Americus times-recorder., 1904-01-21

lA0 thuS E1uS UFOOkS anu SFASby mSHU"
ows, the growing crops, the pure air,
and the magnificent distances to be
found in the open country.
This county is one of the best agri-
cultural sections of the state, and with
it's close proximity to good markets,
with its fertile soil, its splendid water,
it's healthful climate, can easily be
made TO stand at the forefront. To
take this stand, however, and hold it,
will require more than pure air, more
than good water, more than fertile soil,
more than healthful climate, and more
than clever people, The men an wo-
men of that progressive type, am bilious
for their children and helpful to the
communities into which they may
come, will not build homes or invest
money where schools are not fostered
and sustained. If we wish to enhance
the value of our property and to fill our
c)unty with the best people of all the
surrounding country, we must look to
our schools and see that they have that
degree of efficiency which will cradle
the boys and girls of our country to &C
out from them as well tquIpped to tight
the battles of life as those who come
from any other section.
In this responsible work which yor
gentleren must direct and lead,
wish to Offer you all the assistance
may be able to give. This question il
of such vital Importance to our owl
community that I believe all the citi
zens of the county should join heartiI,
in united effort to give to the chll
dren of our county the very best schc Q
advantages. 1t will pay in NOR
contented citizenship and in increase
values of all classes of property. I
any campaign which you may proJsC
looking toward perfecting the educa
tional system of the county, it VIII b
my pleasure to perform any service c
which | may be capable.
Other sections of the state and cour
try are planning to enlarge an
strengthen their educational facilitie
and raise their educational standing
and if we would not lose we should bt
gin at once to put new life and energ
into this line Of work.
The Sumter County Board of Eduea
tion can boast of having as good and q
t we'll equipped school houses as an
| county IN the stare IN fact, you hav
d taken the lead. WDy should not W
= surpass in all matters and give t
r Georgia fJr q pattern q model tel
f of rural pchools? We have good sol
t good roads, good homes, and the bel
| people in this republic, Why shoul
r we not have graded course of stud
Q aud system of promotion cards s
j. that every new teacher who comes int
). the community will not, in the abse NJ
of proper information, turn John an
Mary back and have them 60 ov,
identicalIy the same work from year
year. If this is feasible for city school
it is Gel talnly feasible for raraI school
Right here is the weakest point in OIL
. educational system. Why should NJ
:, Sumter county be the pioneer in th
work of improving the rural schools
= Let US prepare to keep our best viii
people in the country and let the n
groes and worthless drift to the towt
If they will. Let US build up an ari
+, tocracy of intelligence in the rur
communities The boy who looks
nothing but brick walls and stor
payements all his days can lever b
come leader of men. The hardy ma
hood, the strong intellect, the pu
mind, the tender heart and rugge
character can best be developed in IL
:, country.
Let US think seriously Of these ma
y tere, gentlemen, and give our be
= thought to these children who will /
the fathers and mothers of the ne
generation. The white man of Il
North is opening this course to the n
: gro children, but the white children
. the country, come veal or woe, pleas
God, shall dominate and rule and col
troll this country forever. Let us 81
to it that they have the very best po
s1ble equipment with which to fight
the fierce conflicts of the future.
Very respectfully yours,
n ORMAN @. MILLER.
Americus, Ga, Jan. 8. 1904.