Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1910-05-17

The problem OF adequate vocational
training in Georgia is as serious as
elsewhere. According 20 the report or
Commissioner Pound for lsos, there
were 75S.4aI children of school age in
the state. OF this number 1883 were
in sos secondary schools. comparatively
few OF which offered any Industrial
courses. Thus but little is being done
to encourage a better system OF sgri-
cultural practice or stimulate interest
in manufacturing, both necessary to
the welfare of the state The possi-
biIttfes Of Georgia remain unappreciat-
ed BY the rising generation and the
tide Of emigration carries thousands
elsewhere in serach Ur opportunity, 10
the inestlmable loss AMI injury or the
commonwealth. At least $4,000 children
should be receiving vocational instrue-
tion in secondary schools at this very
moment. in order that the activities OF
the state may be so balanced as to
prohtably employ all of its citizens
without hardship TO any and with OPP
portunity for all
That il will be difficult to develop vo-
cational training as rapidly as necessa-
~ all agree who realize the enormous
expenditure which wal be involved. but
the nation is wealthy and can not al
ford to withhold the funds. The fathers
and mothers who are chiefly concern
ed will be more man wlIIing TO pay
direct tax for this purpose when they
realize the benefits their children may
hope TO derive from this character OF
instruction. Nor can the state ignore
this movement. for its future prosper
ity will depend in large measure on the
degree with which vocational training
Is introduced into the secondary
schools. the south. for instance. dom
mates a great world neeessity-cotton-
In Georgia something like two million
bales a year are grown. OF this
amount 5si.I42 bales were manurac-
tured in the state in 1909. The greater
part OF the cotton crop goes elsewhere
20 be spun. This policy can not be
continued indefinitely without impair
ing both national credit and prosperity.
The state must, therefore. De prepared
10 undertake the manufacture OF all its
raw fibre within the next few years.
i ne cotton mill operator complains at
the present time OF the dIrficulty OF Sc
curing competent labor TO spin and
weave the cheapest grade OF fabric. and
1t is quite impossible to undertake on
q scale commensurate with the produc-
ton OF nbre the manufacture OF the
finer cloths. mercerized goods and laces.
America pays a tremendous tribute TO
Europe for goods OF this character.
made out OF the n0re very likely grown
in Georgia. Through voca.sonal train
ing OF the proper type In our second
airy schools, thousands upon thousands
OF boys and girls may be given the
necessary fnforma.4on to make them
expert workers in the great mills which
wa.4 certainly be erected in the near fu-
ture and give that dominance in manu-
featuring which America now enjoys
in the production OF the raw nbre.
This illustration emphasizes the vast
economic importance OF adequate voca-
tionai training In our secondary schools.
The functions OF the high school ap-
pear TO be, therefore. not merely TO
prepare for college or % act as a con-
Meeting link between the elementary
school and the university. but 20 be-
come one Of the most important insti-
tutions Of the country Tor vitaIizing In
dustry in all its branches. 1t must al
ways continue TO act in its present ca
pacity. but the scope OF the work should
be materially enlarged TO include vo-
cational training in the widest sense
Of the term When tnis is done the
present standard OF entrance 20 the uni
versities may require readjustment, but
there Is no reason why this should not
be accomplished successfully and with
out menace TO educational efficiency,
culture and discipline. Vocational train