The age-herald., 1902-02-09

by the Superintendent of City Schools, Professor Hardaway. It is as follows
 "Selma's claim to uniqueness and strength, so far as its public school sys- tenn is concerned lies in the governing board and the manner in which it's sup port is received. Politics play no part in its working and no mater who is elected the present plan will continue in force
 "The Board of Education or trustees of the city is composed of eleven members elected for life and is self-perpetuating. By this I mean all vacancies are filled by the board, the place being considered one of great honor and trust.
 The revenue for the support of the schools is derived through special clause in the city charter which directs that 40 per cent of all taxes received from personal and real property be given into the hands of the school trustees for the support of the city schools. Thus we are always secure, no matter who occupies the ruling positions in the city govern ment.
 Before 1865 the city schools were pri- vate interpretations and consisted of two academies. In 1868 Dr. Sears visited Sell ma with the object in view of estab- fishing city school system. He was also a representative of the Peabody fund While here he interested Selma's citi- zens in a public school.
 And his offer to donate Q certain sum for the purpose providing the citizens should raise a certain sum was accepted. The sum was secured by private sub scriptions and public schools were first opened
 BUILDING, DONATED.
 'In 1S44 MT. Johnson, man of public Sntrit 1oua to fl,o oitv tha Dal1aS Aoad- emy and lot, with the provision that it be used solely for school purposes and be governed by a board of trustees consist ing of eleven members and self-perpetu- ating. The offer was accepted and a board named for the control.
 When the city charter was amended in 1882, Dr. J. c. Clark secured the inser- ton of a clause making provision for 40 per cent of the taxes upon real and per- sonal property to go to the school sys- tenn.
 Tn 1889 a special act was passed by the State Legislature providing that the board which handled the city's share of the State school funds should be com posed of the same men who were mem bers of the city system trustees. Thus the board stands today one of the most perfect in the world.
  for white children and one for negroes. There are seventeen white teachers and six negro teachers. The students at white schools number 675 and at the ne- gro school 450.
 "The course of study embraces twelve years of school life. The sessions are eight months in length. The graduates of the High School are awarded diplomas which are accepted in many Northern and Southern colleges in lieu of entrance examinations.
 '"rhe High School is really one of the most complete in the South. students being carried through higher studies than in the majority of such schools. A depart ment of commercial work is included in the system
 With these things in mind Selma has a school system which attracts many res idents within her borders"
 CITY OF CHURCHES.
 The story of Selma's churches is told by Secretary McGill of the local Young Mems Christian Association. and MT. R. E. l.. Neil.
 The Young Mems Christian Association building is on Broad street. opposite the Hotel Albert and is one of the hand somest buildings in the South. It was among the first ever erected in this part of the country and is thoroughly equip ped. The Association has two depart ments and a membership numbering sev- eral hundred.
 The railroad department does work separate and distinct from the city de-