The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-02-17
MONDAY, FEBRUARY II. 1913.
NORTH CAROLINA nEEps THE LESSON.


When the report of the Russell Sage Founda-
ton, showing that Virginia stands forty-hrst
among all the States in the matter of public edu-
cation was first made public The Firgtntda called
attention TO the fact that, although this State
has made progress IN this direction In recent
years great deal remains to be done At the
same time ne entered a plea that while there
Is excuse for virginia's position. We could be-
ter occupy our time in devising ways and means
OF Improvement than in telling ourselves and the
country willy our State was not found higher
up in the scale.
Several newspapers in the State, as we had
expected would be the case. devoted considerable
editorial space TO defense of the States educa-
tion-all standing. the burden of their writings
being that Virginia, and other Southern States,
have been handicapped by the presence of q
large non.tax.paying population, which never
theless must he educated, and by poverty. What
was said was true and 1t is we'll that 1t should
be understood, but The VirgiHidn was not and
lis not convinced that ii would not be better for
us to face the situation square1y and CONFESS
that there IL much work to be done and that
We should devote ourselves to solving the prob
lem of how 1t is to be done. Let the past re-
main dead The future is what counts. Why
We are not higher in the ranks of other States
is of little moment save insofar as 1t win help
us to rise higher
We are reminded OF this by the action of
house committee on education of the North
Carolina legislature in giving unanimously fav
cradle report to the bill designed TO provide at
least six months public school term in every
school district In the State and providing for
pusory education for children between the ages
OF eight and twelve years. The compulsory
feature Is not stringent as some of its advo-
Gates wished, being in the nature OF compro-
mise, but the measure whole is regarded
AS long step forward.
The introduction and almost certain passage
Of this measure, is result, IL is said, of the
same Russell Sage report and will almost
tainy pass stespite the fact that the legislature
faces a deficit, and that the lawmakers in
quandary as to how to raise revenue to meet
the necessary expenses Although funds
lacking the legislators. feeling their State humi-
hated by its showing-North Carolina is forty
seven in the list~-are determined to increase the
efficiency of the educational system of the State
and to put North Carolina higher up in the
ranks. Other matters may wait; other expenses
may be cut: taxes may be increased; anything
may happen that must happen, but North Caro-
lima is going TO advance educationally.
That is the spirit North Carolina is showing
No time has been wasted in explaining why
the State is lever in the scale than others. Past
history is forgot Excuses are swept aside if
considered at all. Action is taken
To Virginia legislators, we would say: Go
and do likewise,
Excuses and explanations have been given.
They were justihable in that they were truthful
but they little good purpose in our opinion
Bat, however that may be, let's forget them now
We have told the country what we have done and
Why have not done more. Let's make ac-
lions speak in the future Let's show the coun-
try instead of telling it. The whole nation is
Missouri