The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-01-18

is, therefore in our amendment no faint
Of that inequality provided against in
the 18th amendment to the constitu-
ton of the United States; and in order
that the question might not even be
and realizing the Importance
of educating the white n black alike,
our amendment requires every boy OF
whatever color now 13 years of age to
to read and write under penalty
of losing his vote. Interpreted on this
fashion we may with c~omplacency ac-
cept the declaration OF the republican
national platform that our amendment
is revolutionary. So was the war for
independence distinctly known as the
and our liberties are found
ed upon il. Our amendment may be
revolutionary but il is 2 revolution or
advancement. 1t AXE no step back
ward, it distinctly looks to the future:
it sees the day OF universal suffrage
but sees that day not in the ~obscurity
of ignorance but in the light Of univer-
sal education. The twilight will grow
into the perfect day with the sun OF in
telligence shining in the sky. Tina il
our hope and promise. We shall not fail
BETTER PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILI-.
TIES.
On a hundred platforms, to half the
yxers of the state, in the late cam
~ / pledged the state, its
it's heart. its wealth, to universal edu-
cation. / promised the illiterate poor
man bound to a life of toll and struggle
an poverty that life should be brighter
for his boy and girl than it a been
for him and the partner of his sorrows
and joys. / pledged the wealth of the
state to the education of his children.
Men of wealth, representatives OF
great corporations applauded eagerly
my declaration. 1 then realized that
the strong desire which dominated me
for the uplifting OF the whole people
moved not only my heart but was like
wise the hope and aspiration of those
upon whom fortune had smiled. 1 had
loved the North Carolina people before
that time but l never knew and appre-
ciated the best qualities of many OF
our citizens until / saw the owners of
many thousans as eager for the edu-
cation of the whole people as l was
myself. Then l knew that the hope
and task before us, Gentlemen of the
legislature, was not an impossible one.
We are prospecting as never before-our
wealth increases, our industries null
tiply, our m extends and
among the owners of this wealth. this
multiplying industry, this extending
commerce., 1 have found no man who is
unwilling to make the state stronger
and better by liberal aid to the cause
of education.
Gentlemen of the general assembly,
you will not nave aught to fear when
you make ample provision for the edu-
cation of the whole people. Rich and
poor alike are bound by promise and
necessity to approve your utmost eff
forts in this direction. The platforms
of all the parties declare in favor OF a
liberal policy towards the education of
the masses; notably the democratic
platform says, I'VE heartily
the action of the general assembly of
1899 for appropriating one hundred
thousand dollars for the benefit of the
public schools of the state, and pledge
ourselves to increase the school fund
so as to make at least a four months
term Zach year in every school district
in the state,' and in campaig (which
was conducted throughout the state
with so much energy and earneStneSS
that platform pledge was made the
basis of the promises which we all
made to &he people. Poor and
unlettered men anxious about the priv
ileges of their children and hesitating
to vote for the amendment were finally
persuaded to accept our promise and
place their children in d position in
which they can never vote unless the
pledges which we made are redeemed
to fullest extent. For my part l de-
clare to you that it shall be my con-
81 NAAAA oAfA NAOAN $3.50 NAO 1890
years that 1 shall endeavor to serve the
people of this state to redeem this most
solemn Of all our pledges. +
taxes are required to carry out this
promise to the people, more taxes must
be levied. If property has escaped tax
alton heretofore which ought to have
been taxed, means must be devised by
which that property can be reached and
put upon the tax list. 1 rejoice in pros
| perity and take delight in the mate
rial progress of the state. l would
cripple no industries; but l would by
just and equal laws require from every
owner of property his just contribution,
to the end that all the children may
secure the right to select their ser
wants. There are many important
matters which will claim your atten-
ton. The problems before us are of
the gravest nature, but among them
all there is none that car approach in
Importance the necessity for making
ample provision for the education of
the whole people
UNIVERSAL EDUCATION.
Appropriations alone cannot remove
illiteracy from u state. With the
appropriations must come also an in
creased interest in this cause which
shall not cease until every child a
read and write. The preachers, the
newspapers and the mothers of North
Carolina must be ~unceasing in their
efforts to arouse the Indifferent and
compel by the force OF public opinion
the attendance of every child upon the
schools. 1t is easier to accomplish this
since the amendment to our constitu-
ton raises it's solemn voice and de-
clares that the child who arrives at age
after 1908 annot share in the glorious
privilege of governing his state nor
participating IN the policies of the na-
ton unless he can read and write. This
is, therefore, the opportune moment for
a revival of educational interest
throughout the length and breadth Of
the state. We shall not accomplish
his work in a day nor can it be done
by many speeches. 1t is a work of
years to be done day by day with a full
realization of it's Importance and with
that anxious interest on our part which
will stimulate h careless and will
make all our people eager to attain the
end which We seek. Our statesmen
nave always favored the education OF