The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1903-02-06
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1903
TIME FOR ACTION.


eblh~AlbhIly uppIoNht Vi Jubbb luleI- /
ested in better school system
and who are keeping tab on the |
trend of events at the capitol Of
course the school problem is a |
question which requires delibera-
ton, and we are trusting in the
wisdom of the Legislative body to
give us a law that will improve the
educational conditionsinOur State:
"Ihe Democratic party in Tonnes
see made its successful campaign
last year upon a platform that
pledged it to maintain and improve
Observation-Disclosures in the State.
The candidates of the party were
enthusiastic in speaking of the
school problems, and the audiences
addressed we're enthusiasticin their
approval of the sentiments express
ed and the pledges made, and those
who for years had been working in
a less public way to improve the
school facilities in Tennessee and
the South had their hearts warmed
at the prospect of early and wise
legislation. The political cam
paign, under the direction Of the
popular candidate for governor,
lifted itself above the plane of or
binary political discussion, and was
known as an educational cam
paign. The approval of the peo-
pile was shown in overwhelming
majorities for the candidate for
governor and in both houses of the
general assembly.
"The retiring governor, in his
message to the legislature, empha-
sized the Importance ofeducational
questions, and urged wise and pro-
gressive legislation. The incom-
ing governor recommended specific
Legislation, which, if favorably con-
sidered, will improve the public
school system and aid the educa-
tional institutions Of the State.
"The Legislature has been in ses-
sion one month-the session is one.
third passed. The temperance
judicial and local legislation has
been effected. No-fence laws anC
surrender of town charters, redis.
tricting counties and constitutions
amendments have attracted atten
ton, and committee meetings have
been largely attended by members
and others interested, but legisIa
tion looking to the efficiency of thu
schools has received but scant no
tice.
"Gentlemen of the legislature, tn,
greatestquestion that can come be
fore you is the problem Of improv
ing the schools. Delegations rep
resenting the children of the Stat
will not visit you; you are thei
representatives and their lobbyists
Teachers will not send committee
to work for better schools; thei
salary of $l32.99 a year will nc
permit it. They voted for you o
your promise to work for bette
schools, having full faith in th
solemn pledges of the party yo
represent. Your duty and yor
promises are clear. On your COZ
cep5ion of the one and your oil
servance of the other will Deepen
in the largest measure the pro
perity of the State.
Internationally, Tennessee is OF
of the poorest States in the unio
The length of the school term
less than FIVE months. The ave
age monthly salary paid it's teacI
ers is less than $50 The attenl
ance last year was less than tt
.-enrollment by 100000. The a
y ndance was only about go p
y t. Of the scholastic populatio
5he males OF voting age, 105,85
hesrly % per cent, can not res
cir ballots or write their name
only seven States, and these Wi
80 large negro population, have
arper per cent. Of adult illiterac