The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1904-06-02
Hon. R. B. Glenn on Education.
He Discusses Public Questions and
States His Views on the Subject Of
Negro Education.
Elizabeth City Economist.

Elizabeth City Economist
Those who failed to hear Hon. R. B.
Glenn at the court house Friday night,
missed a literary treat. By the hour ap-
pointed the room was well filed with a
representative audience OF this city and
for about an hour Mr.. Glenn held his
hearers in most intense interest as he
spoke on the great subject of education.
He was introduced by Mr.. w. L. Ca
hoon and upon his appearance was
greeted with applause. He is a splendid
speaker and is thoroughly informed on
the subject of education in the South.
His speech was very patriotic through
out and abounded in information on the
subject of education and the progress in
this direction made by the Stane. 1t is
to be regretted that the whole OF his
magnificent effort cannot be reproduced
in full but limited space forbids. Among
the many good things he said the follow
ing excerpts are taken:
In speaking of education, he said that
while not Directing to Others entertain
ing views differing from him, still his
views on education were positive and
pronounced. That while all needed edu-
cation, to read, write and understand
arithmetic and other useful studies, still
it seemed to him a mistake had been
made in not giving our boys and girls a
more practical, and industrial education.
training the hands with the mind thus
making useful citizens that could devel-
OPP our resources.
AS to negro education, he said while
the strong ought not to Cypress the
weak, that in his opinion, the present
ali Gov aA. oh no ~
to educate them in the higher branches,
thus putting desires into their minds
that never could be realized, and making
them wish for social equality that they
never could attain, but they should be
taught and trained how to work, to be
more useful citizens as farmers, laborers,
servants, etc., thus enabling them to ac-
cumulate some wealth and property, so
that they might bear part Of the burdens
of their own education, for the white
people are getting very tired OF being
taxed and retaxed to educate the negro
in his idleness, while he furnishes nothing
| in his own behalf.
Mr.. Glenn advised no extreme course
but suggested that the Legislature sub
| NIT an amendment to the people for their
| approval, leaving the matter and man
ner of the distribution of the school
! fund to the wisdom and justice OF the
| Legislature.
As to the education of the whites,
while he advocates the improving and
training of the young, physically, men
tally and morally, he declared the need
of our State was the education OF oul
boys and girls in skilled, industrial ways
| With our vast resources, our raw mate.
rails, our people should be educated to
take the raw material and convert il
into all kinds of finished work; and ou1
people should do it and not have to senC
off for skilled artisans, etc.
He wanted farmers taught how to an
alyze their soils and see what soil wal
best for certain crops. He wanted skilled
electricians. manufacturers, engineer
and every class of skilled workmen edu
Gated for useful work.
Mr. Glenn said one reason the indus
trial pursuits had not been followed
more, was because our people have beel
disposed to look down on such pursuits
and so the father, who was a mechanic
etc., put his boy, though perhaps unfit
into the learned professions, instead {
having him educated for skilled work
He was glad, however, this day ha
passed, and that now we would judg
men not by their clothes or look dow
on their profession, but Judge them b
their work, their character and the
success.