The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1896-07-10

places, but the military Mt few save
West Point. If thought tho destruc-
tion of every State college was neces-
sary to give us complete common
school system 1 would be in favor of
doing away with them all, for believe
in the greatest good to the create It
number. This would not, however,
increase one iota the efficiency Of our
common school system. Indeed
think the contrary would be true, for a
careful study of the census will show
that the States with the best facilities
for higher education have the best
common school systems. In South
Carolina it is certainly true, for since
the building of Clemson and the agita-
ton upon the subject of schools there
has been marked improvement in
the free school system of this State,
and there is plenty of room for more.
Some superficial thinkers imagine
that State aid for colleges and common
schools rest upon different government
al principles, because they claim one is
for the few, the other for the many.
This is partly true as u fact, but tho
man who uses that as IN argument
against State aid for colleges fails to
comprehend the basis upon which rests
the obligations of Government to
educate its children. He confounds
TIE individual with that great complex
aggregation of individuals called the
State. He utterly confuses private
with public rights. Individually l.
John l.. McLaurin, have no more
right to demand that the State pay for
the tuition of my children than have
to expect it to pay my doctors bill,
or other items OF domestic expense
1t is the public, not the individual,
interest in the matter which creates
the duty and gives Importance to edu-'
cation us n matter of governmental
policy. Viewed in this light, it's easy
to see that the same principle applies
to common school and college. Another
mas said: Estate education rests upon
great public grounds. Its foundations
are political and moral, and it is only
permissible from the close relationship
which the experience of ages has de-
monstrated exists between the public
welfare and all the elements Of nation
al prosperity on the one hand and the
enlightenment Of the population Oh the
other
1t is not for the rich that State aid
is wanted: they can get it anywhere,
either IN or out of the State, but many
q poor lad has been made n great man
through n collegiate education, State
aid, when he could have received it in
no other way. There should be ample
educational facilities in this State so
thnt none need so abroad for an edu-
cation.
There is something peculiar about q
military school. The uniform, the
regular routine, the discipline and for
malitics are fascinating, and for some
natures no place will so we'll develop
the best that is in them. I know I
needed just such training to hold me
in check. l often laugh now at how
much we all stood in awe OF Colonel
Thomas. His formal politeness, digni-
fled bearing and military prom ptness
absolutely overwhelmed us. He was n
bigger man to us than the "Czer at all
the Russias." Col. Thomas impressed
two things on every boy. First, that
Col. Thomas was the greatest man on
earth; second, that the boy was the
ASAt. 1io" CNSks 'oy thoI hh' DCCh
up to some devilment trembled when
we were drawn up in line and ''the
Colonel walked slowly up and down
and looked at us. I have suffered the
tortures of trial, condemnation and
exection, for | just felt he was looking
right straight at me, and knew that l
broke garrison last night. What sign
Of great relief heaved when he passed,
and what n mental VOW l swore never
to do SO anymore. To tell you the
truth, / haven't got entirely over it
yet. / remember meeting ''the Col
onel few years ago in Columbia,
with n cigar in my. mouth, and, boys.
before | knew what l was doing, 1
slipped it out Of my mouth, eased it
round behind me and out into the gut.
ter. Perhaps | ought to say, how
ever. Shat it wasn't very good cigar,
but if It had been fifty cent full Ha-
wanna, | would never stand up and
smoke in Col. Thomas's face, and he is
the last man on earth that would wish
to know that | wa1 guilty of dishon-
orable or mean thing, and there is no
treasure that | value more than | do
his confidence and respect. 4 teacher
and school like that is what I want
for any boy.
Young, gentlemen, fame and riches
are to be desired, but if all of US in
stead oi devotlng our lives to their mad
pursuit would more cultivate and prac-
tice those simple courtesies, humani-
ties and virtues which ndorn and Den;.-
tify humaL life. We would lie happier