The Hattiesburg news. (Hattiesburg, Miss.) 1908-1917, 1910-03-23
HATT|ESbURG MAY GET
new STATE NORMAL
Bill Has Passed Both Houses
And Appropriation For Same
Is Probable.

Hattiesburg's chances for securing
the new state normal school, the bill
creating which has passed both hous-
es of the legislature, appears to be
extremely favorable, and the pros
poets are favorable that the institution
will be located in this city.
The bill, which was passed by the
lower house several days ago, passed
the senate Tuesday afternoon with
but four dissenting votes and no
amendments attached. The measure
now goes direct to the governor for
signature, and, it is stated, will be
followed Immediately by an appropria-
tion bill carrying not less than $780,
900 for the establishment of the
school.
Hattiesburg has been very active in
securing the passage of this bill; and
it was due principally to the activities
of Representative Stokes Robertson
and Senator Theo. w. Bilbo,
that the location for the institution
was left with the trustees, thus giving
this city an equal chance to secure
the school, 1t is understood that sew
eral towns in the state are anxious to
get the normal and will make liberal
offers with that end in view; but it is
understood that the public-spirited
citizens of Hattiesburg foresaw all
this and made preparations to ward
off any interference with the orig
inal plans to have the school located
here.
Even should the legislature author
ize an appropriation for the building
and maintenance of the school, it has
been stated on reliable authority that
Hattiesburg is prepared to offer in
ducements which will not be eclipsed
by any proposition submitted to the
trustees. State Superintendent OF
Education Powers, who was one OF
the most ardent advocates of the es
tablishment of the state normal, is
encouraged to believe, it is stated
that both bodies of the legislature will
vote for an appropriation at this ses
sion.
This is perhaps one or the biggest
things ever undertaken by the citizens
of Hattiesburg, and if the efforts tC
secure the location of the normal are
successful, this city will have every
reason to feel proud of its success il
this undertaking, as it will give the
city a prestige and prominence which
it has not heretofore enjoyed.
The state normal training schoo
for teachers should not be confused
with the summer normals held eari
summer in various towns of the state
1t is an institution maintained by thu
state, for the purpose of training
teachers for the public schools ant
colleges of Mississippi. 1t is the same
as any other college or institution o
learning, except that it graduate
: school teachers exclusively, and onl!
those who intend to make teaching
profession are admitted to scholar
ship. The object of the normal i
to produce, at the expense of th
state, competent teachers for the pub
lie schools and colleges of Mississippi
1t is understood that regardless o
whether or not an appropriation TO
the establishment of the school j
, made at this session of the legisls
ture, Hattiesburg will submit a proI
osition to the trustees which will b
very attractive. This city has had it
y eye on this institution ever since
became known that the school wou'
. probably be established, and an e,
haustive effort to secure it's locatio
here will be made.