The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-07-11

cousIder with the same reverence and s resoe<;t that they do their churches. and 1t will be . grievous error if any thing were done in this Convention that would impede the progress of that and other schools in this State. This would certainly be a backward step in the cause of education, and therefore ask the Convention to adopt this Amendment. Do not let our anxiety go sc far as t. local iegislation that we will impair or obstruct the progress of } these institutions that lave been living and prospecting on the money derived from 1icsnse taxes. Not only in the city of Eufaula. but there are other cities in like condition, and with this placed fl. the Constitution, those in- stitutions will be stricken down. Leave the matter where 1t belongs, in the hands of the General Assembly. If they see in their wisdom that we are enjoying privileges that ought to he taken away from us let them do so. but do not let a body Of men which met for the purpose of making an organic law, put into 1t any clause, or any par agraph that looks like a striking down of local institutions.
 Mir. Smith (Mobile)-I am aware of 4 the fact that this provision applies only to the passage of such acts, and I am aware that the passage or adoption of this particular section would not at this time affect the public schools of the city of Mobile. Nevertheless 1t seems to me that there is a danger in this provision to that system, and I am opposed to the section as originally drafted. on account of that danger. The system that we have in our city and county, is the result of a growth. under a'system of law, as understand x 1t, which has obtained ever since 1854. From that time down to the present, there have been innumerable legislat- ures which have made attacks upon that system, and while 1t Is true up to this time the representatives of our county have always been able to sat- tsfy the General Assembly that 1t was to the interest ofthe State to permit that system to be maintained in its integrity, yet it is also true that ex- cept for the continued watchfulness of the representatives from our city. it might have been undermined in ma terial particulars at any given time, upon misunderstanding of the system and its operation. It may be that in the future Mobile will fail to be rep resented by watchful representatives as she has been in the past, and on an oc- casion of that sort, when the matter isnotproperly laid before the General Assembly that act may be in some material respects altered or amended. If such was the case,an d that al- iteration or amendment were made 1t would be impossible ever to redeem Der position and get back to the status where she now is and has been since 1854. For that reason it seems to me that this Is an extremely dangerous l provision to the school system of the city Of Mobile. and oppose it on that ground. and also because of the dan- ger that would threaten every other school system which enjoys a special privilege In the State of Alabama. They will not be stricken down by this pro- vision If 1t is incorporated into the Constitution, but it will stand as a menace over their heads from the day or us adoption. until the Constitution is alfered in that respect. If they are ever stricken 8 blow in this matter. they will never be able to recuperate. and for my part desire to see the Constitution in such a condition that 1T they are stricken a blow by the Legislature. there will be an opportu- nfty for them 10 be restored to their present status.
 In Justification to the Mobile school system l want to say that it was the first public school system that was inaugurated in the State of Alabama. It was inaugurated long before 1854, by contributions from the people, maintained by the people at a heavy expense, expensive buildings were erected. and it's system has been fos- tered and protected. and it has been and is today school system that this or any other State in the American Union might well be proud of. Now, not only is 1t a public school system for the county of Mobile. but 1t is con- ducted so far as the High Schools are concerned. as a Normal School. and its influence is not confined to either the city or county of Mobile, but its doors are open to the child of any citizen in the State of Alabama, to re- ceive without charge or expense of any kind the benefits of education. In re- cent years we have had a large num- ber of scholars, coming from other counties. They are freely ad- Initted, without charge. and educated, and sent throughout the State of Ala bama as teachers in the public schools
 I am reliably informed that today there are more teachers in the common schools of Alabama who receive their education at the High Schools in the city of Mobile. than there are from ai of the other Normal Schools in tho State combined.
 Mir. Coleman-Does not the argument that you have made. as well as the remarks of the gentleman from Bar bour apply with equal force to insti- tutions which might hereafter desire to be incorporated for educational pur- poses? Why limit 1t then to schools which now exist? Would it not be a fer to strike out the provision entirely?
 MT. Smith (MObilel-What the gen tleman from Greene says Is true. but So far as l am concerned, it has all. ways been rule of my life not to light any more men than Ihaye to meet. as l believe such a principle is bad one, I believe in maintaining the schools. I do not believe in put ting any restriction upon the right of the State of Alabama Ao improve her system of education. whether that sys- tenn Is in Mobile or elsewhere but the gentleman from Barbour has iutyo duced this resolution and 1t was Suff1- ciently broad to protect the schools in his town and sufficiently broad to pro tect the schools in my county. l bex this Convention not to strike down or to hamber the efficiency of our schools in Mobile. I do not rise to defend the section in any part or parcel thereof. and to conclude I move to lay the amendment and the subdivision upon 1.-the table.
 h MT. Oates-May I ask the delegate { From Mobile to withdraw that for a