Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1906-11-20
Compulsory Education
Has an Inning---StrOng Letter In
FavOr---MuCh Interest Shown

Whether or not we should have Com |
pulsory Education is an important
question that confronts us, and it should
receive the careful consideration of
every thinking Tennessean.
In entering upon the discussion as an
advocate Of Compulsory School law, l
base my belief upon real facts, and not
theories. realize that a large percent
age of our citizens are opposed TO any
such law, but / believe the opposition
is largely due to the fact that they
know little definite about the results of
such law-what such law would
mean to them and to the State. 1t
seems to be the general opinion of the
opponents of Compulsory Education
that such law, if rigidly enforced,
would work hardship upon both the
parents and children, especially those
of limited means, and those who live
in the rural districts Furthermore,
they seem to think that the enactment
of such a law would be trespassing upon
their rights as free citizens; that to a
certain degree, the liberties which are
guaranteed them by the Constitution
would be restricted or taken away.
Some parents maintain that the educa-
tiou Of their children lies solely with
them, and is matter ia which the
government ought not to interfere.
Bnt, however, the greatest opposition
seems to come from the rural districts,
where it is claimed that the children
especially the boys-are needed at home
to assist in the farm work and help to
make living for the family.
/ believe that the right of all casse:
shouldbe respected and protected, and
in discussing this subject and giving
my views on same, will endeavor, as
best can, to be fair with both sides
to treat all alike. A number of the
States have passed Compulsory At
tendance laws that are giving general
satisfaction and are proving to lie O
great benefit to the people Of the Stat'
in rapidly reducing the rate of illiteracy
vice and crime. The result is, that th'
people are becoming more prosperous
and aggressive, they are being elevated
to higher social and moral standing
more interest is being taken in the re
finements of life, and there is preyalen
a more general spirit of thrift and con
tentment
CHANDLER and Common John
have announced their opposition t.
Compulsory Education. Mr.. Ramble
seems to manifest quite deep iuteres
in education in general. His article
show that he is giving the matter con
siderable consideration, but ! believ
he would do well to consider the afIirma
tive side Of the question as we'll as tn
negative In Common Johns articl
large degree of selfshness is manifest
ed which is not at all characteristic o
real "Southern people" splendi
type Of true manhood and Womanhood
do not say this to hurt his feelings
He may be zone Of those good old soul
who didn't mean to do any HARM" bu
/ would advise him to take trip of obsel
vation to other sections of his ow
country and carefully note the custom
aud laws of the people, compare tn
records, the percentage of iliterate pee
pie etc. of other States with that of hi
own, and then he may be more compe
tent to write about Compulsory Educl
lion.
Itisa Fact that the schools Of Tennet