed n beam of
tra~nsccndant brightness ovcr the land,
vjviiying industry and warming into
active life every dormant energy.
In the matter Of education we cannot
afford to contract. The true policy
Should he to broaden, to deepen and To
widen, us the resources of the State per
init, until the last Nustigc of mental
darkness is swept from our borders, and
every child i'll the State nall become the
recipient of the hCmiGnaut influences OF
thorough instruction. The accomplish.
Hcnt of this great work, Win MS, ca.
only lac gradual, Tor none bat the will.
fully blind can fail to sec and feel iii,
: prevailing embarrassment, 50 widespread
; and universal. But, at least, no ste,
backward should he taken. The marci
must he ever onward, With the steady
determination not to be UutStiDpcl il
Tn" race 10y our sistcrStatcS of the Union,
who are bending every energy to til,
lnost complete and perfect development
oi their educational systems.
South Carolina, among il not the frs
10 establish Il system of free schools,
imperfect though ii was, has the added
incentive of Il noble ambition to main
tain her ancient proud position anon
tI!c mos advanced and progressive oi
the States. Nor will the fruits of sucl
a liberal policy be either mcagrc or DIES.
t tltutr of Il certain and abundant com.
rcnsation. How richly has she III the past
rropcd the reward OF her libcrality t,
her institutions of learning. Need | tell
OF the llluStrlOIlS names that have illu