The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-06-10
ALABAMA NOT LAGGARD
TN EDUCATIONAL MATTERS
BY HERVEY w. LAIRD.

Montgomery. June 9.-(SpeciaD.-
longer can it be said that Alabama is a
laggard in educational warfare, even If
the accusation is just that the state is
not measuring up to its duty to the chill
dren. Work is being done. and so well
done that experts are going out of their
way to give credit and express approval.
In almost every department of culture
the history of the past few years is such
as to give the liberty-loving citizens a
feeling of pride and happiness. Better
things are coming or there is nothing
In appearances, and it Is not going to
be long if one may predict by invaluable
signs, before Alabama will begin to lead
in many things educational.
The fact is Alabama is now leading.
1t has discovered a way to make the con-
victs earn much money above the cost
of their keep, which the governor thinks
should be applied along with all liquor
licenses to the schools. and Assistant
Secretary of Agriculture Hayes of the
United States department of agriculture
says that save in Minnesota, we have
the best system of agricultural schools
in the United States.
After a careful study of the arrange
ments for preserving archives in many
states, those of this government at WASH
ington and in Canada, Dr. Benjamin F.
Shambaugh, professor of political science
of the University of Iowa, unhesitatingy
pronounces that of the Alabama depart
ment of archives and history the best in
the whole western hemisphere.
Thus the story may run to an intermln-
able length. A greater university has
induced plans for hundred years. Au-
burn would hear the cry to a technology
cal institution and provide textile experts
as we'll as men of other callings. and
the legislature is to be asked for the
money while every one of the normal
schools will need more room and more
teachers to meet the demands for culture
and help in the territories adjacent, Bet
ter work will be done for the industrial
training of the girls at Montevallo. ac-
cording to determination of the state au-
thorities. and all the negro schools are
receiving care and attention as never be-
fore.
It is a day of educational help and
school promotion, and the state has
caught the spirit as a state, well as
the hearts and consciences of the individ-
nal citizens
The child has a better show today for
feeling Is building that will force the
parent to provide it whether he will or
not
Agricultural Schools.
The interests of the nine district agri-
cultural schools have been uppermost In
the minds of the capitol friends of edu-
cation the week past, and they have dis
covered that good things may be said in
generous profusion of these institutions.
for long time of less practical use
than they should have been, to say the
least of IT.
At present they are making their way
on basis of merit and showing them
selves capable of lasting and beneficial
service. State Superintendent Of Educa-
ton Hill and Governor Jelks do not hest
tate to say that they are pleased with
the reports, all of which Indicate better
things than in any year yet summed up.
Each of these nine schools receive from
the tag fund the sum of $500. This must
be used in teaching above the seventh
grade and scientific agriculture. There
must be used by every school $500 year
experimental work. in order that they
may teach the practical things about the
filling of the soil. In each town where
there is an agricultural school the local
school combines with 1t, but none of the
state money must go to grades below the
eighth Because this rule was not OBJ
served. new law was passed. making
the board of control Of each school con-
sist of two local men. the governor. the
superintendent Of education Of the state