The Port Gibson reveille. [volume] (Port Gibson, Miss.) 1890-current, 1893-09-15
EDUCATIONAL COLUMN.
CONDUCTED BY PROF. REaAN.

salaries, for the term just closed, il
s15, ,07394.
| Eighty-one per cent OF the cdu
cable white children we're enrolled
in the schools during the term JUS
closed. This means on its face thai
nineteen per cent did not cross oul
school thresholds. But we must
make some allowance for those who
attended high schools or colleges
probably 3 per cent and for those
Inarried-say 2 per cent. Yet after
making these necessary deductions,
we find that parents are permitting
IA per cent oil our white children
ITO OF Caucasian blood-t0 grovel
in absolute ignorance. when from
one to three school houses dot the
hills of every township in our coun-
ty. For the term 1891 1892, it was
much worse 20 per cent, or 24C
children remaining away from our
schools.
However, we may gather much
encouragement for the future from
these last figures. The sober sec.
ond-thought has come 10 the peo-
pie, and the ranks Of the absentees
have been reduced from 240 10 10
in one year. The dawn is growing
brighter and we believe The full
flush of the glorious light of educa-
tion shall shortly glance through
our schools and fall upon the head
of every child in the county there
assembled, to do her sacrifice.
The total county property liable
to taxation is 81, 750, 900. A two
mill school tax levied OH this valu-
alton will produce $500. A more
important or judicious investment
can never be made in the history OF
this county. We reap the interest
hundred-fold in a higher, nobler
manhood and womanho0d that shall
be built up among us. "In keep
ing our school-doors open we shut
those of our PRISONS" and thereby
cancel the costs of our courts. And
every individual should pay his
tax cheerfully and with alacrity.
To reside in an educated communi-
ty and enjoy its privileges, benefits
and blessings, is something that de-
mands its reward, from every citi
zen. Tho fact that he is childless
or is not patron must not emanci-
pate him from this obligation. II
he does not desire to pay for his
blessings, he may find more cOngen-
lal companions in the savage realms
of Africa. His pecuniary obliga-
tions will certainly be lighter. We
say nothing concerning his surround
ings. "Verily, he hath his reward" "
If the board Of mayor and alder
men of Port Gibson will grant the
school trustees large latitude in
maturing plans. and flank them
with ample funds, The board, under
the direction of their progressive
secretary, r G. Kelley, will build
up one Of the finest graded schools
ia Mississippi. In the selection OF
their teachers for the next term,
they have already made a commend
able stride in that direction. Keep
on with your good work, gentlemen,
stopping nothing short Of a full fru-
ition Of your plans.
The cost of school books now in
the hands of county pupils is $4262.
prove that on an average,
a textbook will do service for three
years. Hence, since the adoption
OF uniform service in 1890 and the |
of the new books into !
our schools at that time, the cost |
has averaged but S1420 per year. |
The annual expense, therefore, 10
each enrolled child is but thirty-6ve |
cents. New books and higher grade |
books for the next term will add
s2400 to the cost of old books now
in the hands Of pupils. So then,
old books and new, in the hands of |
The pupils on Nov. 18th next, will
not exceed in cost 90 cents for each
child enrolled in the public schools.
Can we find here any room for pat
rons to complain about the cost of
textbooks being burdensome ? and /
declining TO purchase the necessary |
lists sent them by the teachers ? The
expense is light, and the children
must have all the books that are as
signed to the grade to which they be-
long. Your teacher will ask you for
no unnecessary books, as she has but
to refer to her grade list aud find
there the names Of the studies which |
the superintendent has affixed to
each grade, and these your child
should have, If it expects to remain
IN that grade, or in school. Get the
books for the children
The number Of pupils in the vari-
ous grades for the next term will be
Is follows:
First, or Primary Division 1879
Second Division. -..........1 1881 /
Third Division. n.............. 770l
Fourth Divition. .---.-.......- 357
Fifth Division. ..........-. 120
course past term.--- 8
These groups, or divisions, are uni
Iorm over the entire county and each
seacher will be furnished with the
names of pupils belonging 10 each
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