The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1898-12-09
HOUSE DISCUSSED
SCHOOL QUESTION
Debate Vas Spirited, and at Times
Eloquent.
THE BURkHAL TER MEASURE
Was Under Consideration When the Dis
CusSiOn Vas PreCipitated.
He MADE A SPLENDID ARGUMENT
Defended His Bill Against the Attacks Of
Mr.. Seymour, of Sumter District
Agricultural Schools Gen.
:. sured by Speakers.

Montgomery, December S-(Special)-The
house spent the entire morning session dis
cussing the school question, which was d.
rected at the district agricultural schools.
Three hours of time was consumed in the
debate, which was spirited and at times
eloquent. The entire discussion resulted in
naught, however, there was practically
nothing accomplished. The attempt to
abolish the schools was voted down, but
1t will bob up again in few days, and the
appropriation may be taken from them.
House bill No 100, by Mr. Burkhalter, of
Jefferson, to increase the public school
fund of the state by levying an additional
tax of five cents on the $100, each county
getting the tax so raised within its borders.
Five cents is the minimum rate, the max
imum rate to be fixed by court of commits
sioners, provided it shall not in any case
exceed the limit as fixed by the state.
In an impassioned speech Mr.. Seymour,
of Sumter. opposed the bill, the gist of his
remarks being to prejudice the smaller
counties against the larger. Jefferson coun-
ty, with its wealth, would collect under this
law about fifty cents for each child, while
the sister county of st. Clair would collect
not more than fifteen cents.
Mr. Burkhalter defended his bill in force
full manner, charging Mr. Seymour with
being against the education of the poor
children. He made splendid argument in
behalf of educating the masses.
Mr.. Spears offered amendment to the
bill that all taxes now derived from the
sale of fertilizer tags in the state be given
to the public school fund. Mr.. Spears at
tackled the agricultural and mechanical COL
lege and the district agricultural SCHOOLS,
which he said the common people did not
and could not attend. Mr.. Spears amend
ment was causing the friends of the district
schools to open their eyes and ears, for this
fight had not been anticipated to-day, and
it was bad move for the friends of the
amendment to have forced its consideration
under such circumstances.
Ignorant of the Que stlon.
Mr.. Long, of Clarke, was the first to gain
recognition after Mr.. Spears had taken his
seat. There is an agricultural school in Mr..
Longs home town, and it was but natural
that he should be first to speak against the
amendment. He spoke briefly, however, the
burden OF his speech being that the gentle
man from st. Clair (Mr. Spears didn't
know what he was talking about The
money for the support of the agricultural
schools came from the sale of fertilizer
tags, he said, and this same tax on fertil-a
izers was imposed before the district
schools were established.
Mr.. Davis was next to oppose the amend
ment. He also had an agricultural school
in, his town. Mr.. Davis always speaks
clearly, and his explanation Of the Spears
amendment was in keeping with his record
He argued that the amendment was not
germane to the original bill and that it was
unauthorized by the constitution. This
snap Judgment was unjust. If the legisla-
ture desired to abolish the district Schools
do it in direct strike, and not try it In
the shape of amendment.
Mr.. Hubbard, of Pike, said the question
xUa far hi "a
ton of this legislature, but it would be a
sad day for Alabama when she put the
knife in the throat of these district schools
He thought the bill unfair If the state
wants an appropriation for her schools he
stood ready to vote for it, but he was not
willing to tear down the schools already
built.
Was Revolutionary.
Mr.. Robinson, the chairman of the edu-
cational committee, said the Spears amend
ment was revolutionary. 1t was not fair or
just to bring this amendment when it was
not expected. He could see no reason to
argue against the Burkhalter bill, as it left
optional with the county commissioners as
to whether they should levy any tax at all.
1t would be the greatest mistake in the
history of the state to cut down the district
schools.
At this juncture there was great scarm-
Bile among the members to gain rescogni-
ton, and the speaker suggested that debate
on the question be limited, as it seemed
that every member wanted to speak on it.
The members were seated and the chair
recognized Mr.. Kelly, of Choctaw The
gentleman said he came from the hills
of Choctaw, and he knew what the COM
mon people needed. They could not reach
the district schools There was more illit-
eracy among the backwoods whites than
any other class, and the blacks are TODAY
mo 20, ;,,.
this same people. This was occasioned py
a lack of pride on the part of the colored
race "A Niger will catch rabbit al
night for food and go to school next day
with his person half clad" he said.
Mr.. Brandon made an eloquent plea in
penalf OF a better school system. He said
the method to abolish the district schools
was unfair He did not believe in tearing
down what we already have to try to build
up another system, but he would thank
God If there could be erected on every Hill
top in Alabama a free school for the com
mon classes. He would vote for n million
dollars to build free school system for
the state. "Above all legislation, he was
willing to vote for large public school
fund"
Not Behind in Oratory.
Mr.. Miller was next recognized He
thought Alabama might be behind in the
oratory He came, as a casual glance AT
him would reveal, from the rural district.
and he was opposed to both the bill and
amendments. He wanted an increased an
preparation for the public schools.
Mr.. Arlington opposed the amendment
and Mr.. Seymour again spoke opposing the
amendment, because the farmers were
paying for the district schools. He stood
ready to vote million dollars for the pub
lie schools.
Mr.. Davidson, of Jefferson, also spoke in
opposition to the amendment, and hoped
that it would not carry.
Mr.. Golfer wanted an equal right for the
education of the children of the state. The
majority get no benefit from the district
schools. He read from the published re-
ports of the district schools to show that
the percentage who studied, agriculture was
extremely low. He made very strong ar
gument in favor of abolishing these
schools.
Mr.. Kyle was recognized and every eye