The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1912-01-22
Rural Opportunity Issue

The granting OF equality oil oppor-
tunity to the people of the country
districts of Vermont is more i'm
portant questionithan almost any other
that is before the public at the
present time, barring nothing of a
political nature. The progress and
the prosperity Of the state depend
very largely on the progress and
prosperity of the people OF the rural
districts, and retrogression can be
averted only by the granting to them
Of praci cally the same social, edu-
cational and religious privileges en-
joyed by the people of the towns
and cities--the same, at least, IN
kind. The rural free dcliyery, the
telephone extensions, and, in some
places, the advent Of trolley lines
have made a great difference with
rural conditions in Vermont, or else
where, in recent years; but these ad-
vantages are only small part OF
what is needed. The social and re-
ligious instincts and needs OF the
farming people must be provided for
as much as their convenience, their
physical needs and the education OF
their children.
AS previously declared, The Re
porter is firm in the belief that the
schooling provided for the country
districts should be of quality equal
TO the best that is provided in the
large centers, and that the school
houses should be made social centers
and religious centers. These ends
cannot well be brought about with
out the consolidation of the schools
so earnestly advocated by Superin-
tendent Edward NJ. Roscoe OF Spring
field This does not mean colsolida-
ton with the schools of the villages
and cities; but that OF the now $50
lated schools of the various sections
in central hamlets or districts. And,
while IL would mean the transporta-
tion of many of the children OF the
outlying districts, it would have
many and great advantages. The
central building would be larger and
much better equipped than is any OF
the separate buildings now In USE
there would be two or more teachers
for companionship, mutual helpful
ness and inspiration and mutual pro
lection; and the school building
would be the recognized center OF
the activities of the entire district
social and religious, as well as edu-
NATURALIZATION to a degree
where there was no church in the
neighborhood. although in no way
affecting the relations of residents
with the churches in the more ais
tant centers.
The benefits to the communities
from their Capitalization OF interests
and copartnership Of the people OF
wide areas In opportunities thal
otherwise could not be anorueo
would be of almost inestimable ahe
ever.increasing value. The school,
house would be the place OF gather
ings OF all kinds; provision could DC
made for lectures and entertain
ments and demonstrations OF seienu
6c methods of farming; and BOOKS
could be distributed, provided Dy
loan and otherwise, the teachers act
ing as the librarians. In fact, the
movement is one capable OF grea'
expansion and replete with posi-
Utilities for enjoyment, inspiration
and upllft and practical education.
An experiment along these lines Il
being conducted at West Springfield
and is meeting with large degree o.
suocess =. and in It's development Il
exceedingly promising. And, viii
the consolidation Of the Pleasant
Valley and French Meadow districts
the scope of its benehcence would b'
much wldened.
But It is essential to remember
that this is not a movement tina
should in any way outrage the self
respect of the recipients OF the al
vantage offered. The clement o
charity enters into Il, normally, onl!
so far as Il may to some degree
through the disinterested efforts o
the people OF the towns and ciue'
In extending their own opportunities
to those of the country districts an'
in affordlng them every possible
means OF self.help. But there ough
to be a general recognition OF thu
fact that these things are due The
people of the outside districts as
matter of right for what they In turf
do for the support and prosperity o
the towns and cities, and that by Sc
much as they advance In knowledge
and in progress-particularly In up
to. date methods OF agriculture--bl
40 much will the distributing center'
themselves, be advantaged. SO, there
ought not to be any whining by the
taxpayers of the centers over pos
sible calls for somewhat larger ex
penditures for this purpose, to DC
shared with them by the taxpayers
of the rural districts. II is most i'm
portant that every one desiring the
best good of the State should looS
into this movement carefully, III
which case there can be little douo!!
Of It's being generally adopted ana
enthusiastically pushed'-Sprihe'
field Reporter