Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1889-08-01
THE BLAIR BLL.
A Paper Rsod Befsre i Prince
Georges Comfy Taaehz aststsae
By
Mr.. LEWIS Fo2D.

Mr.. Presidents. Ladies' b Gentle.
men:-Ths subject Of preseni
paper. popularity known NE Blair
Educational Bill. is ne Ne intro.
duced in the United 81 - Senate
some years ago By Ssrz( Blair, ol
Nsx Hasnpshiss. toarn aztr.
seven millions Of dollars rom the
Nationa, Treasury ITO aid in the es-
tablishmsnt and support of common
schools in the states and territories. .
The distribution Is to extend over q
period of eight years, az follows-The
FIRST year. seven millions; the second
year. ten millions; the third year,
fifteen millions; the fourth year.
thirteen millions; tho fifth year. eleven
millions; the sixth year, nine millions,
the seventh year, seven millions; and
the eighth year, FIVE millions. 10 sd-
dition TO this, the sum.cf two millions
is to be expended 10 aid in the erec-
tion OF school houses. The distribu-
tion is to be made upon the basis of
the illiteracy OF the several States aud
Territories, as determined by the last
census, and the Secretary Of the In
terror is constituted the judicial. as
we'll as the executive, officer Of its
appointment. 1t provides that a
specified course of instruction shall
obtain in the schools receiving the
benefit of the enactment; that 30 mon.
ey shall be paid TO any state or terri.
tory that shall not have provided
system of free schools for all children
therein, without distinction of race or
color, either il the rsieing or diairi-
buting the school nues. or in the
facilities afforded; that no money shall
be paid out under its provisions to
any state or territory till the Govern
or ther eof shall file with the Secretary
OF the Interior statement showing
the school system in force, the amount
of the school fund expended the pre-
ceding year. the number Of pupils at
tending the public schools, etc.; nor
till the Legislature thereof shall. l.
bill or resolution, accept the eondi-
tions of the enactment. The bill has
provoked an earnest and able discus.
sion Of the principles involved, the
parties and even the sections being
somewhat divided as to its expediency;
1t has passed the Senate several times.
but has been less fortunate in the
House. So far it has not become
law.
1t Is matter of serious concern TO
us as teachers. Financially speaking,
We are to be the chief bsns6 6ciaries Of
its bounty. and any properly adjusted
and wisely directed relief 10 the
penury of the public school teacher 3
salary would be a justice, come when
it may, already too long deferred.
No class of public servants, the SER
vices rendered duly considered. is so
poorly paid; indeed, numbers Of rs
are forced to seek in the employment
OF less eongeuial fields that comps-
tenee for even a decent support that
Is denied US as teachers. This has
been a serious impediment to raising
the profession to the proper plane of
efficiency. The necessary stability is
wanting. for no matter how exalted
the motive. material man cannot work
without material reward; and as long
as time is. the old doctrine will obtain,
"The servant is worthy of his hire,
But the fact that the measure under
consideration would tend to amelio-
rate the evils of this condition is not
enough. / think, to recommend, with.
out qualification, Its favorable consid-
GRAFTON. The conditions, of It's ae.
ceptance, expressed or implied, and
the principles involved in legislation
of this character. may be such as 10
render the ensctment--et dona feren,
tes-one of questionable propriety.
Money is not the summnm bonum, and
it often happens that the considera-
ton parted with for its acquisition is
of greater valhs than its requirement.
A hasty glance at the prsviaions Of
this bill has influenced the writer to
believe that such would be the result
Of its passage. at least in its present
shape.
Two leading propositions. ii seems
to me. are to be considered in the dis
aussion Of this subject; FIRST, ought the |
bill to pass from a constitutional |
standpoint and second. are its pro-
visions such as To- render it a des,ra-
bic measure should its constitutional |
ty be unqusstioned? shall briefly !
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