The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1902-06-03

In the state between the ages OF five
and twenty-one; and further hat the
productive school fund had increased
to more thar sz000.oe Q exclusive of
swamp lands) and was yearly increas-
ing, and that it was larger in 1854 than
the school fund of Chusetts by
$500, 000, larger han the school fund Of
New Jersey by three times that amount
81, 800 GOOD, larger than that OIL Georgia,
the empire state Of the SOUTH" by 81
500, DOC, larger than that Of Virginia by
$500, 900, and much laPrer than the
school fund of Maine, or New Hamp-
shire or Maryland. These figures seem
small now, comparatively great as they
were then, but what would have been ST
the carpet-bag thieves and native
scalawags had not stolen the school
fund, along with the balance of the
plumber, and left the people bankrupt
and naked? We were robbed, and hen
~reproached by the thieves for not sup
plying funds for public education, And
some of our people seem to forget all
these facts in their zeal for popular ed
ucation.
Now. l nave said SO much from a
sense of duty to my fellow citizens. but
while indicating them from the false
charges made against them as to their
past educational history, l am as free
as the most enthusiastic friend OF the
new educational movement TO admit the
need OF greater exertion in behalf of the
common schools of the state
Now / have barely touched a sub
ject upon which a volume might be
written. but 1 have done so for the pur-
pose OF urging you, as hoo commit
teemen of New Hanover county to new
zeal in the discharge of your duties. We
are all apt to drop into ruts, and take
Things easily. when assigned to public
duty of n kind. and 1 suppose you are
iRn nfhnr fNnnn h-IN t. Il
cational matters has arrived, and more
Is expected from those who have charge
of the schools, whether teacher or
committeeman, than heretofore, and if
you wish to keep up with the process
sion it will be necessary for you to stir
up the people in your townships to a
livelier sense of their duty to the ris-
ing generations, and, by you own en-
thusiasm, to awaken theirs. You have
an efficient and faithful superintendent,
who is anxious to do all he can in the
discharge of the duties of his office,
and if you will back him with your ac-
tive aid and symDathv il viii not nnlv
stimulate his ZEAL but will react most
faVorably upon the life and of
the children and young people commit
ted to his charge"
Colonel Waddell spoke much more
fully than we have quoted above and
Ills IeIlldIhS were ulSHly leu
and evoked enthusiastic applause.
Professor Catlett then addressed the
committeeman upon their duties and
read the school laws as to their powers.
He impressed upon them the necessity
of carrying out the school laws and to
take upon them the responsibilities
they placed upon their shoulders.
Professor Catlett then called upon the
committeeman to speak of what they
are doing in their respective communi-
ties, to state HI their needs are and
to make any suggestions they may have
for the betterment of their schools. In
response Hessrs. B. S. Montford, Chas.
Craig, S. j.. Jones, B. 3. Humphrey. G..
II. Alexander, John D. Woody, John M.
Barr, Samuel Blossom, and F. j. Demp-
sey spoke. They made good reports Of
progress along educational lines in their
communities and pledged their best eff
forts and increased zeal in be half of
education.
MI. w. H. Sprunt, Of the county
board Of education, was called upon and
made a ringing speech that greatly i'm
w. NJ. Cumming also added words of
encouragement.
The committeeman congratulated
Professor Catlett upon the success Of
the meeting and ali went away IuII of
enthusiasm and determined to put New
Hanover county in the ron row of
education.