The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-01-13

The election to settle this matter Is TO be
held Tuesday the 26th insant.
But the tiers of this scheme have seen
proper not to publish the law. Why is this?
The proposition as a business transaction
not find favor with a majority OF our
l.. AS a rule the tax payers of the tow were
there.
9. AS q matter of fact, there was but a slim
attendance of citizens, outside OF those who
are supposed to be dissatisfied with the Acad-
envy school.
3. The amount asked for is excessive, even
If there was q public demand for a new school
house.
A.. The amount which we are asked to ap-
propriate for teachers is so far beyond the rea-
sonable demand for the money which Is nee
essary to pay that 1t hardly seems that the
proposition was seriously made.
5. The annual interest on $4,000 is SSH.
Well, now, we submi thai $40 is too much
rent for us to pay for lone or more school
houses
6. The two mills asked for and the two mills
levied by the Constitution will make annual
ly a sum equal to about $4,000.
A.. IuOlC SCuOOl lSdShCio SoA
month, or 500 year. We don't need fourteen
public school teachers.
s. Persons who desire 10 teach their chill
dren. Greek, Latin, French. Music, n other
accomplishments and other higher branches
of education should pay the bills, and not
call in their neighbors to pay for the educa-
ton of their children.
Some withdrew their children from
the Academy. This they had a perfect right
to do. They ave employed a teacher OF tnelr
own choice, and they have a perfect right, IN
law and in equity, to receive their full pro
rata share of the public school fund, but we
submit hat the demand to spend $4,000 for
lone or more school houses" Is too steep.
In times past there has been more or
less sneering at our public academy,-it may
he by persons who think their ~neighbors
ought TO build more elegant structures ior
them. AS O mates OF fact, The Academy is
in a state of decay for the wan of a little at
tentlon. Our forefathers built that house
wher they were rich, and they thought 1t
good enough for their children then. Inc
lot is the same size 1t was then.
Now, when we are poor it Is proposed that
the old b~uilding-whose walls and chief parts
are as good as a new building will likely be-
shall be thrown away.
Recause of the conditions of the titles
which would return the property othe grant
or II It is used for other than school purposes
the property can be bought for far less man
,ts actual value, and 81 500 added 10 the pur'
| chase price would make that a splendid struc-
ture-one sufficiently good for any boy or
girl in this town. But If any should think IL
not good enough for his children, then let
him keep his children away. We DOUBT ii
anv mai in this town went to school In a
j. 1000 school house.
Let us see the cost for one year:
Constitutional two mill tax, say..........sl,4W
Extra tax. l'4V
Interest, or rent OF school house.....".... S4o
$3.50
But as the election Is for five years as to the
school tax, and as the interest or rent on
tie school house Is forever, let US see What
the people are asked to pay for five years:
Constitutional two mill tux, say. .......S7,OVo
Extra two mills f,ooo
Rent, or interest on School house...".... 4,4oO
Five 800 bonds retired. ................. 2'Ooo
$40, 4OO
II the people of this town were prosperous,
and II the farmer could sell his cotton at ten
or twelve cents, there would still be neither
reason or COMMON business methods which
would commend such an extravagant outlay
of money. Erskine College at Due West did
not cost as much as we propose TO put in lone
or more school houses" and the sum when
IL is proposed to give public school teachers Is
not, In the aggregate, much less nan
amount paid to the Professors at that Col
lege. -'.
These are definite and tangible objections,
but the fatal and most pronounced objection
which we would urge against this appropria.
tion Is the lack of publicity which has been
given TO thiss scheme, and the lack OF u spec'-
dc and definite proposition.
Who, outside of the leaders OF this PROPOSE
ton, knows anything about 1t?
Has there been ono word in any newspaper
from the advocaters OF this scheme? II 1t Is
lust and II 1t is worthy Of public endorsement,
why do they not present 1t in all It's beauty
and attractiyeness?
Who knows where the $4,000 for zone or
more school houses is to be eX~peneded?
When 1t was proposed several years ago to
build a new school house, The plans OF the
building were shown. The lot was selected.
There was no secret about 1t.
Are the negroes to get their share OF 1t? II
50, how much? AS far as we know no provi-
sion in law has been made for them?
lfany such provision has been nude, where
is 1t? Show us the law?
If"one or more school houses" Is to be built,
please inform the public how many?
VIII they build one school house dow town
for the white children, and another for the
uptown children? Or, will we build one for
each of the different religious denominations?
IF there are incidental advantages from
building or locating lone or more school
houses who is to get them9
Will anybody make q splendid bargain in
the sale Of his lot?
Or, will anybody nave the value of his prop
erty enhanced by having 1t located In his
neighborhood?
viii the lands Of an alien and a foreigner be
selected at fancy figures?
Who is 10 handle this l2 900? Is there n
man In town who knows? Who Is 10 give secur
ity for the faithful handling of it, and where
is the safeguard which the law throws around
it?
AS far as we know there is neither q safe
guard around the money, nor q legal and de
finite statement as to who Is to handle II.
Under ordinary circumstance fiduciary Oh
fcers are named in the law, and they are al