The Brandon news. (Brandon, Miss.) 1892-1961, 1904-07-07
Mr. Whitfeld's Letter.

AS IS douDlieSS generally known for
the last three years | have waged a
systematic campaign for better
schools. A large number Of counties
and new towns have levied taxes for
better schools, and the state has
largely increased its appropriations
for education. While a distinct ad-
vance has been made along all educa
tlonal lines, our schools as now equip
ped are wholly inadequate to do the
work OF training our young people
Tor successful competition in this goth
century work.
| In order that | might do my work
lntelllgently, | have carefully studied
the educational conditions in other
states; as result of these investiga
tons am convinced that unless we
take a decided step forward our chill
dren will not be prepared to compete
successfully with the children of 9TH
er states where so much better OBJ
portunities are given for their train
ing.
We live in an entirely different age
from that in which our fathers lived
It is now the age of complex machin-
cry, steam and electricity. Training
is almost everything, brute force
counts for hardly nothing. Unless we
give our boys much better preparation
than their fathers had, they cannot
nope to do one-half as we'll in the
fierce competition of this new age.
The building of the new capitol af-
fords striking illustration of ourlack
Of that training necessary for the COM
petition of this complex age. The ar
,hitect, contractor, skilled artisans,
artists, and in fine, all those who did
The highest forms Of work and receiv-
ed the large salaries were imported
while our people did the heavy work
for day wages.
The greatest problem of the state
hat which overshadows all others, is
The proper training of our children for
the complex life into which they are
50 soon to enter. Mississippi is state
rich in natural resources and we have
The finest blood in the world. What we
most need is to train this blood for in
.elligent mastery over these rich re-
sources.
Our people are now hopeful for bet
er things; all desire better roads, inn
proved methods in agriculture, diversi
led industries, a higher Christian citi-
zenship and all other kindred bless
ngs. But how are we to obtain them ?
The one great lesson we must learn
IS, that they will not come themselves,
shat they cannot be conjured into ex-
stence, that the enactment of legisla-
lion will give them to us, but that we
IAN only get them by the proper train
ing Of our boys and girls.
The necessary basis of this training
is good common schools; we not only
need more schools, but better schools;
We must have better school houses,
longer terms and stronger teachers.
AS the head Of the Mississippi school
system, I appeal to the thinking peo-
ole of the state to give me their CO.
operation in this work. It is my inten-
ion to continue the agitation for bet
Ter schools. During the month OF Au-
gust I wish to have the various coun-
ties of the state canvassed along these
lines, and I appeal to the ministers.
lawyers, teachers, and to all people
who can do work Of this kind to offer
their help. I would be glad to have
citizens take local interest IN this
campaign; great help can be rendered
oy making arrangements to meet
speakers with conveyances at the
train.
Please write me at once stating how
much time you can give to this work
and where you can meet engagements.
Iwish as soon as possible to prepare
complete schedule Of appointments.