The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-02-26
The Real Reason for the Opposition Displayed
by Certain Southern Senators-How the
Honey Is To Be Distributed.
The Proposal to Create Tribunal for
Consideration of Private Bills.
Popularity of Cinnamon in the Social Circles
of Neutrality-suspicious. at the Capital
The Resignation of Mr.. Burt.
THE BLAIR BILL.

Why Some of the Southerners Oppose II
The Scope of the Proposed Measure.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 25.-Republican Senators
generally believe that the Blair educational bill
will become a law by the act Of this session OF
Congress. The opposition comes from the old
Bourbon families of the South-from men who
see that the education of the blacks and the il
literate whites means thought and action on the
part OF those who in politics and commercial
matters are but pack-horses and slaves. They
oppose the measure on the ground that it is un-
constitutional, claiming that the education of
the inhabitants of the States is the pure and
simple function of the people of the States, and
that the general government has neither the
authority nor right to assist in education with
in the States. This is the ostensible objection.
1t Is plain, however, that the real objection on
the part of the Southeners lies in future politics
Men who rule the politics of the South do not
relish the idea of the 'poor white trash" and the
negroes thinking for themselves, and standing
upon an equality with their children in the con-
ventions, caucuses, and at the polls. This they
call 'retrogression" or reversing the laws of
slavery"
A mistaken idea prevails among many people
about the breadth of the Blair bill 1t has been
published but not explained that it appropriates
$77,0O0.O00. This is an error. 1t appro-
PIRATES pothing-not penny. Il simply pro-
poses scheme of assisting the schools
within the States and Territories in proportion
to the percentage of illiteracy, to carry out
which the disbursement of $77, ,000, 900 is con-
templated.l But Congress must appropriate the
money each year to carry out the provisions of
the bill, and at any time it is ascertained from
the reports received by Congress as to the
effects Of the work that the expenditure is too
great for the benefit derived, Congress may re-
fuse to appropriate the money further, and
there it will end.
The first year 100000 is contemplated for
distributk< by the BILL second year, $40, 600, 000
third year, $l5, 900, 000 fourth year. $l3 900 000
fifth year, $ll,0O0,000 sixth year, $4,000, 0OO
seventh year, $7,000,000, and eighth year,
So, 600, 000
OF course, Congress Is morally obligated to
appropriate this money from yesc to year IL the
provisions Of the bill arc fulfilled, but otherwise
1t will not, and should the country, from any
cause, become dissatisfied with the operations
of II, the appropriations will stop. No plants in
the way Of school-houses are to be made as the
localities benefited must cooperate to that ex.
tent, and If the money Is honestly disbursed, as
1t is provided for, even one years experiment
could not be waste Of money Quite num-
ber of Southern Congressman will support the
bill. so that it will pass Congress- it is believed
Notwithstanding they will do so under protest.