The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-01-21

their own resources Fewer yocations are
open 20 them than to men. They arc
less able 60 perform manual labor than
men are. Some OF the vacations open TO
them cannot be efficiently filed without 81
liberal education. When properly enu-
cated-~knowing what to teach and how
90 teach-thcy are fully equal, " not su-
perior, TO men az teachers. large ma
tority of the teachers In our pubic schoo's
are women. The meagre compensation re-
ceived for teaching Is driving men 20
more lucrative employments as rapidly
as they can be obtained and we may
reasonably suppose that their places VIII
be filed by women. These women must
be educated.
Fairness and justice demand equai
facilities for the education OF women 70
those provided for men. Who would not
condemn the father who makes ample
provision for his stalwart sons, TO whom
all vocations of life are open, and none
for his fran daughters. to whom but Few
vacations are open? Has not this been
the course OF Virginia? We have spent
millions TO educate our sons. but almost
nothing to educate our daughters.
IL IS time for Virginia TO free herseh
OF this reproach
HOW IL II 10 ne uOnt+ i1ti
will not justify her in erecting colleges
and universities for women. nor Is there
necessity for her doing so.
l cannot conceive of any good reason
why women should not be admitted to
the University OF Virginia upon precisely
the same terms that are men, and be
entitled to all the rights and privileges
that men have, nor why our colleges
should not adopt the same course If
l am asked If | wish TO make doctors
and lawyers of women. / answer, | am
not proposing to make doctors or lawyers
of either men or women. but 10 educate
them. and leave them TO choose their
own vocations.
Lastly self-protcction requires us 10
afford our women facilities for higher
education. Unless We do this, we must
employ teachers from other States 10
teach our children. and send our daugh-
tiers to other States TO be taught.
About q year ago / was Informed that
six Virginia ladies were teaching in a
Georgia school. all Of whom had to go
out Of Virginia 20 qualify themselves
for the positions they held. ] visited
the school to learn the facts in their
respective cases, and then and there re-
solved that necessity for q similar case
should not exist IL 1 could prevent it.
All can do is to lay the facts
before the law-making power OF the
State. suggest a way by which the evils
complained Of may be removed and the
| just demands Of our daughters met with
out imposing any material expense upon
| the State; and / respectfully, but earnest
| Is, beg for the subject that consldera-
ton which its Importance demands.
Manual and ! .iustr;a I ain NJ.
The design of education is, or ought to
be. qualification for the practical duties
and responsibilities Of life. The fact has
been too long ignored, and many leave
school with distinctions" and "diplo-
mas" who are but little better qualified
to battle with the stern realities OF lie
| than they were before entering school.
| would not lessen or detract from mental
| culture. / would rather broaden the nelt
OF literary and scientific training and
study But l would add to these thai
training and instruction which educate
the brain. the eye, and the hand. anc
thus enable all the powers TO work har-
moniously together 1 would not stop a
manual training, which enables the pupi
| 10 use the brain, the eye. and the hand
! dexterOusly, but gives no knowledge Of
! mechanical arts. / would. wherever IT !:
| practicable, have pupils given such me
| chancal instruction as may enable then
to enter upon the industrial pursuits OF
life under fairer prospects than they dc
| now"
This part of the report here concludes
| with q reference to the excellence Of the
methods Of the Miller Manual Training
School.
Some Of the needs which are presented
for legislative action are as follows:
Defining definitely treasurers' COM
| missions on school funds.
"Abolishing the law concerning ex-
animation of teachers in districts.
authorizing county boards of super
visors to supplement pay of county super
| intendents.
"Allowing compensation TO school trus-
tees-a per diem for days actually en-
ployed.
authorizing the issuance OF license 10
teach TO graduates Of Virginia State
normal schools. and to Virginia scholar
ship graduates Of the Peabody Normal
| College
Encouraging the establishment of
public school Libraries.
Establishing system Of county In
stitutes.
Establishing county or district high
schools
"In brief. legislation and adminisratio n
| should be continuously directed towards
| the organization and development of a
complete and harmonious system OF edu-
| cation-a system that will effectively
adapt itself TO the needs Of the children.
The report indicates that Virginia is
keeping pace with the northern states IN
| it's work for the proper education Of the
| youth everywhere in the state.