Milford chronicle., 1893-01-27

To THE EDITOR OF THE CHRONICLE -
Dear.Sfy Please allow me space in you
valuable paper to say few words in refer
euce to an article written by Mr. L S. Lacy
heartily endorsing the action Of Governor
Reynolds in recommending to the preseui
Legislature she appointment of colored
State Superintendent of colored schools.
In The FIRST place, desire it to be distinctly
understood that in writing this article for
publication, do not wish to criticise the ac-
ton of Governor Reynolds in recommending
to the Legislature the passage of such bill,
for believe he was actuated by pure mo-
tivesi neither do I wish to arraign my friend
Mr. Lacy, for having written the article in
question, for it IS theoretically and logically
good. But to put such theory in practice
just at this time would mean to gather the
wheat in the gamers and to burn up the chaff
with unquenchable FIRE.
In writing this article, desire to impress
upon the minds of our people the necessity
of looking well before jumping" Let us
pause, reflect aud consider before going fur
ther, fof to endorse such an action means to
cut ourselves loose from the maiu educa-
tionsi body of the State which, in my opin-
ion, would tend 10 widen the chasm between
the two educational bodies rather than draw
them together. What we most need at this
time is a general feeling of harmony and
sympathy on the part of our main edaca-
tiouai body of the State; and until this feel
ing is brought about, our schools will remain
in their present deplorable condition. The
question of educa ton is one that should af-
feet all citizens alike irrespective of race,
color or previous condition of servitude FOR
the prosperity of our eountry,the sanctity Of
our home, the protection to life and property
depend largely upon our institutions of learn
ing. In unity we stand, divided we fall. We
must not look at the honor alone that would |
be conferred upon one of our own Alto. |
American citizens; but we must take into 4
the surroundings and condi-
tions of our schools, and ask ourselves the
important question, is this the best step to
take at this juncture There is no time for
swapping horses while crossing a stream. !"
We are now crossing the stream, and per-
chance if we should swap horses the prob.
abilities are we would be drowned.
If ! could think for a moment that this
would be a step that would raise our schools
out of their present condition aud place them
ipon more permanent basis, would re-
uaim silent on this subject. Past experience
caches, or leads me to think, at least that
i is not the best thing for the colored schools
IF Delaware. Take the schools that have
been incorporated, if you please where they
iave been largely under the control and su-
oervision of our so-ealled Boards ofCommis-
iioners-aud witness the discouraging fea-
lures all along the line, and the features that
rave marked the results in almost every in
tauce, and on account of what? answer
most emphatically the inability of our peo-
,le to rightfully control and govern their
,wn affairs. When our people shall have be-
ome better trained, more confident and self
eliant, then, and not until then, will we be Z
ble to welcome the advent Of a colored
State Superintendent
am by no means opposed to one Of my
ace occupying the seat of State Superinten-
lent of colored schools If thought it
would advance the cause of education among f,
ur people, should hail his coming with i
oy aud delight. Let us toll on until we have
often out OF the meshes, then it will be time
nough to raise the cry for a colored super :
1tendent "a WELL WIsHER"