Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-11-03
DIR. CURRY ON BLAIR.
COMMENT ON THE NEW HAMPSHIRE
SENATOR'S MANCHESTER SPEECH.
II IL Not True the Southern People Are
Not In Favor of Popular
Education.

ANhh'aatRhs
A meeting Of the principals and teachers
Of the colored public schools of this city
was held at the Richmond High-School
building Yesterday morning at 10 o'clock
Mr.. William L. Fox, Superintendent, pre-
siding.
After calling the roll the teachers en-
gagged in singing with great vim hymn
from the Gospel Hymn-BOok.
Superintendent Fox greeted tho teachers
and stated that he had called the meeting
for consultation and also 10 afford them an
opportunity 10 hear Or. j. l.. Nj. Curry,
VINO had always shown the deepest interest
in the public schools of this city.
THE sPTAREB:
DR.. Curry was then introduced.
He said II always gives him pleasure 70
address body of teachers, and he always
responds cheerfully to any such call. Not
withstanding Rev. Jasper's theory the
speaker was Of the opinion that the world
does move, and n an evidence OF this fact
YOU have before YOU an old-time COnfede-
rate soldier and SecessiOnist addressing an
audience Of colored teachers.
THE PRIVILEGES THEY ENJOY.
have an audience before me. said tho
Doctor, who are the descendants of those
who were forcihly brought to this country
much against their will and against the
will of their rulers-a race formerly III
slavery, but now emancipated and citizens
of this free country, with all the rightsan
privileges accorded 70 the white race. Inc
colored race Of the State OF Virginia arc
Just as secure and enjoy the same rights
~. 4
Governor Cameron.
SENATOR BLAIR AND THE SOUTH.
DR.. Curry said that he desired to talk
only on education. and rs friend of edu-
cation he was very much surprised when
he read in the morning papers that Senator
Blair. of educational-bill fame. had said in
a meeting held in Manchester on Friday
night that ." the South IS solid against the
education Of children The Doctor said
it panied him TO read such statement
from "a gentleman so distinguished, and II
the Senator uttered the language attri-
buted 20 him he wished to be understood
as boldly characterizng the statement rs
an untruth. Il repeat 1t deliberately, 1t IL
not the truth"
The South has paid since the war over
sixty millions of dollars for education, and
now pays annually over thirteen millions
VA nOAAtlA = CIV IA AAA Iva k"fNhNl
OTHER AUTHORITIES.
But. said the speaker, | do not wish you
TO take my statement alone for what | As
cert. DR.. Armstrong, the principal OF the
Hampton school. who commanded "A brl-
eado If colored troops IN the war. SAYS ::
Southern taxpayers are dong more than
any other people for tho negro by main
tanning over 5000 free colored schools at a
cost OF $1,000 C00.'
. DR.. Owens, Of Roger Williams College.
in Nashville. an institute for negroes, says:
"'Ihc South has acted nObly IN dividing
the public funds and providing good build
lngs'
Dr. 4. D. Mayo. Of Massachusetts,, editor
Of New England journal. says: " No SINH
lar class Of people in the Old or New World
has accomplished so much in . time 30
shOr. AGAINST obstacles so formidable
These Gentlemen are all Republicans and
in positions 70 know Of what they write.
ana their testimony disproyes the asser-
lions Of Blair.
AFRTND or EDUCATION.
Tho Doctor said he hoped his hearers
would fully understand him; that he WIS
an advocate of free education and he wish
ed 10 speak plaiuly. He hoped they would
not allow prejudice 20 influence their
minds. and If they desired 60 question him
M any time he invited them 10 do 30. and
h. would answer their interroga'ions
The old question Of slavery Is dead, said
the Doctor. You ARE all frcemen. Slavery
was practically abolished IN 1860, legally IN
1868. and nj. are now under the protection
OF the hag If the United States and enjoy
ing the privilege of free education, and
amOng the foremost no one has done more
for your education than your speaker. Be
ing the agent of the Peabody Educational
Fund it hes been IN my power and IN the
press and tire pulpit | have insisted on edu-
eating the colored race.
PRACTICAL TALK TO THE TEACHERS.
want to give You n plain, practical talk
rs public-schOol teachers. As teachersyOu
sustain q relationship 10 the State and the
city. You are officers of the state. You
hive rights ~ teachers, and with these
rights YOU have corresponding duties 70
perform. A. members of the corps of oii-
GERS paid by the state and city you have a
duty % perform o. your race; YOU are 20
help them 20 d higher platform of civiliza-
ton. I0u owe duty % society and TO tho
community. Your duties are not only in
the school-rOOm. but also as citizens you
have duties u perform. You touch the
community at many points.
WHAT TO DO.
Do not he satisfied with simply teaching
the pupils 20 read and write, but instil
into their minds some conception OF tho
duties they Will owo 10 their fellOw-belngs
when they grow up.
u * q very important position you oc-
cupy as teachers and every ono should
seek 10 magnify tho Office he or she holds,
which is second I'm Importance only TO the
pulpit. Tho celebrated Or. Arnold was a
teacher. and lives in the memory Of intel
ligcnt readers. while the celebrated states
men of his time are now unknown.
NEEDS OF THE EACE.
You have the ability and opportunity to
do much for your race, said the Doctor.
Do Won say it is not needed then look
at Africa, and tell me Of a single instance
in which tho negroes In Africa have consti-
tuted a government. originated laws. ne
gOtiated tranties, become famous "a sculp-
tors or painters. The negroes of Africa are
dOwn-trOdden and crushed. You owe them
q duty. Lift them up and let them enjoy
the game privileges yOu have OF a free gov
eminent. Tho nations OF Europe are SEEK
ing 70 dismember, divide, aud subiugate
Africa. Go or send help to them. 4 great
work may be done there.
HOW TO TEACH.
The Doctor here gave the teachers some
good advice about how TO teach and I'M
press upon the pupils the right way Of
using their education. They should be
educated not only to be good, useful citi-
zeus, but trained FOR q higher life.
CONCLUSION.
In concluding the Doctor told his hearers
10 be manly and dignifed in their conduct
and IL their intercourse with the pupils.
Impress them with respect for you and you
Tor themselves. You may not live TO sec
the fruits Of all your labors. but you viii
have the satisfaction Of duty well done and
the approval Of q conscience void of Of
fence toward all mankind.
VOTE or THANKS.
Mr.. John A. Bowler. Of East-Rnd school,
arose aud expressed his qualification and
that Of the teachers, and on his motion q
vote Of thanks was unanimously rendered
DR.. Curry for his able address.