The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1898-08-10
The GRADED SCHOOLS.

Sumter will be interested in the open
ing of the next term Of the city
schools.
1t is a matter of Importance to
eyery parent whose children attend.
Our graded schools have reputation
for excellence all over the State.
The teachers are intelligent. indus
trious, conscientious in their work
and up. to.date in methods. We are
justly proud of these institutions and
must see to it that the standard is
maintained, and that they are kept
abreast with the best along all lines
of advancement.
The schools began operations In
debt-went into debt for a start.
The amount is something more than
$4,000, and under present conditions
there is no prospect whatever OF pay
ing out, as the taxes and contingent
fees are go regulated as to barely
cover current expenses without pro.
vision Tor anything further. 1t costs
something to continue renewing notes
which represent the Indebtedness, to
say nothing of the depressing effect
which IS a necessary consequence.
Any institution, educational. religious
or otherwise, which is burdened in
this way, labors under disadvantage
and is clogged in its efforts and en-
terprise.
The present two mill levy cannot
raise the amount. Indeed, will not
be sufficient for running expenses if,
as we fear, there is any considerable
decrease in property valuations this
year.
Now what are we going to do !!
What means shall we adopt to meet
the situation (? We know there has
been at times some little opposition
to the payment Of the contingent fee,
which up to this time has been only
twenty-five cennts month-$2.25
term of-nine months for each scholar.
The people who patronizs tie school
are the ones who are directly bene-
fitted. Benefit to the public is indi.
rect, bat direct to the parents of
scholars. There is money saved to
them in the education of their chill
dren they are the people who
should be active in providing the
means for liquidatipg this debt. How
is it to be done !? We hardly know;
perhaps suggestion here would net
be popular the pocket nerve is so
tender we almost fear to disturb it.
The question is upon Us. however,
and must be disposed Oft must be
settled, and settled right.
We venture the assertion that the
average patron does not pay school
tax sufficient for tuition of one schol-
at two months Many Go not pay
one months tuition in the average
pay school. Yet some eend several
children for nine months 1t requires
no argument to prove the advantage
these enjoy If there were no pab,
lie schools our children would have
to be sent to private schools or re
main ignorance. Approaching these
facts which admit of no denial, it
seems to the writer ahe duty of the
patrons TO get together on some plan
which will result in the retirement OF
this deb.
Suppose the contingent fee was
raised to fifty cents month for the
next three years. That would dis
pose Of the matter. Perhaps there
are a few who cannot afford even
that small sum. and on proper
showing should be excused We
should look upon this as a neces
sary. an inevitable obligation, which
must be met. not as something with
which we may, or may not, dispense
at our optioo.
We would, therefore, respectfully