The daily journal. (Salem, Or.) 1899-1903, 1900-01-25
FROM a STRICTLY UTILARiAN
STANDPOINT.

Shall Salem have high school? IL
is TO be regretted that this question
must be discussed in paper like the
JOURNAL which has large circulation
outside OF the boundaries OF this county.
The simple fact that il is here consider
ed debatable question whether this
city Of 5000 inhabitants, the capital Of
the state, ought TO have high school or
not, is a notice TO outside communities
that Salem is way behind in educational
matters.
Nevertheless, we must face the fact
that there are many influential people
in Salem, especially among the heavier
taxpayers, who are unequivocally OPP
posed 10 any extension OF our education
al facilities.
There are two objections brought
against the betterment OF our public
schools. One is, that II il not desirable
10 provide free education AT public ex-
pensc beyond the rudamentary branch
es, the three RS, Reading, 'Riting and
'Rithmatic. The argument is made
that "too much" education units a man
for what are sometimes considered the
meaner walks OF life.
This is directly in line with q senti-
ment which, unfortunately, seems 10 be
obtaining strong foothold in certain
quarters; that society must be divided
into Glasses" that the "mudsills"
would better be kept in ignorance, for
enlightenment makes them "disconten-
ted :" that the "higher" classes alone
should be fitted for the higher vacations; I;
that free public schools are socialistic at
best, and therefore evil, and should be
restricted TO the smallest sphere.
II hardly seems necessary. to point ont
that this reasoning is in direct opposi-
tion to the spirit Of human liberty,
which, 80 far as possible, gives every
child an equal chance. Nor IL II in ac-
cord with the most enlightened states
manship which sees that the most
intelligent people make the best citizens.
But argument is not necessary ON this
point. That reactionary spirit has been
fighting the progress Of human enanGi-
patton for a good many hundred years,
and losing ground all the time.
On the score of the expense, there Is
more chance for real difference Of
opinion, though careful thought must
lead 20 the same conclusion.
As matter of fact the expense of
keeping up a high school would be very
small. One teacher would be required,
at salary Of possibly 5000 year, prob
ably less. We already have the room in
the East Salem building. The heating
would cost nothing additional. II is
probable that 1900 year would cover
the whole expense. How much would
this increase taxation
Attract more people 10 this city and
the value Of every piece Of property in
the city is increased. Send people away
and every piece Of property falls in
value.
Every intelligent man knows that
nothing exercises stronger influence
in attracting families of the better class
than good schools, while nothing has
more repelling influence than poor
schools.
Establish n superior school in the
midst OF wilderness and town will
grow up around il, no matter II the
country will not support jack-rabblt.
People OF means will settle there 10 edu-
cate their children, and poorer families
will move there and make a living
waiting ON the richer.
II the burden Of taxation is too heavy,
we must induce more people 70 come
and share il, and nothing will prove a
stronger drawing card than n superior
system OF public schools. That will at
tract people In spite of high taxes, and
as the people come. the tax burden will
be lIghteneed Of itself.