The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1909-09-08
yNpEsFEcrIoss OF OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM

INPERFEcTi9SS OF OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM
In compliance with requests
from 5 number Of persons inter
ested in the cause Of education,
we herewith print the address
delivered by The TINES editor,
at St. Georges, Dorchester coun-
ty, Thursday September End.
After expressing his pleasure
in appearing before the people OF
Dorchester, and congratulating
the people of St. Georges for the
spirit manifested in the erection
of their masniicientschool build
ing, the speaker in the main spoke
as follows:
IN nv Judgement the movement map
ped on, by the State Educational Cam
pain Committee, under which we are
coming before the people, marks : dis
e:ucs epoch N the Educational history
OF South Carolina. Too much cred!; can
not be given TO the promoters OF the
scheme. Men from all the busy walks
Of life responded TO the committees call
and engaged in this agitation. 1t means
something for the future when men lay
down their labors 20 60 out 10 such 3
campaign.
This assemblase forms > part o! q
great educational upheaval which has
for its purpose the awakening OF the
the white masses 20 the need OF !rnprov-
ed methods 10 our educational system,
more especially the free schools-upon
them much OF the States advancement
In the future must depend. Al cancos
90 70 the colleges, therefore it IS abso-
suteis important, our attention shall De
rsveted upon the free schools, and de-
rise ways and the means 70 secure for
the children OF this State the best meth
cds-
Review the educational progress made
- South Carolina the past 80 years. and
from It rrch food for thought IS giean-
ed, there IS also from it much hope
whereupon . greater civi,iZat.oo can De
buii6ed for the future. Il Is proposed
by these rallies to direct attention 70
the needs Of the State from ~ educa-
sioaal view. and thus create 50 awaken
ing for sn increased usefulness, more
inrease Interest, resulting IN 2 better
system sor the management OF our com
aaoa schools, which are supported by
taxation.
Soa.h Carolina need not be ashamed,
when the difficulties, trials and obstruc-
sions following the days Of recoastruc-
tloa are considered. The Sta:e has done
well. Il Was oaly after those miserable
days with mighty force, such as only
love e. country can stir in the bosom Of
. great people, We began TO face the
future with heaven sanctioned courage
20 direct our steps towards progress
The time is not sufficient, nor is il nee
cssssry 70 detail the progress made II
this Sease; it IS known 70 ALT IS our
Coast and pride 70 point 70 the careers
o. CarosinisnS, snas are OF the young
generation, who have made good at
home and abroad. Our towns and cities,
By their improved school buildings, and
many OF our rural committees TOO. give
evidences OF q determination 10. 10 be
lssgards in the educational race, they
hare manifested their faith by their
works, in providing by means OF special
taxation. for improved school facilities.
- While We are proud OF the State 8
progress in the past. and appreciate our
presen: Tree schools, the system, al
though far better than former gener-
alton enjoyed, is By 10 means perfect.
il is cot rp-,o-date. assume, IL IS one OF
the objects OF these rallies, to arouse
ccr people 70 the need OF per!ecting the
system, in order that fair educscion
may be obtaine6 by all she children,
rich and poor, none TO be denied the
privilege Il I an correct in thus Us
suming, a movement which has attract
ed our bes. citizens, aud enlisted them
IN the cause has worthy object Then
say the grand object can only be &C
compsssheo By the people realizing their
duty 70 the State, and giving their COZ
sent 70 undergo the necessary expense
20 improve the system
There vas time when the children
were not blessed with the advantage OF
obtaining, even q primary education
free, mcSs Of them have IL now, il spite
OF the enbrassing situations, and per-
picking environments. The question for
IS 10 consider, il this day Of sdvance-
mens are we content with present inn
perfect conditions? Shall We join the
progressive pspcession. and make our
rural schools IS good as the best, and all
Of our public schools the equal OF any
other State?
The lawful school age il America IS
higher than it is in Europe; we ere in
formed that in Europe the limit Is II
years, while in America it IS y years,
and too, all children get the full a6ran-
tage Of the public schools, while in Eu-
rope there IS Discrimination against the
poor-the wealthy only enjoy the full
privileges. Therefore our facilities at
ford greater advantages. The child OF
q poor man 10 this Democratic country
Of ours Is entitled TO the same chance IN
the educational race as those OF the
wealthy.
This IS iaaeed 3 great county. The
stars and STRIPES not only aoat over q
tree and independent people, who enjoy
the privilege OF free thought. free
speech, and worship God according TO
the dictates OF ones own conscience,
but over Nation 70 whom opportuni-
ties are equal aa6 the arecues OF aduca-
tsona1 advancement are equally aa6
freely open.
But unless mistake NY mission here,
S<&i& VIC A8SSAOSSA "a SAAso 4&Ss sSs%4SAS1 w.
are no, gathered together in mutual
admiration society, or convention, nor
for rself-coagratula.ior, even though We
have righ: as have indicated, 70 feel
proud OF the States educational! achiev-
menes, but we are here TO take courage
from the past, and ascertain where our
shor: coninss are, and, il possible sug-
sess the improvements 70 overcome
them. Were only TO indulge il speak
ing p2easan. sounding words on this oc-
casion, would only be lip-seCvice
bearer OF agreeable sentiment, but l
take il. the best service can render 20
the cause in part represent here today,
IS 20 endeavor in my feeble way 20 point
out some 0; the imperfections, aod sus-
gess such remedies rs occur 20 me, :hey
may have the effect Of directing thought
in direction which may result II good.
II one thought presented here Will have
the effect OF impressiuS NY hearers:
win be amply repaid for my part in this
campaign.