The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1905-01-19

progress and prosperity in the highest,
best and most important interests OF
q commonwealth, should be, as it is,
a source If pride and of pleasure to
US all. Time, labor and money spen.
for the purpose of educating our chill
dren yields return than which there
IS none greater. Ignorance is an evil
which We cannot afford to permit-ir
is crime against the future, and to
get rid Of this deplorable condition
would be money we'll spent at almost
any cost. The spirit manifested by
the masses of our people all over the
state is a safe guarantee of the hope
that the future will continue to reveal
progress and even greater success in
this all-import:>nt cause.
Common Schools.
In reference TO the condition Of the
common schools of the state, would
respectfully refer to the full and pains
taking details which are presented in
the report Of our state superintendent
of education. This report shows an in
creased attendance. and also shows
that twen.y districts at your last ses'
sion secured the passage OF special
acts to issue bonds for the purpose of
building aew school houses. In this
report IS included the statement that
a very Large number of school dis
tricts have levied special taxes. 1t
is gratifying 20 note that the school
terms are gradually being increased,
with larger salaries paid to teachers,
which, in my opinion, is most neces-
sary and important.
South Carolina College.
take It for granted that the mem
bers of the general assembly are
aware Of the fact that for some time
an organized movement has been
steadily in progress looking toward
a change in the organization Of this
institution.
In consequence of this movement ap-
plication will be made to you at this
session to grant to the South Caroliha
College the title and charter of the
State University. The trustees, the
faculty AMI the alumni of the college
believe the time has come for en-
larging the sphere Of usefulness Of
this venerable seat Of learning.
heartily favor the proposed plan and
think the time most propitious for this
state to re-establish. this college upon
university basis.
Compulsory Education.
The people of> this state have for
some year past shown an increasing
disposition to tax themselves for the
support Of their educational institu-
tions. Especially is this true where
our common schools are concerned.
BY this willingness is shown a grow
ing realization Of the fact that a state
can do nothing better for the protec-
tion Of Its highest and truest inter
ests than by educating it's children.
Agriculture, Commerce and iramigra.
ton.
It is with q great deal Of pleasure
that I commend to your careful con
sideration the full and admirable re.
port of the commissioner of agricul-
ture, commerce and immigration. This
report shows, beyond any question,
the urgent need for such a depart
ment. Among many most interesting
statistics the all important statement
that, Of the 19,s0s,S00 acres of land
included within the area of the state,
only 5,775,741 acres are under culti-
vation-this one pregnant statement
should awaken your zeal and stimu.
late you in supporting this depart.
ment, which already shows u record
of work and results.
In advocating the establishment of
this department in my last annual
message did so after the most care
full consideration, being prompted to
do SO because of the belief that our
state, with its great. undeveloped re.
sources, was sorely in need of an of.
cial move in this direction.
South Carolina, by the establish.
ment of this department, has become
pioneer Southern state in developing
its agricultural and commercial re-
sources by means Of immigration from
other States AMI from abroad, and this
fact has already won for us wide.
spread recognition.
The Militia Of the State.
Your attention is invited to the re.
ports Of Adjutant General Frost and
Lieutenant Colonel Ezra B. Fuller of
the United States army, which con-
tain many valuable facts for your con-
sideration in reference to the state mi
litia. Upon my request Colonel Fuller
was detailed by the war department
to report for duty, to act in co-opera.
ton with the adjutant general in pro-
noting the efficiency of our state
troops. The services of this officer
have been most valuable, and the mil.
itary' branch Of our government has