The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1903-08-05
The Citadel and Free Aduerti sing.

II does not seem fair to us for the state TO
establish n whole lot Of free schools fo7 high
er education, such as South Carolina college
and the Citadel academy, and then pay men
to 20 ovsr the state and solicit students. It
Is un fair competition with private and de-
noninational coleges.-Newberry Observer.
There is also very decided disPosa,ios ,a,a
Institutions to expect the newspapers to
advertise them, directly and Indirectly, for
little or no pay. This Is another Injustice to
which we have never known to ak for free
ad advertising.-Chester Lantern.
And most OF the papers give the free ad-
vertlsing Just as IL Is asked. And 1t costs the
this higher education and the young man
lust as much as 1t would cost him TO 60 to
any other college In the State while we are
paying the small sum OF $500 per capita to
Give to the thousands Of boys and girls un-
able to go to college the common school ed.
ucation furnished by the free public schools.
The constitution says we "shall" support the
public schools and we may support the
coleges.-Newberry Herald and News.
We thoroughly agree with the Lantern on
the subject oftree advertising; and we take
no issue with the position OF the Newberry
Observer. The Herald and News offers food
for thought
During Col. Thomas's recent visit to this
field he handed US eleven-inch proof OF mat
ter pertaining to the Citadel, which he would
like to see in the Press and Banner. Desir-
ing not TO appear disobiging we excused our
self on the ground that 1t was only a short
time until the paper would 90 TO press.
From our standpoint there Is little need to
support what Tillman facitiously called the
dude factory" The reasons which prompt
ed our forefathers in establishing that college
no tonger exists.
When that college was organized the rul-
ing spirits OF this commonwealth were In
bued with the idea that at the will OF the
people it might become an independent re-
public. In that event soldiers would be
needed, and our Citadel was copied after the
national military academies. The competi.
tive examination was. under such circum-
stances, the proper method. II was Intended,
not as charitable institution, but as an In.
stitution to make military officers.
While the method Of giving scholarships
were not reduced TO writing, yet the history
Of the past throws only very thin veil over
the real plan. That is to say: The institu-
tion was to be an sristocratic institutlon,
where the sons Of unfortunate gentlemen
might be educated free Of cost to themselves.
But with the advent Of Tillmanism came
the passing Of the old rule. Plebeians walked
right into the sacred precincts as soon as
Tillmsnism became power.
1.-THE Charleston Citadel would act fair
with the UNCONVENTIONAL colleges, then 1t
should do as they do, pay for their advertis
Ing, and not employ a popular gentleman
like Col. Thomae, who may be expected to
secure free of charge, on his own, account,
matter about the State institution which no
UNCONVENTIONAL has ever had the cheek TO
ask, without offering to pay.
N OF wishing to be disagreeable to Col
Thomas, We said nothing OF this matter while
he was among our people. II I'VE were TO give
advise. we would suggest that boys be sent TO
some OF the valious colleges which do not
seek free advertising, and where equally good
educational advantages may be bad for about
half the money thatit costs TO send boy to
the Charleston Citadel. That institution is
SO intensely Charleston that 1t gives what
little advertising the law compels 1t to do, to
an agent in the city so that the agent may
get his commission and reduce the advertis.
Ing TO the lowest figure The Citadel is q
Charleston institution, which is supported by
the State treasury, and to which citizens in
every part ofthe State are Invited TO send
pay students at a very high csst.