The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-06-15
SUNDAY, JuND IS 1907
An IMPORTANT CONFERENCE.

AN IMPORTANT SOSr I''
circular OF moro than ordinary ~
torest has been issued by Dr. Pau D.
,,,rr,,ser chairman OF the faculty OF
so I-niyersity of Virginia 1t starts
out by saying that the University Oh VIZ
rtnsa is interested IN tho advancement. "a
the nublic-school system. OF Wuch IL g
essentially part. That IS an iiapot
Tan, fact. which many people seen ~ iA-
,oro The university was designed oS
Mr., Jefferson TO be q part and pafoe' -
the pubiic-school system, ana IL is
day q free school, so 1aI as va
pupils are concerned Such pupii'
tend the university without paying a1s
tuition whatever.
~. mic nv the way: Through the
circular. the university calls FOR q CON
ference ut that place on July 1o'''
Inclusive OF those interested IN inc p"S-
40 schools of this State Tho OBJECT "
tho conference IS 10 discuss the aues.'o.
of loca. taxation for public schoois. Aio
~,e,3e,ce of other States has SHOWN
.,., tbe public school really advances
only where you have developed 'he spi-''
nf local endeavor, Of local aid ana COZ
.-;bpt,on. Of local taxation as ions
ms the money for tho pnohc seiioo-.
comes direct from the State treasuiS'
the circular proceeds. at IS looked upon
In the same light as the FUNDS 1o' tNe
support Of the penitenuary. ttie io"a' -
esvI,,ns. the reform schools ana o'"eA
.pstitrtIons Of q more or less eieeiioSs
.,,.-ac,e- When. however, schools
~. ri, even IN part by local ta1alloh'
e,o, +,xes are regarded as more or less
voluntary contributions. and the reia-
zion of the public schools to Lie coii.inu
pitv is absolutely changed IN the puoito
es,imaueI.
This is as true as any rroposiuon o.
logic and the reason is plain IL Is siie
difference between independence and pen
eions Where each locality helps 10
take care of its own schools The spiiA'
NJ Independence IS developed ana 'iefa
&c, local pride. which brings about pen
eficial competition.
attention is directed to the fact that
.,o re,,en,,o act of the new Constitution
f,vors local taxation for school purposes
md urges that the friends OF eouca'ioil
rbon,s not let pass the spirit OF chahse
1rhich the putting in force OF 'hls ne"
Constitution will promote, without Tan
ing advantage of it to benefit the puoAc
schools.
A,,ai- It is pointed out that many peo-
ple will not pauonize the paSic sciiooi
,,,,ess it be the best school IN the com
,nunitv and that in order TO make IL 'he
hest local taxation is necessary.
S1n view OF these facts, it is proposed
in the Forthcoming conference 70 DISCUSS
The following problems:
,,irs1-4,he best means of inducing
shirt OF local endeavor or desire LOT 10
cal taxation for the Improvement IN
quality and, il necessary, the extension o.
the term Of the public school.
second-Ihe best method of improving
tho nublic school house as regards It's
.,,,c,,,ction sanitation, general appear
.nce and use as g. place OF meeting OF
the community.
.rh;rd-The best method Of improving
The present publc-schooi curriculum
md classifying fits courses.
During the session Of this conference
there will be large numbers OF teachers
in attendance upon the School Oh
Methods. to be held at the university
at the time Indicated, and the conference
will doubtless be one of interest as we
hope that it will be attended with prac-
+ical results We believe that lhe tl1ne
viii come when the public schools OF II
Ejnia will be supported entirely by local
1axation. In that event each community
could manage its schools to suit Itself
and we should get rid of political inter
ference. Moreover, under .such a plan
the dangers of Socialism in the public
school system, which have been 50 Of
ten pointed out, would be reduced to the
minimum
It is said that more than eight hun
49,, al- Sr,y,1