The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-01-06

| The total amount collected Tor Tree
school purposes for the year was 1861, GA
an increase OF 100000 90 above the
collections for 1885.
In 1887 the expenditures were $126, 900
less than the receipts. This sum will
be carried forward In the various counties,
| and will be the means OF bringing the sys-
tenn TO a cash basis, thereby graduating
| the pernicious practice OF specializing in
school warrants, which has initiated
against the school interests ever since the
inception OF the school system.
From the comparison OF statistics"
in the biennial report, it will be seen that,
as compared with the years 1883 and 1885,
| fourteen counties had in 1887 longer
term on less money, seventeen counties an
| equal term for less money, and that fifty
counties the cost per month was smaller
| Twelve Of the remaining twenty-four
| counties show no material change as to
time and cost, while the others show lar
ger monthly expenditure though seven
| OF them spent less than was collected.
The statistics for 1887 include reports
from every county uperintendent- which,
since the beginning OF the system, has not
been the case except for the year 1SS4-and
the reports show that we have entered
upon more vigorous and progressive era
in the work OF public education.
said in my message OF 1885, 81 ami led
to believe that the teaching force OF our
| schools, though improving some, is as q
whole very indifferent. II would be better
10 reduce the number OF schools and en-
ploy more competent and efficient teach
ers."
The legislature OF 1886 made some radi-
cal changes in the school laws. These
changes, in the main, bear directly upon
the two great reforms which in that
message pointed out as necessary 10 the
progress and usefulness OF our schools.
The schools OF most counties were under
going gradual disintegration from the es-
adjustment OF 30 many small schools, and
TO check the disastrous effects OF this evil
a system OF districting the counties was en-
grated on the law, limiting the number Of
schools by fixed territorial area and q
minimum scholastic population for each
district. More than 800 small schools were
discontinued, and the reports from all
counties except seventeen show that
enough, and in some instances more than
enough, schools are now maintained, and
in those seventeen counties the superin-
tendents report that all children can be ac-
commodated by establishing few more
districts
Sufficient time has not elapsed TO test
the present system Of districting. II will
require more time and possibly n modif-
cation OF the law TO establish districts so as
10 meet the wants OF the educable popula-
ton.
To improve the corps OF teachers, uni
form examinations and institutions were
established. These have stimulated
teachers TO study, and will inevitably ele-
vate and strengthen the teaching force.
The worthless will be eliminated, while
those who desire 10 remain will be i'm
PEELED TO a constant improvement OF their
scholarship and teaching power.
Many abuses and inequalities arose
under the old salary system, based ON the
per diem average attendance. The law
now bases the salary on the qualifications
of the teacher and the kind OF work he is
capable Of doing, and for each grade a
maximum and minimum limit is fixed.
Superintendents are required 10 visit all
the schools and inspect the work of the
teachers, service which is invaluable.
These vigorous reforms all tend 10 the
improvement and systematic management
OF the free schools, and while, like all re-
forms, they have created agitation and
criticism, Il may fairly be concluded from
the results already shown, that II faith
fully executed they will give for the same
money better teachers and longer terms Of
school.
These results should not be expected at
once. Time Ii essential 10 test the value OF
every measure. Legislation on the school
law should be constructive, always tending
toward developing and systematizing.
Some amendments are ncededto harmonic
and perfect the law, but these should be
upon the broad basis OF strengthening the
system instead OF weakeningit, 10 the end
that the children Of the State may receive
the greatest educational advantages posi-.
BILE for the money expended.
The total attendance at
THE UNIVERSITY or MISSISSIPPI
for 1867 was 1888; for lSs7-Ss Il will
probably reach $50. From the catalogue
Of the thirty-fifth session Il Is shown that
only cighty-six young men from the entire
State are az colleges outside OF Mississippi,
and more than two-thirds OF those are at
tending UNCONVENTIONAL schools that have
no colleges In the State. The small num-
Der attending non-scctarian colleges in
other States IL the highest evidence that
your university affords superior and salts
factory facilities for obtaining a literary
and classical education, and, will add, at
a small cost TO the student.
The university il fairly equipped In the
several departments, and rcicrsto It's past
history ~ an earnest OF future usefulness.
Among iis alumni are found distin-
guishcd men in all the walks OF life-in
the ministry OF the Master, In many Of the
departments Of the public service, nation
and State, In the learned professions, pro-
fcssoB and teachers in colleges and
schools, In agriculture and commerce
indeed, In all the vacations and industries
OF advanced civilization.
The receipts and expenditures Of the
university are n follows
Rcccpu from Ill sources for the year
endlns lune ~ lHs -..'.......'.'...-'.-s 9eo =
pscsp. lrom ali .o,,r,c. lar 0.cs yc., '''' ~
Disbursements iof same time .............. N5pi o.
II Is gratifying 10 know that the college
u held In high esteem, and that Its career
Of honor and usefulness will continue 10 be
a source Of pride TO the people Of the State.
IIE AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL col.
LrGE
was established 10 meet tho wants OF In.
dustrial education and 10 develop aud give
new impetus 10 the industrial interests OF
the State. When Il is remembered that
the institution was opened for the admis-
sion Of students In 1880 and allowing a
reasonable time, say three yean, 10 organ.
ikc, equip and get the machinery In good
working order, the president, faculty,
trustees and people Of the State have cause
To congratulate themselves for favorable