Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-11-06

schools: for example. in the state of Mississippi
the county board OF supervisors is permitted
under the constitution and laws Of that state 70
levy a county tax of three mills for public
schools, and the people themselves by ma
Jority vote are permitted 10 levy q TAX not eN-
of the least wealthy of the states in the
south. has during the past few years made
tremendous strides in developing its public
schools In that state you know there
few cities and large towns, and yet they have
a real system of schools, a university, some
50 secondary schools preparing for the univer-
sity and Gordon of elementary schools which
are constantly furnishing pupils for the secon-
dairy schools and colleges. 1 understand tnat IN
this state while there is in the constitution
a permissive clause, that clause is practically
can he taken without the approval, nrst. OF
two successive grand turies, and when they
have so approved there is still required a
two-third majority of all voters registered At
the last general election. j am something OF
a politician myself, and think know that
at no special election of the state of New York
would It be possible to get out two-thirds Of the
registered vote of a general election.
But must not urge this matter; Il rests with
YOU / can only say that In the future work
OF our board in this state cooperation will be
much more effective and satisfactory If some
reasonable provision for local taxation may be
brought about The only hope of general and
universal education rests with the taxpayer
Permanent schools cannot be established on
private foundation and under private direction
and support. whether II be by a local board
or trustees a church organization. We are
convinced that upon the state rests the re-
sponsibility for education and that the smaller
the political unit charged with that responsible
ity the sureT and prOmpter Will be the estab-
Iishment OF adequate school facilities
And now, gentlemen. let me thank you once
more for your great courtesy. which I highly
appreciate. l would gladly prolong this discus
sion. bat / realize that have already reached
the limit of a reasonable assignment Of time
Let me say that we believe our board Is estab-
lished on a permanent moral and financial foun-
dalton. We crave the high privilege OF bear
ing a part with you in the education OF the
youth OF the land. When once your schools are
established we will withdraw to other fields
where our offices may be in demand. 1 think il
goes without saying that we have no Interior.
much less sinister design. rejoice To say that
of the south, but that, quite the contrary, we
are acce pied brethren and we are receiving
most cordial cooperation from: them in official
and private life. Your own state superintendent.
DR. Glenn. has worked with and for con-
stantly. I am happy &c say. also, that his sue
cessor Mr.. Merritt, has repeatedly met us in
conference and has assured OF his cordial
and hearty sympathy with US in our work. We
are Indebted to the county commissioners OF
this state 125 Of whom have furnished with
reports regarding conditions In their counties.
and now under profound obligations to
YOU gentlemen for this high privilege and great
honor of beiHg permitted to present our work
to your honorable body. We seek your counsel
and your advice seek to cooperate with
you In this work of education aud I am quite
that before your eyes. as before mine,
Of children and youth who within few short
years will take our places in the world. and
we hope and pray that they viii be better pre-
pared than to assume the solemn obligations
and enjoy the high privileges OF American citi-
genship