The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-07-13
Citizens Of Conley, Who Have
Been Supporting Institution,
Turn to Public System.
PROGRESS OF EDUCATION p J'
Secretary stearnes Much En-
couraged by Interest Shown in
Many Sections Of Virginia.

Visiting different portions OF Vir-
lie schools, Mr.. r. G: stearnes secre-
tary Of the State Board of Education,
discovered somewhat peculiar but
convincing Illustration of the effective
ness of the system. In the neignhor-
hood Of Conley, in Southampton coun-
zty, the citizens about twenty years
ago established a private school for
their children, and supported 1T main
~ by themselves, though little out
side help was given. Although the
institution has been very successful
in preparing young people for the best
colleges in the state. the board of trus-
tees, impressed by the excellent work
accomplished in the public schools
throughout the county. felt that the
state Offered opportunities better than
any local private school could hope TO
give.
fore the county board and requested
that 1t take charge OF the school and
all the property connected with 1t.
The conley citizens estimate that
they have expended not less than
100000 on the institution. besides pay
ing the regular school taxes all tESse
years. They are willing to assist the
county, with private subscriptions as
long as may be necessary, and are
not asking the board to do less for
any other point.
The county authorities conferred
with Mr.. stearnes on the subject and
decided to do every thing possible to
carry out the plan. 1t is hoped that
additional help may be secured from
atha9 SIN fa high school fund. F1g.54gI
In Other Sections.
Throughout all the sections visited
by Mr.. Stearnes he found the same
desire for progress in the. public.
schools of the State. He is highly.
gratlficd at the efforts now being
made, and predicts thatin few years
Nirginia's school system will be sec
ond to none in the South.
at Columbia, in Fluvannn9 county,
the secretary addressed a large gath
tering of men and women in the town
hall on the subject Of education. Be-
sides the crowd OF Interested people,
the county school board was present.
AS a result Of the speeches, q move
imcnt was at once started to raise q
fund for the erection of large mod
err school that will be ready for occu-
spancy by the opening of the session.
Mere than $500 was subscribed, with
assurances that the amount would be
Increased to $1,000 in a few days. The
school board Will give as much to the
new building as the citizens.
AT Red House, In Charlotte county,
the people were as enthusiastic as at
Columbia. Speeches We're made to- a
large audience by Mr.. Stearnes and
others Interested In education.
When the meeting was over, one OF
the patrons declared that he would
give five acres OF land and 500 in
cash toward the erection OF n modern
school building. He was followed by
eight or nine other citizens who also
subscribed 500 each, 1t now seems
assured that this section of Charlotte
will soon have a $4,000 building, and
at least two wagons for the transpor-
tation of the children,
Red House Is situated in the north
western portion Of tho county, not
far from the Appomattox and Camp
hell lines, and children from all three
otsthese counties Will attend the school,