The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1910-09-18
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THE CITY SCHOOLS.

THE CITY SCHOOLS.
The man or woman, who does not
feel a thrill OF pride, or at least feel
greatly interested in what will happen
in Ardmore on Monday, will be sadly
lacking in patriotism or will be stupid
ly dull
The opening OF the public schools
ought to be the most important event
of the year. for more depends upon
them, than upon any other of our pub
lie institutions. Suppose that every
boy and girl in this land was trained
physically, mentally and morally up to
the limit of his possibilities, can any
one predict the wonderful things thai
would happen? We are trying to do
this, and are making progress in that
direction, through our public school
system. There is no longer any doubt
that nations and races prosper in
proportion TO the training they give
their youth. Power, efficiency and
happiness are in direct ratio to the
degree of physical, mental and moral
training OF the young in any country.
II this were carried to the limit OF
our possibilities. poverty, crime and
distress would be banished from the
land, disease, stripped of most of its
terrors, and human life would be ma
terially heightened. Then why not
strive for this end? 1t is true we are
making grand progress in that dlrec-
ton, but We are only beginning. And
this must be done by the state. 1t will
never be accomplished by individual
effort. The citizens value to the pub
lie is measured by what he can do,
and by his willingness to do his duty.
Our great public school system Is for
the purpose of developing what there
is In our people. Our system of pub
lie education Is not solely a charitable
work, for those not able 10 help them.
selves. 1t is work in which the pub
lie is as much interested as the indl.
Nidual. Ii Is also a good business
policy, and saves money to the public.
II any good citizen has any fault to
find with our school system. it should
be, because II does not so far enough.
rather than that 1t takes too much OF
his money, or interferes with the lib
erty OF the citizen. The most onlight
ened and powerful nations now. not
only provide the means for the high.
est degree of culture possible for all
their children, but also require that
these means be made use of. Our
state is well up to the front in this
matter, but much yet remains to be
done We have provided school houses
and teachers for all our young people
of scholastic age. We have gone to
such lengths that some Of our miser
ly property owners are complaining.
that we are verging on socialism But
these good old grumblers. have still
more sorrows in store for them.
Houses and teachers are good so far
as they go. But If We undertake 20
educate all the children, more than
this will be required.
We have also passed laws command.
ing the attendance OF all the children
upon these schools which We have pro-
vided for them. But there are nun.
bers Of people too poor TO buy the
necessary books. and provide suitable
food and clothing for their children
90 attend these schools. 1t is plain-y
the duty OF the public TO furnish .
these things too and in many OF our
larger cities. thousands Of children are
fed every school day by the school au.
thorities. Socialism run 70 seed"
eXclaims the miserly old skinflint. who
objects to paying taxes TO educate
o'her peoples children. But this IS
not altogether charity. 1t is good
sound business policy. The money It
takes 70 prosecute. and support In
prison, one ignorant degraded crimin-
a.. or to support one worthless pauper
in the poor house. will educate and
train for usefulness. a dozen poor
who would otherwise become
'riminals or paupers.
Compare the nations who care for
heir children, with Others and see