The age-herald., 1901-02-17
MT. Roof Expresses Himself.


 To the Editor of the Age-Herald
 The compulsory education bill before the General Assembly of Alabama is not a ''sin against human freedom" and it's advocates are not promoters of ancient tyranny" Such statements evidence q total misconception of the intent and con- tent of the proposed law. As well say that freo public education Is an insult offered by the State to its citizens.
 The money appropriated by the State for free public schools Is not an aims thrown to the poor like a bone to a dog If 1t were so, no self-respecting person could receive such aid without degrada- ton to himself. It Is simply the States method of taking control of one of the most potent forces for developing a strong, intelligent self-reliant, law-abld- ing citizenship A mans ability to pro- duce-to bring things to pass-increases with his increase in knowledge and wis dom. But since the people constitute the State, the wealth, strength and honor able standing of the State are dependent upon the intelligence and culture of the people Hence the object of public aid.
 This proposed law seeks first to provide free public instruction for not less than three months in the year for every youth between the ages of and 21 years-that is for fourteen years of his life. Is this
 
 much having been done for the good of the children and the State, Is 1t not the duty, as well as the right, of the latter to see to 1t that the objects for which the money is appropriated are not in measure defeated by carelessness and selhshness of parents or by the ignor- ance of children too young and ineXperi- enced to know what Is good for them? The bill Is in the interest of the people nd ba po1 Is this 'an3rchV'v It is an effort to grapple with existing conditions and demands, not play upon human prejudice and sentiment.
 It provides that every youth in Ala bama shall have the privilege of mini mum of forty-two months free elemen- tary education and that he shall accept at least fifteen months instruction in the elementary branches as a preparation for life. This instruction may be received in free public school in privte school or under a tutor or governess In the house. and if the parent prefers to do the teaching, all right.
 It will be seen, therefore, that the bill Is not in the interest of the public schools or the public school teachers.
 The compulsory education committee of the Alabama Educational Association Is composed of five members; only two of these are public school men. A majority of this committee spent much time exam ming and revising the bill, after which they gave 1t their hearty endorseent, leaving 1t to our legislators to make such other amendments as in their wisdom seemed necessary. The bill was unani- mously indorsed by the Jefferson County Teachers Association at it's last session, and our representatives were asked to work for it.
 Compulsory education in America has passed the experimental period. Thirty states, the District of Columbia and the territory of New Mexico have laws, com polling attendance of children of ages varying from a minimum of seven to a maximum of sixteen years, the prevalent compulsory period being from eight to fourteen years of age.
 The states having such laws are as follows: The six New England states, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey,