The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-06-02
Session to be Held June fifth
10th Inclusive.
AN IMPORTANT FACTOR
In the Educational Life Of the State of
North Carolina.
RE eE scHooLELEcTloNs ENCOURAGING
Special Tax is Good For the Education Of
People in the Towns il is Good For
Those in the Country.

Hon. C. II. Mebane, ex-State Superin-
tary and Treasurer of Teachers Assem-
bly,, was in Raleigh yesterday in the in
terest of the Assembly. which meets at
Wrightsville, June 18th.
News and Observer reporter asked
him to express his views as to the edu-
cational condition of the State and to give
to some extent tine Importance Of the an
nual meeting of the Teachers Assembly.
He said:
ITO me, the recent elections held in the
various towns of the State and the results
Of these elections is an index to higher
and better things for this State.
Il have no fears as to the future of our
towns in matters of education, or | might
better say, in opportunities for education,
as it is only matter of few years
until all of our towns will have good
graded schoos In fact, town is now
regarded as dull and out of date unless it
provides good graded schools for all of its
children. Public sentiment has SO de-
creed and towns viii now move along
these lines, that otherwise would have
years to come.
but my concern and anxiety is for the
boys and girls of the rural districts.
Here are some of the most precious gems
in the rough gems of noble minds and
hearts, that if they can be dressed and
rubbed with a practical education; if they
can only come in touch with the thoughts
CT the master minds in science and lit
,f ~ no
to the State and society.
While I am anxious for these I still
have hope. We must realize that if spe-
cial tax is good for the education of the
people in the towns, it also is everlasting
true that special tax is good for the ed
ucation of the country people.
'The friends of education have great
reason to thank God and take courage.
Behold what a record for the first year
in the new country. | call to mind the
following towns that have voted new
schools or increased fund for the cause
of education: Goldsboro, Henderson, Ok
ford, ReidsviIle, Lexington Asheville,
Gastonia, Rocky Mount, Enfield, Rocking
ham, Guilford College District, Mill Dis
trict, Union county, Mt. Olive, Greenville,
brownsville and possibly others that |
"The Teachers Assembly has been an
important factor in this educational prog
ress. Here in season and out of season
the doctrine of local taxation has been
preached Here nearly all the monu
ments for the progress of our educational
work originated.
There is where all the educational in
terests of the State can have voice and
be heard with reference to any education
al subject.
''The teaching profession has not had
the force and power in the past that we
expect for it to have in the future. We
are glad to see the press of the State
and public sentiment growing along the
line of giving recognition and weight to
the body of teachers of this State. The
lawyers are considered authority in mat
tiers pertaining to law and no one dis
putes it.. but teachers are not always
considered as good authority in matters
pertaining to education, but it will not
ALWAYS be so.
We expect the greatest meeting this
year that we have had for many years.
Tie good people of Wilmington will give
us a royal good time. They know how to
DO this and will act well their part
am sure