Middletown transcript., 1897-02-20

issippi, adopted in 1880. contains this sec
ton: Separate schools shall be maintained
for the children of the white and colored
races" Georgia's constitution of 1877 de-
clares that schools shall be free to all chill
dren of the state, but separate schools shall
be provided for the white and colored races"
In Florida we find similar provision:
"White and colored children shall not be
taught in the same school, but impartial
provision shall be made for both"
We believe that the question of separate
schools should be left to the districts. In
this way the subject would be taken out OF
the hands the of politicians, and the
minds of those whothink the ques.
ton of mixed sch ools win again be
used for political capital would be
relieved. The following section is sug-
gested. which, we think, is just: "In dis
tributing the school fund no distinction
shall be made on account ofrace or color,
and the question of separate schools for
white and .colored children shall be left to
the districts in which the two races are to be
| educated"
| Ifs district choose to admit the colored
mans child to its school has the state Q
right to interfere2 Laws and constitutions
in our judgment, can prohibit no colored
child. because it is colored, from entering
free school, ifthe state has failed to provide
| for such child.
We are not alone in the belief th at Sec
ton declaring for separate schools would
be blot on the constitution. DR.. Nicholas
Murray Butler, of Columbia University,
writes: "You are entirely correct in your
view about separate schools. That would
be blot on the constitution. The Gen.
eral Assembly can certainly care for that
problem in manner satisfactory to the
people," DR.. Schaeffer, superintendent Of
public instruction of Pennsylvania. says:
'You are right in objecting to placing in
the constitution section declaring for
separate schools for the races"
Before dismissing this subject we would
suggest that the proper committee see to
| it that the celored man bears his proportion
of the school expense. There should be
poll tax for school purposes of not less
than one dollar nor more than two on every
man between the ages of 81 and go years,
and he should be compelled to pay it. A
tax of one dollar on each man would add
yearly to the school fund about $4,000. o
which the colored people would contribute
about one-sixth. It is an injustice to the
colored man not to be asked to help edu-
cate his own children.
SHOULD DO JUSTICE.
Let Delaware do Justice to her citizens
regardless of color. The Blue Hen, if she
follows the example of other hens, will
scratch for all her chicks alike, making
no distinction between the black ones and
the white ones.
In concluding, then, may we not urge
that this, or similar article, be reported
by the Educational Committee to this con-
vention? The article which we present to
you has been examined by some of the
leading educators of this country. DR..
Philips, principal of the West Chester
State Normal, says: II trust that you can
get the whole article into the constitution.
1t will be great advantage to the State.
1 think it is excellent" DR.. Nicholas MUIR
ray Butler, says: 1.-THE article, as you send
it to me. is very complete, and seems to
be carefully drawn. trust that some such
article as you have drawn will be favor
ably received by the constitutional conven-
tion." DR.. W. I. Harris, United States
Commissioner of Education, writes: "I
have handed your article to the experts on
state and city systems of schools and they
have read it with interest, but Go not make
any suggestions which think will be of
service to you"
Therefore, gentlemen of the constitu
tional convention, you may feel that this
article has been passed upon favorably by
men who are recognized as the highest
authority in matters educational-men who
are not only conversant with the educa-
tional systems of other states, but who
know thoroughly well the needs of Della
ware. Those of you who are acquainted
with the grand progress that other states
are making in education, and the progress
that Delaware has made within the past
ten years, despite her lack of system, will
realize the excellent opportunity this con-
vention has to make its work immortal.
No other article is so important
The successful working of the others will
depend largely on the influence Of this. Ed
ucation is the basis of liberty and justice.
You have the grand opportunity of giving
to this commonwealth an educational sys-
tenn; of establishing permanent school
fund; and, above all, of setting your seal of
disapproval on the course of illiteracy.
Why, gentleman, if an epidemic of small
pox should threaten this state,you would if
the matter were left to you, declare quar-
antine and compel every person to be vac
cinated. But already the plague of igno-
rance. has fastened itself upon eighteen
thousand and more of our people and, like
a vampire, is sapping the state OF Its vital
ity. Are you not willing to use your right
and privilege to destroy this monster-igno-
rance-by giving US compulsory education?
Are you not willing to become benefactors
in the highest and broadest sense? Do you
want the children of future generations to
praise and honor your memories? Do you
want your names to live on the pages of
history Do you wish to be Thaddeus |
Stevens. the great commoner of Pennsyl-
vania, who laid the foundation of that
states grand educational systemf Then
place in the new constitution a broad and
comprehensive article on education.
A Good Investment.
On receipt of ten cents, cash or stamps A
a generous sample will be mailed of the
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