Pioneer press. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1882-19??, 1912-04-27


il the state.
There has been, for q number CT
years, a great GG2l OF discussion
among persons interested in the rof0r-
NATION OF criminals, as to the best
means Of accomplishing this end. 1t
is a fact to be deprecated that Ilany
persons, young IN years and inexperi-
cnced in the ways OF the world. who
are yet not beyond fo,~latioa, are
sent to the penitentary, where tnov
gre compelled to associate with the
r,Ost hardened and depruyed chsvac-
ters.
As a means Cf remcdyiN@, at least
90 some extent, this G"D!crabIG cCmd:-
ton and at the san2c time giving to
the state the benefit of the services CT
the convicts, I favor a law to uroy;Ha
Tor working On the public roads Of this
state, under the supervision CT tho
department OF agriculture all male
persons, convicted for the first time Of
felony, when the punishment fixed
by the court does net exceed conGne-
mcnt Tor five years, and giving to The
courts discretion to sentence them tc
hard labor or the public roads, il
stead CT sending such persons to the
penitentiary.
Such law would rot only enable
us to build, improve and keep in re.
pair our roads, but would wisely give
10 tEe courts the discretion to ser
tencc person; convicted Cor the first
time o. 2 felony ard who are not pro.
fcssiona! criminals, to work on the
public roads of the state, instead Of
cOnfning them in the pcnitentiary,
where they will become contaminated
by association with criminals who are
beyond reformation.
Education.
The most important subject Of all
those to be considered by the people
OF the state is the education Of the
children. What West Virginia shall
be III few years from now depends
entirely upon the manner in which
that part OF our population now Of
tender years is mace ready to dis
charge the duties devolving upon them
when they have arrived ct maturity.
The advancement Of public cduca-
tiOn in this state II the past few
years, under Republican rule, has been
remarkable. 1t has seldom been
equalled and never surpassed, but
much remains yet to be done. ! wish
20 lay down as fundamental PROPOSE
ton, thct money honestly and judici-
ously expended on our public free
schools is money we'll spent. Along
nth y
returns from al Investment be de-
rived
The citizenship Of a state is its most
precious possession, infinitely more SO
than mines Of gold or precious stones,
extensive forests or large areas Of
coal, for to all these things there lnl.:,11
some time come an end. But that
state which has built up for Itself a
body Of highly intelligent and honor
able citizens Will be able to endure
with happy homes and Increasing
prosperity, finding new resources ana
new ways Of caring for them when
our present resources have been OK
hausted and the industries incident
thereto have vanished.
Therefore, In the day Of prosperity
1t IS well to take thought for the
future, and the best way to do 50 il;
to see to it that every child who X
growing up in West Virginia is not
only provided with the opportunity to
secure as high u degree Of education
rs he is capable Of receiving, but also
that he takes advantage Of the oppOr-
tunities thus afforded and that in the
best possible way.
To this end the element Of highest
Importance is the common schools,
both IN the city and country. We need
better school houses, more comfort
able furniture, more and better appa.
ratus, and more sanitary and more
pleasant surroundings. And, since the
school teacher is the most vital ele-
ment of q good school, we must not
for moment forget the necessity OF
constantly improving the character Of
our teaching force, both in general
education and professional ability,
Teachers should be paid salary com
'1"nsurato with the Importance Of
tnajr work ana jhc position trey hold
Ill the community.
l.