The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-10-26
An Appeal fOr the Improvement OF
Public Schools.

Last spring. the editor OF a prominent
religions paper reminded an audience
that, as early rs 1921. Archibald DeBow
Murphey lamented the fact that North
Carolinians have no State pride.
A few weeks ago. one of our public
men declared that North Carolinans
have 40 pride and that they are very
proud that they have none
If Mr.. Murphey could be with US to-
day he would rejoice to see troubling
of the waters of public sentiment that
viii surely result in better things for our
State. He would be pleased TO know that
q literary and historical society has been
formed. and that celebration is 10 take
place on Roanoke Island in 1904; that
Aliens History stories. the North Car
DINA Booklets and other recent publica
lions pleasantly introduce our children
to the study of State history. l think,
however that he would be especially de-
lighted by the widespread revival of
interest in the subject Of public cduca
ton.
Led by our Governor, earnest men of
both private and public schools are work
ing to remove the burden or illiteracy
that hangs like body of death upon Us.
ground rapidly. From all over the State
come reports of districts or townships
that have adopted the plan or that will
soon vote upon its adoption. The vexa-
tious problem OF consolidation of dis
tricts is taxing the skill of committee
men and superintendent Nor is the
matter of improvement of school houses
neglected.
AS we read of what the men of North
Carolina are doing in this vital matter
the question comes, What part are the
women taking?'
The women of our State have never
failed to do their part in q good cause.
Monuments, hospitals, churches are en-
during proofs of their zeal and ability.
Aad, now all over the State, women are
organizing themselves into clubs to i'm
prove and beautify our public school
houses and their surroundings. When
new. these houses are. in many cases, I'M
painted, shuttarless. bare; when old, they
are frequently building that farmer
would rot house his stock in.
This work of improving school houses
appeals peculiarly to women. II is they
who furnish churches make parsonages
attractive for the incoming minister, or
ganize ice mission bands, provide com
forts for soldiers homes.
A Womans Association for the Better
ment OF public school houses in Wake
county was organized during the latter
part of July, at the close of the county
institute The officers of the association
have snnt letters upon the subject TO
every district in the county. There have
been responses from some of these let
tiers. requesting personal aid in forming
branch associations.
The women of Wake Forest have or
ganized branch association and their en-
thusiasm promises much for the future
of the school At Mt. Moriah branch
association will soon he formed. Doubt
less the influence of a live association
in a district will arouse a spirit OF
friendly rivalry in neighboring districts
and so the good work will go on.
Our efficient county superintendent and
cur county board are heartily in sympa-
thy with the aims of the association and
the superintendent has the honor OF be-
ing the first associate member. num-
Der of others both men and women have
enrolled their names as associate mem
bcrs. They hello the association by their
advice it may be, and by the payment OF
an annual fee of one dollar.
Others who wish to join are requested
to give their names to the corresponding
secretary, Mrs. E. E. Mofftt. Raleigh.
The following is 4 list of associate
members to date: Messrs. w. G. Glenn
ents County superintendent B. p. Will
hanson. ]. ]. Thomas, W. H. Penny, J. }.
Bernard, Alfred Williams, c. j. Parker.
L D Watson. Henry T. Hicks, Walters
Durham. j. W. Bailey, T. H. Briggs
Sherwood Higgs. A. B. Stronach, r. b.
Crow. ]. G. Brown, Geo Allen. W. }.
Peele. Fl. W. Jackson. Ivan Proctor, n
B. Rroughton. Marshall Haywood. Mrs.
Charles E. Johnson. Miss Ada V. Wom-
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