Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1910-07-08

ure is entirely too radical to be adopted
in Georgia at this time. 1t makes no
difference. said he, what other states
have done.
Mr.. Brown, of Murray. asked IL II is
not true that Jefferson county leads the
state in point of nliteracy.
1T does not retorted Mr.. Hardeman-
who represents that county. He went or
to say that Jefferson county contains
tbs most cultured and best city in the
state.
Mr.. Sheppard. of Sumter, challenged
this, facetiously remarking that one ex-
ception be made in favor Of the city of
Americas in Sumter county. Mr.. Harde-
man granted the exception. Mr.. Upshaw.
of Douglas. demanded another in favor NJ
DougIasville. Mr.. Hardeman, in desper-
alton, excepted every city in the state.
Mr. Hardeman said that sentiment ami
net sober judgment is behind the support
Of the bill. He was repeatedly interrupt
ed with questions, and time and again
said he could not answer questions and
continue his argument at the same time.
Several times he declined to yield 70
questions. 1t was apparent, from the con-
tinuity of challenges from all parts of the
house, that his view of the matter was
inviting the antagonism of many men,
bers.
Mr.. Hardeman made the point that
Georgia has already compromised all the
revenue she has, and is spending part
OF IL illegally on schools every year, ax-
ceeding the authority of the constitution.
The states that have compulsory educa-
ton laws, said he, furnish everything
free books and all. Georgia has tied her
money up too tight to be able to do that
said he; and therefore a law compelling
parents and guardians to educate the
children is equivalent to telling them
GO buy the books that your county
| board prescribes for your child's school
ing"
Education is a good thing" said he
"But compulsory education is wrong"
SPEECHES ARE LIMITED.
Mr.. Alexander OF DeKalb asked and
obtained unanimous consent that all
speakers be limited thencerorth to ten
minutes each. He was then recog-
mixed for argument on the bill.
Mr.. Alexander said that II there is
anything in the cry of those who OPP
pose the bill, that it interferes with the
i rights and liberties OF parents, then
the whole public school system OF the
state, for there is no logic, other
wise than on the theory that the state
is interested in the education OF all
children in taxing the property OF one
citizen to educate the children of an
other F..
He answered the cry OF 'paternal-
ism"
''Paternalism is in full vogue
throughout the state said he, other
wise the measure would not have failed
the other day for mere lack or votes,
requiring that a barber know his busi-
ness. 1 am opposed to paternaIism
with all my heart. but / yield to II be-
cause II is the policy adopted by this
state. 1 am opposed to your railroad
commission policy. to yovr bank ex-
aminer policy. believe in a broad
democracy, but my policies have not
yet been reached by the state of Geor-
gia."
Mr.. McEireath argued for the bill.
Il pay very little attention to the
prophecy that compulsory education
the states OF the union except six have
had compulsory education laws in et-
feet successfully for some time
He read a list of the laws in all the
states, showing that only Georgia, Ala
bama. Florida. South Carolina, Louis
lana. Texas and Mississippi have no
law compelling education. Mr.. Noel
reath later pointed out that Japan mas
recently enacted a law requiring six
years Of schooling for every subject Of
the empire.
NO FOURTH OF JULY SPEECH.
Mr.. Fullbright of Burke said that ne
had no time for a Fourth of July ora
tion, and that he would conhne himself
to a discussion of the bill. He an
swered numerous objections already en-
tered against the bill, and explained the
purposes of the measure. Mr.. Full
bright said that the state now spends
/ two and one-third millions OF dollars
a year on schools and leaves il 10 the
children neither they go or not; and
that there are counties in the state
VIII ere the advantage OF this costly pro-
vision is barely recognized.
Mr. Lovejoy OF TrOup argued for an
amendment which he had offered per-
fecting one OF the details OF the bill.
Mr. Anderson Of Chatham interrupt
ed wIu. a motion TO extend the session
tIh the bill could be disposed OF. The
| friends OF the bill opposed TINS, Deliev-
/ ing too many members would De gone
| for them to secure a majority. The
motion was lost by a vote of Sc to SO.
EDWARDS CAUSES LAUGH.
Mr. Edwards of Walton, stated that
he did not arise to make the usual mo-
! ton" Cfor the previous question:, causing
a laugh Mr.. FulIbright OF Burke, arose
to a question of parliamentary inquiry.
asking II Speaker Holder had not recog-