The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-04-13
EDUCATION IN TWO STATES-A
COMP. RISON.

North Carolina is badly behind in the
matter of popular education. 1t stands
low in the class of states 1t is about
head, however, in the class of Hitter
ates. n Messenger does not like
this. 1t is a reflection and stigma upon
a really great commonwealth. The peo-
pie who were SO brave and patriotic
as to lead all the southern states in
the number of it's soldiers in the great
war for second independence should
lead them all in peace in the appro-
priations in proportion to financial
ability. If they shall give to educating
the children of the state as much
money in proportion to actual means
as other states similarly situated, then
they will not deserve that the SLOW,
unmOving finger of scorn' shall be
pointed at them by people in the north
and southern teachers who do not
study but one side OF the statistical
question. The Messenger has again
and again urged that North Carolina
should have appropriated ere this more
than $1,000, 900 for common school edu-
cation. 1t ought in 1901 to appropriate
not less han 81, $50, 00O. Remember that
already there is a large increase in the
taXableS of the state. 1t will not bur-
den the people if they agree to tax
themselves quite as much as 81, ESQ., 900.
They might go a quarter of a million
more still be behind in their duty.
Virginia now gives 81, 1927, OO3, and West
Virginia 81, JOG, 76S. Tennessee gives
81, 729, 463. They have larger taxables
and can afford to pay more for edu-
cation. North Carolina is at present
resting on its oars at the low figures
of but $S31,3S
Now while we believe that the state
is not measuring up we'll and can do
much more with benefit to itself, in be-
half of general education, it must not
be supposed that all comparisons to its
detriment are just. Some are absolutely
unjust.
To compare by way of reproach what
Massachusetts does for education with
what North Carolina does is wrong and
misleading. The state of Massachusetts
has vastly more wealth than North
Carolina. 1t has not nearly 100000 on
blacks, but few OF whom pay to edu-
cate their own children or other chill
dren. We have not at hand a table to
set forth the wealth of North Carolina
and Massachusetts. We do not doubt
that the latter is twenty times great
er than our own in monetary re-
sources. 1t has 2,215,373 whites. North
ia - ~ nancrrc of 1SN1
I,046.372 whites-or less thai one-half
Massachusetts, has. So it is very easy
for the richest of states according TO
population TO expend $lS,SS9,SSS for
education. while North Carolina, with
possibly one-twentieth of the wealth
expends 1891, $50. While North Carroll
ma is not really doing but little more
than half it's duty, if so much, in be-
half of education, it is not so certain
after all that what rich Massachusetts
IS doing for education is greater thar
that of North Carolina in proportion
to white population. We do not object
to fair and proper comparisons, II det-
rimentaI to the good name Of North
Carolina, but in a consuming zeal for
NO " IN
ignore facts OF to forget justice.
Massachusetts is doing a great thing
for education whereof she is of right
proud. she has great opportunities
But with all of her education, and it is
highly creditable, her criminal statis-
tics are far higher han the white
criminal statistics of North Carolina,
if we are not misinformed.' Education
at its best is no ~renevator or regenera-
for of fallen humanity. 1t can not take
tbe place of the Gospel of Jesus and
tho RibIical plan of salvation. Horace
Mann was simple enough TO believe
that educate the people and you bring
them all blessings. all they could need
for time and eternity. Education is a
desirable thing surely, but it is no sub
stitute for the pure and undefled reli.
gion of the Lord Jesus Christ. 1t vii