The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1915-01-20

provide literally for their support so
that their growth and development
can be maintained. But the fact
stares us in the face that we are In
a period Of general business depres-
sion and we must jealously consider
every item of expenditure. to save the
people from unnecessary burden. I
suggest. therefore. that at this time
We should not undertake any en-
largemsnt Of these plants or any un-
necessary expenses.
Notwithstanding the progress we
are making In educational facilities
and the general awakening that has
come to US. We must frankly admit
that we are still far short OF the po-
sition We should occupy in the work of
education. It stands to our shame
that the percentage Of illiteracy
among our citizens Is SO great. This
stain must be wiped out; and to do
, this, We must tax ourselves literally
for the public schools. In order that
their usefulness may be increased,
and that. the opportunity for educa-
ton may be given to all of our boys
and girls. We must encourage the
spirit OF self-help. and every dis
| trict should first impose a local tax
by the vote of its resident voters be-
fore receiving State aid. Yet. the
growth of the public schools will be
determined largely by the amount of
State aid. Weak country schools must
be helped and every community must
be encouraged to have at least
seven months term. and no teacher
should be required to teach more
than nifty pupils. The State cannot
have an educated and efficient citizen.
SIP unless It extends help to weak
and undeveloped districts. Any
community voting liberal tax. and
enrolling forty or fifty children,
should be assured Of adequate educa-
uonal facilities. 1t IL the duty Of the
State to make up deficiencies in such
districts. The right-thinking people
OF South Carolina will stand for this
expenditure Of public money, and will
indorse tho position that we cannot
spend public money better Than In ed :
ucating the citizen. The people real
lie and demand that the shame of
tlliteracy must be blotted out from us
forever.
Mill Town Schools.
The problem of public schools in
manufacturing centres and mill
towns demands attention and study.
The state cannot longer overlook the
needs Of children in such commu-
mites. and should encourage the
spirit Of self-help and public respon-
sbility that will bring substantial and
marked results in public education,
civic growth, and community cooper.
alton and development. recon.
mend that the State department of
education be given such additional
help In its forces that will enable It
to do In mill schools what has been
done so effectively in high schools and
rural schools.
Attendance.
As soon as ample school facilities
shall have been provided, the welfare
OF our people demands that our chill.
dren shall be required to attend the
schools. The policy of the State Is to
educate all the people at the expense
OF all the people for the welfare OF
all the people. I recommend, there.
fore. the enactment OF n compulsory
attendance law with local option fea-
ture. We must strive to bring each
and every community to the point of
having school facilities; and, wherever
these facilities are acquii cd. to re-
quire school attendance.
Picture TO yourselves what IL would
mean to South Carolina IL all of her
eitizens we're educated. and for the at
tainment OF this object We give our
best and unfaltering effort.
Child La'Or.
i recommend. as q COMPANION net |
TO the compulsory attendance law with |
local option feature. that you will !
amend the law on child-labor by rails
ing the age limit from twelve to four
teen years.
Taxation anu Assessment.
we all agree that change il needed
ih our tax laws. We have, in the past.
given more attention to appropria-
TONS than to revenue. We mus, i'm
tFClSe our fCEpnug or l,.ro,,o $500.