Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-04-20
TIE RoAkp NNp TIE LAW.

informant evidently as SuHCleuJ du'.
swer to the charge that the Board
/ would be violating the fundamental law
by erecting a high school for which it
would have to contract a debt without
, the consent Of the people if it carried
, out its present programme. The school
law outlining the powers and duties Of
the Board of Education, has no bear
ing. whatever, on the matter under dis
cussion. The school law is all right as
far as it goes, but it cannot so behind
the Constitution nor annul any pro-
vision Of that instrument; where the
two conflict the statute law must give
way. In this instance the school law
does not conflict with the Constitution,
it simply omits the verbal statement
in defining the duties of the Board, that
these shall not conflict with the Consti-
tuition. which is understood in the case
of all laws. And in this instance, the
proposition of the Board is clearly in
direct conflict with the Constitution,
which declares that no municipality
shall create a debt without the consent
CT its citizens-a most excellent safe
guard, truly, although one that has
been frequently disregarded in this city.
If the Board of Education had the
money on hand wherewith TO build
high school. it might go on without let
or hindrance. although the project,
even in that event. though lawful, would
be of exceedingly doubtful expediency
and unpopular, for there are many 9th
er things for which the money could
be spent TO better advantage; but since
it is not only unpopular. but in direct
conflict with the fundamental law OF
the State. there is an end to it at once,
unless the Board chooses to submit its
proposition to a vote of the people, in
which case it would be showed under
out OF sight
The proposition to spend this money
at this time is an outrage on the tax
payers of Wheeling who are already
overburdened. Our taxes for all pur-
poses are too high as it is. The last
reform" administration in this city in
creased city taxes twenty-five per cent.
and we escape another increase
this year only by the skin of
our teeth. In these times when
it is hard matter for the
average taxpayer to get the money for
his taxes together. no proposition
that will further increase his burdens
is likely to meet with favor, particular
" one for which no necessity OF our
school system calls. but which would
rather be h:ndrance than a help 10
that system.
There is one way and only one in
which the Board of Education may
compass its high school project, and it
is doubtful. considering the condition
of the city's finances, if even that plan
would or should at this time receive the
sanction of the voters at the polls; this
plan would be to establish together with
the high school a manual training de-
partment. thus giving the children Of all
classes of our people the advantages of
advanced education. A high school
alone would be of little use to the
masses of the people for the average
scholar before he has time TO reach
such an institution leaves school for
the workshop. the field, or the count
inghouse. and there. in the hard school
of experience. receives the education
that is of real and lasting benefit to
him. Now, give this boy, or girl the
advantage Of a manual training school.
where he will not be stuffed with
"book-learning" alone, but will have
the other facilities of his body, his
hand and eve as we'll as his mind.
trained. and the average parent will
gladly keep his offspring at school
during the time that would be
spcnt in apprenticeship. or learning
in practical life the work that is to be
done in earning livelihood, especially
as the young people are not of much
practical use during this period. while
they would learn very much faster and
more thoroughly in a well equipped
manual training school. Such an in
stitution is a positive necessity to this
industrial city. unless our industries
and our people are to be left in the race
for industrial supremacy. Our rivals
on every hand are encouraging man
ual training. and we'll it is repaying
them. The young men and women
graduated from these institutions are
/ eagerly sought after by discriminating
employers. The other walks of life
are full: there are few professional call
inss that are not overcrowded; the
world is now looking for men Of prac-
/ teal learning and ability and these
! it rewards we'll for their services.
But. as We have said, it is question