The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1915-01-20


tax themselves for schiol purposes.
Our institutions Of higher learn
ing have shown steady growth and
arc doing splendid work. We must
provide literally for their support so
that their growth and development
can be maintained. But the fact
starcs us in the face that we arc in
period OF general business dcpres-
sion and we must jealousy consider
every item Of expenditure, to save the
people from unnecessary burden.
suggest, therefore, that at this time
we should not undertake any en-
largement OF these plants or any un :.
necessary expenses.
Notwithstanding the progress we
are making in educational facilities
and the teral awakening that has
come to us, we must frankly admit
that we arc still far short OF the po-
sition we should occupy in tho work
OF education. 1t stands to our shame
that the percentage OF illitcracy
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 he increased,
and that tho 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
trlct should first impose local tax
by the vote Of it's 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 m ,st
br helped and every community must
re encouraged to have at least
seven months term, and no teacher
should be required to teach more
tha~ nifty pupils. The State cannot
have an educated and efficient citizen
ship unless it extends help to weak
and undeveloyed districts. Any COM
munity voting liberal tax and en-
rolling forty or fifty children, should
be assured OF adequate educational
facilities. 1t Is the duty OF the State
to make up deficiencies in such dis
tricts. The rght-thinking people of
South Carolina will stand for this cX-
pendture Of public money, and will
indorse the position that we canno,
spend public money better than in cd
ucatng the citizen. The people real
liz and demand that the shame Of
illitcracy must be blottcd out from
us forever.
Mil 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-hclp and public respon-
sibility that will brine substantial and
marked results in public education,
civic growth, and community coopera-
tion and development. recon-
mend that the State department Of
education be given such additional
help in it's 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
drcn shall be required to attend the
schools. The policylof the State Is to
educate all the people at the expense
OF all the people for the welfare oE
all the people. | recommend, there
fore, the enactment of a compulsory
attcnadncc law with local option fca-
turc. We must strive TO bring each
and every community to the point Of
having school facilities; and, wherever
these facilities are acquired, to re-
quirc school attendance.
Picture to yourselves what It would
mean TO South Carolina if all OF her
citizens were educated. and for the
attainment Of this object we give our
best and unfaltcring effort
Child Labor.
| recommend, as 4 companion act
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 and Assessment.
We all agree that change Is needed
in our tax laws. We have, in the past,
given more attention to appropria-
tions than to revenue We must in
crease our revenue or decrease our
expenditures in order to stop the
evcr-growing deficiency. The reports
OF the departments reveal the fact
that there Is now a large accumulated
deficiency that must be provided for.
Assessments are now unequal and un-
just. Much property escapes taxa
tion; different classes OF property are
assessed at different percentages Of
their value. Increased expenditures
for educational and charitable institu-
tions, as we'll as increased expenses In
the judicial department, necessitate
the dcvising Of progressive and more
modern methods OF raising revenue.
| would therefore recommend that q
tax commission be created to examine