Birmingham state herald., 1897-01-12
NORMAL SCHOOL QUESTION.

NORMAL SCHOOL QUESTION.
 Editor State Herald.
 In my last communication I said, eff the members of the legislature, curing it's recess would only take the pains to inquire of their constituents, and if they failed to find nine-tenths of the people opposed to normal schools, this writer would never employ his tongue or pen again on the subject.
 It is not only true, that the people at large are opposed to the large amount of money given for higher education, while all the money we have, and a great deal more than we get is badly needed for primary education, but 1t has been ascertained that there is a strong under current in the legislature very much op- posed to it, as 1 have been informed by one of the most distinguished mem- bers of that honorable body. Why, then, said I, does not that current come to the surface? Why, said he, "It is this way; all those normal schools have their friends, living not great ways from the place of their location, and they have certain pet measures and schemes in the promotion of which they want help and they say, you tickle me and I'll tickle you"
 The Lord have mercy on such body of men. Of course do not intend by this expression to include all it's mem bers as needing that prayer, for the writer happens to know quite a number who are far above the miserable and low down trickeryof that class of politicians, who stand ready at any time to sacrifice the public good for the success of their own local. private and selfish ends. I believe with Gov. Johnston that Alabama has bright future, but we shall have still brighter skies when the people get rid of such politicians as we have de- scribed. t-+---a..t '
 And just here wish to answer ques- tion raised by member of the late ed ucational convention held in Mobile. "Is not MT Ellis writing in the interest of certain denominational school?"
 In reply have to say that if he thought so, his surmise was wholly gratuitous. For not a word appears in any article such conclusion. I have confined myself exclusively to state public schools. There is a sufficient number of them besides the numerous denominational schools, to make all the teachers we, want. And they are doing it. The university at Tuscaloosa, the A. M. c. at Auburn, have made and sent out many of as good teachers as ever went from any normal school in the union, and the same is true of many of your city high grade schools. I know what am talking about. I have been county superintendent of one of our best counties. Had charge of sev- enty-five schools and my trouble was not to find competent teachers, but a want of money. You can't employ first class teachers from normais. or any other schools, for song. to teach where the cornpe nsation is so small as it is in many places. asa-s
 Gov. Johnston thinks new constitu- tion may measurably remedy this evil, by giving the people power to impose a per capita tax of $3 or s4 which the people will be slow to do as long as the heavy drain on our educational fund to make surplus teachers Is allowed. I wish to say in conclusion, am not in charge of any denominational or private school; have no pet scheme to foster; no ax of any kind to grind, and as my children are all educated am not chargable with