The news & observer., 1897-02-18
T-g AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE
The Republicans Decide to Take the
Institution Out of Politics by Taking
Possession of It for the
Next Ten Years.
Next Ten Years.

u
latnra has i'm the short time of two years
proved faiure-an absolute and fiat
faillre.
This is acknowledged on all sides,
No matter that will come before this
Legislature, nothing, not even excepting
the lease of the North Carolina Railroad,
is Of more vital Importance to the people
of this State. No other question has been
so much discussed. And yet nothing has
been done. though the end of the session
is nearly at hand.
The Teachers Assembly appointed
committee to formulate bill. They
met here and did so. after long discus
sion and the most painstaking effort and
inquiry 1t was introduced IN both
Houses. referred to committees; the
committees met in joint session and
did nothing.
Since then another bill has been intro
duced looking to the same end-the re-
vision and Improvement of the pubic
school system of North Carolina. Sena-
tor George Butler is the author on It.
lit was discussed in joint session of the
House and Senate Education committees
yesterday afternoon in the State Library.
Still no decision has been reached, but
q ub-comnittee was appointed 70 take
that and any other bills that had been
introduced and draft a satisfactory meas
ure.
This committee consists of Senators
Grant and Butler and Representatives
Doekery, Curry and Abernethy. Ihey
are to confer with the Superintendent
of Public Instruction in the preparation
of the BILL
The principal features in Senator But
ler's bill, as brought out IN the discussion
yesterday are as follows:
1. Tt creates State Board of School
Directors with practically the same pow
er ms the State Board of Educafion
This board shall consist OF the GoVer-
nor, the president Of the University, the
president of the State Normal and In
dustrial School, the State Superinten-
dent of Public instruction, and three
professional teachers to be elected IN
enniaIly by the other members of the
board.
2. 1t provides for life certificates TO
professional teachers, under certain rules
and regulations of the State Board of
School Directors.
3. Tt aboIishes county examiners and
creates County Boards of Education.
4. 1t creates the Office of County Super
visor and he Is paid per diem for actual
service, largely by fees from TEACHERS
certificates.
+. Tt divides each county into as many
school districts as there are townships IN
each county. and provides for appoint
ment of FIVE intelligent busi-
ness men for committeeman an
sand township The towship COM
n,ittoe shall have concurrent
jurisdiction with the County Supervisor
over all the schools in said district. That
n, L. nh, cnI
Of equal term each year for both races.
6. It provides for County Institutes in
the discretion of the County Board of
Education.
Z. 1t aibolishes third grade teacher cer-
fifcates.
DIR. Dixon. of Cleveland, pointed out
that the first section Of the bill was un-
constitutional. in that it provides for a
new Board of Education, though by
new name, to perform the duties preserlb-
ed for the Board constituted by Article
TX. section 8, OF the Constitution.
Senator Butler did not think the OBJ
lection valid one, as both boards would
still be in existence, but that new duties
had been created and the work divided
between them
Touching the constitutionality Of the
bill. Mr.. Peele addressed the comm1ttee
at length. He said that the first and sec
ond sections Of the bill were the only ones
that he could seriously object to. The
creating of new board, calling 1t by
different name than that provided for in
the Constitution, he considered fatal
dofact IT was an attempt to do by indl-
rection what cannot be done directly.
Another objection urged by Mr.. Peeie
roa the leaving out of certain Of those
constituted a Board Of Education by ths
Constitution and the selection OF certain
teachers Of the State in their place
These are three professional teachers
the presidents Of the University and OF
tho Normal and Industrial School This
Mr peele thought an invidious distinc-
ton.
AS attorney for publishing house, Mr.
!. Peele gave notice that he would have
something further to say when the sec
tion in regard to State adoption Of school
books comes up.
In defense Of his bill, Mr.. Butler said he
did not think it unconstitutional, as the
Legislature had a right to take certain
powers out OF the hands Of the State
.I,oard OF Education and delegate them
ito another board
The merits of the bill were then dis
cussed. He said the cost OF placing
the school business in the hands Of a
county board of education, instead Of
In the hands Of the commissioners, as Mt
present. would be Insignificant. He also
I.ointed ont the advantages OF a township
committee Q) There would be fewer men
TO deal with; (2) less friction and disa-
ereement on account of app0rtionment;
and the employment of teachers; a. more
Intelligent supervision and an equaliza-
tion Of apportionment, and an adjustment
Of length OF school terms throughout the
township. This committee is to be elect
ed bi-ennially, and will employ all the
teachers.
Fees from teachers examined, Mr.
R.,tler said, would pay the County Super
x;sor. and his per diem would not come
o,rt of the general school fund, as the
salary OF the County Superintendent for
nerly did. This system, also he ar