The age-herald., 1901-06-10
Will Regulate LeVyIng of Spe- CiaI School Tax in the
 Black Belt
PRESENT PLAN IS UNFAIR
In Certain Sections Where the Negroes Are in the Majority the White Man Would Pay to Have
 Them Educated.
BY E. E. kERsH.

BY E. E. KERsH.
 Age Herald Bureau, Clancey's Hotel, Montgomery, June 9.-(Special.)-The question of education Is the second in i'm portance before the Alabama Constitu- tional convention and much of the time of the delegates most interested Is being devoted to 1t. The Democratic platform upon which the convention came into ex- istence. pledged the people that no back ward step should be taken in the matter of public education, and leaders in the convention are putting forth their best energies to carry out the pledge.
 The matter of providing free schools has been discussed and various ways sug- gested Some delegates desire the school fund apportioned between the two races as thoy pay taxes. Others suggest that each county conduct its own school sys- tenn, the State Superintendent apportion- ing the fund to the several counties the same as they pay taxes. Still others de- sire clause in the constitution permit ting school districts to levy special school tax by a majority vote of such dis trict This last plan Is opposed princi- paly because of the Democratic pledge against any raise in the tax rate
 There also has been strong opposition to the special school tax idea from the black belt section. In this locality the whites claim that they own practically all of the property while the negro outnumbers them In some school districts as much as twenty to one To levy special tax in tnf than a direct assessment against the white man for the education of the ne- gro.
 Plan to Meet Objection.
 Hon. John T. Ashcraft of Lauderdale has originated a plan to meet this ob-- jection He has prepared an ordinance with the purpose in view of separating the school districts according to the best interests of the two races. He then pro poses that the white schools shall be con- trolIed by white trustees and the colored schools by negro trustees The State school fund Is to be equally appartioned between the races as at present, but in the levying of a special school tax the money so raised shall go to the two races in the proportion as the taxes are paid. MT. Ashcraft has given much thought to the subject of education and while his scheme is new and novel, it Is growing In popularity. MT. Ashcraft discussed his plan very fully in talking with me last night
 T feel very great interest In our pub lie school system, and have given the subject my best consideration,' he said 'I taught school for nine or ten years, have been secretary of the Florence School Board for several years. and am a member of the committee on educa- tion in the convention
 The first section of the article on edu- ration will probably be about as follows:
 MT. Ashcraft's Plan.
 The Legislature shall establish or ganize and maintain liberal system of public schools throughout the State for the benefit of the children thereof be- tween the ages of and 2l years Such public schools shall be maintained for a period of not less than four scholastic months In each year. The public school funds shall be apportioned to the several counties in proportion to the number of children of school age therein. and shall be so apportioned to the school districts or townships in the county as to provide as nearly as practicable, school terms of equal duration in such school districts or townships. Separate schools shall he pro- vided for white and coIored children
 T do not believe this convention will take any backward step in the matter of public education. It will. am sure, give the people a guarantee of substantial school term
 Second Section.
 '"rhe second section will probably be about as follows:
 "'2 The supervision of the public schools shall be vested in a state super intendent and county superintendents of education whose powers, duties, terms of office and compensation shall be fixed by law: and they shall be elected by the qualified voters of the state in such man | ner and at such times as shall be pro- vided by law
 'sThen the other general provisions will probably follow with little change. The committee Is unanimous after most care ful investigation, that the general school fund cannot be divided between the races on any other basis than substantial equal ity.
 The following plan. which is intended to be supplementary to the general pro- visions, Is now being carefully considered by the committee. Several able lawyers say it will run the straits of the four teenth amendment.
 s. It shall be the duty or the county euperintendent of Education in each county. by and with the advice and con- sent of the Court of County Commission CTS. or body of like Jurisdiction, to or ranize the white people of the county in- fo white school districts. and the colored people of the county Into colored school districts, according to their respective needs and advantages and without refer ence to each other as to territorial boun- daries
 .se. A trustee, or trustees. or board of nducation. as may be provided by law. shall be selected for white school districts from the white residents of such district. and, for the colored school district from the colored residents of such district: Provided, no incorporated town or city maintaining a system of public schools