The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1906-01-10

LIE.
is satisfied that there are violations OF
the law in such counties, to appoint
constables; these constables to be paid
from the special tax levy for that pur-
pose. During the last year have been
confronted with many difficulties be-
cause Of local conditions and diverse
public sentiment, but have endeaVoreo
to do what considered my duty.
NY experience in the enforcement OF
this law has convinced me that certain
changes are necessary for the mutual
interests Of all concerned. While l be-
lieve that special officers are neces-
sary to prevent violations, and that
such officers should be paid by the
counties 7 also think that these officers
should be selected by local authorities
and be under their direction and con-
troll.
I therefore recommend that In fu-
ture this ceuse be adopted, and trust
you will so amend the law. The law
as it now stands, will give rise to Sc
rious complications, and these should
Our Public School System.
The annual report Of our State
superintendent of education was
promptly sent to me, and the thorough
manner in which this most important
subject has been treated includes some
very gratifying statements. It can
not be urged too often that we have no
more responsible duty than is involved
In the full and complete development
Of our educational system. Not only
does this mean the proper training for
highest citizenship, but 1t means also
that South Carolina must and shall
keep pace with the advance made
throughout our country in educational
matters.
Better schools, more of them and
school Improvement generally from the
smallest old field schoolhouse to the
last detail Of our largest institutions,
these should command our time, our
personal attention and our money
T shall only call your attention briefly
to some Of the salient features of this
subject, such as are included in
Superintendent Martins report.
From the small appropriation made
for three rural libraries have grown
results that are forcible and striking.
More than 900 libraries have been es-
tablished, and $4,000 represents the
amount expended. This not only means
much in the real value Of good to be
accomplished, but it shows a willing
ness on the part Of the people to aid
themselves when you give them a
good beginning.
More than $50 new school houses
were erected during the last scohlasflc
= of hj
not become fully effective until near
the close Of the term. Even better
results can be safely relied upon from
this source during the present school
year.
The superintendent's report shows a
scarcity of high schools In our public
school system, a fact which this In
terested worker most naturally re-
grets. Strong figures are presented
in this connection, and I commend to
your most careful consideration the
figures and reasons which are shown
to bear upon this department Of public
school work.
I Join heartily in the recon-
mendations made by Superintendent
Martin for the purpose of remedying
this defect, and beg to call them specl-
fically to your attention. In the es-
-tablishment Of free rural libraries, the
people have shown what wisdom
prompted your action in making even
a small appropriation. In voting to
tax themselves for the establishment
Of school districts, this same spirit
has been shown, and I believe that II
will be again manifested with strong,
practical results, should this matter
receive from you the recognition ask
ed for.
It was most gratifying to me to
paid to teachers-my only regret is
that this was not very much larger
than the amount recorded. These are
not only faithful workers, with grave
responsibilities, but they must needs
be trained, cultivated and intelligent,
and it would be most gratifying to me
to see them paid such salaries as
would to some appreciable extent be
commensurate with the value Of the
services rendered. Superintendent
Martins report shows that the years
work has had good results, and a
study of it's details clearly reveal in
creased interest in the great cause OF
education throughout. our State, and
this interest among our people may
certainly be classed among the great
est resources Of this great work.
Our Higher Educational Institutions.
It Is unquestionably true that the
most vital interests of our State are
included in the education Of her future
citizens and workers. With each sue
cessive year comes again and again
the great necessity and the greater
privilege Of doing our share Of a work
whose influences will bear upon the
highest interests Of our common
wealth through all the years to come.
The highest and most liberal educa-
ton possible should be provided for
those of each generation, thus giving
an ever-increasing number Of intel
lieent, capable and trained men and
women for the service Of their State
and their country.
It does not need to be impressed
upon your attention that the very
life Of a State, as a free governing
community, depends upon the care
and thought and work we give to this
greatest Of all needs Of a people.
The reports from the presidents and
trustees Of our higher educational In
stitutfons will all be submitted to you
for your consideration. These are In
cluded in the report Of the State su-
perintendent Of education, and I sin
cerely trust that each one Of these
valuable papers will have your careful
attention. These colleges are all es-
sentially public institutions, and these
reports are submitted to you for your
guidance instruction and action. I
am gratified, not only because Of the
full and comprehensive information
therein contained, but feel that the
State is to be congratulated also upon
the character and scope Of the work
done and the great interest manifest
cd hu these canahle and faithful Off