The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-07-11
.srArEBuRG SCHOOL PROBLEM.
Col. j. J. Dargan Replies to Prof.
Langtry's Article ON High Schools
in Sumter County,"

in Sumter County,
Editor Item:
Ny attention has been called to an
article appearing in your columns
! from the pen of Prof. Harold Langtry.
L is good article, and I have en-
joyed reading it, as I have enjoyed
Prof. Lang1ry's conversations along
the same lines. He did not sign his
name from modesty and l mention it
to, give credit for merit where it is
due.
He points out in a philosopllic way
the effects of the natural divisions Of
the country on school problem now
presented to the people here for solu-
ton And It is fact that the divis-
ion caused by the Hills Of Santee''
has worked almost as completely on
society as the Grampian Hills OF
Scotland wrought the people there
into HighlanGers and Lowlanders and
brought about the conflicts Of ceatu-
ries between those equally meritori-
Gus clans. But modern day tenden-
cies and forces are removing all bar
riers Of this kind. The etymology Of
the word river alone survives to re-
mind of the divisions once made by
small water courses. But boats and
bridges have removed the river-bar-
riers and made possible the union Of
peoples residing on opposite banks
so, too, are mountains tunnelled and
oceans crossed and isthnluses cut that
men may come together to their nru-
tual help. The facilities Of communi-
cation and transportation Of present
day life make old time natural bar
riers against cooperation pass away.
SO must it be here, we believe.
Besides, as I have told Prof. Lang
try, I think my past life here pecu-
liarly fits me to become instrumental
IN effecting a union Of the peoples of
the hills and the plains, because I long
worked in intimate relation with both
peoples and formed persona! attach
ments in both sections that it would
be very hard to dissolve. have never
for one moment thought of having the
schools around here closed by the
force of a law on our statute books.
If they ever all come together under
my work, it. will certainly have to be
by the force of laws written on their
hearts. Not for any consideration
would I consent to compulsory at
tendance upon my school. The three
little schools which united to form the
General Sumter Memorial Academy,
last year, did so voluntarily and the
two in the district that did not come
into the arrangement were not look
ed upon nor treated as offensiye RI
walls; but with every possible courte-
sy that would indicate friendliness
and good Will toward them and I am
happy to report that every courtesy
extended was met with hearty re-
sponsiveness by the teachors in each
one Ey Professor Langtry himself
with marked cordiality always. So
much has he done for good feeling
between the schools that we up here
regret almost as much as his friends
down there his leaving in the near
future. He has done thoroughly
good work since he has been among
the people there and it is a misfortune
to US all for him to go just at this
time I do hope to see all the schools
here united some day for the good Of
all. I have returned to this section
of the State after an absence Of a few
years, with the most deeply seated
purpose to make my life blessing as
far as my small abilities will enable
me-to bring friendships and not en-
mites among neighbors. cooperation
and not conflicts and progress along
all the lines of life that lead to high
er and better things and no doubts
disturb me as to ultimate success.
John J. Dargan.