The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-11-30
THINGS EDUCATIONAL


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Continued from First Page.)
to the problem to be solved. Far
more interesting. IL not more impor-
tant, was the succeeding period OF
criticism. Our own deep conscious
ness of obvious shortcomings in our
educational mechanism undoubtedly
gave an added impulse to an ingrained
sectional sensitiveness born Of condi-
lions that were not Of our own choos-
ing. Both eras served their purpose.
Then followed. as a natural conse-
quence, the third great period of re-
construction, period which is des-
tined in due time to restore this en-
tire section to its original relative
status in the nation.
NO FINER CHAPTER THAN
THAT BEGINNING IN 1901
There Is no finer chapter In the his
tory Of the South than the chapter be-
ginning with the year 1901. 1t is diff
cult. however. to escape the convic-
ton that many of our people have
failed to grasp the real meaning of
this chapter by their refusal to assess
At Its true value the overwhelming
achievement Of the trying period that
preceded. Nothing is more certain
than the fact that we are standing on
the shoulders OF the great men into
whose labors we have entered in every
avenue Of endeavor. Take. for ex-
ample, the history of educational pro-
gress in Virginia. No man can cor
rectiy interpret the remarkable de-
velopment of the public school system.
II he leaves out of account the work
of William Henry Ruffner q genera
ton ago. No man can understand the
prestige and the distinction of Viz
ginia colleges as exemplified by an
institution like Washington and Lee.
II he has forgotten the service and the
sacrifice of Robert Edward Lee.
1t Is, however. a fact that things
are today moving more rapidly than
before. That is the inspiring and out
standing factor in the whole great
problem. Doubtless We are still in the
pioneer period. Yet it Is undoubtedly
a far more hopeful stage of that period
than any preceding stage. Take. for
example. the record in Virginia; It is
fact that a decade has trebled the
annual school revenues of this Com
monweaith. To state the matter in
another way, the increase in annual
school revenues In Virginia since 1905
represents a sum twice as large as the
total annual school revenues OF the
State ten years ago. There has been
nothing in the entire history of Vir-
ginia that so strikingly illustrates the
high spirit and resolve Of her people.
Commonwealth building Is proceeding
today In Virginia in a manner that
would evoke the gratitude OF Jefferson
himself.
ONE INSTITUTION OF PRIME
IMPORTANCE IN EACH STATE
may be permitted to add that what
10 true of Virginia 10 fairly typical of
the other Southern States. Five years
ago when l went to the lower South l
was inspired by the single purpose OF
helping forward this great movement
l 60 stated at the time. There is no
institution Of learning in the country
that virgtnian would desire to serve
in preference to Washington and Lee.
There Is no institution that excels it
in high purpose or In human interest.
Yet there is one institution in each and
every American Commonwealth that
is OF greater importance than any sim
gle seat OF learning: and that institu
ton is the public school system, !
have never for a moment regretted the
fact that i accepted the opportunity
to attach my energy 20 the larger task.
For II is along this path that lies the
strategic opportunity in Common
wealth building.
A few months ago Mr.. Clarence
Poe, who has followed in an intimate
way the course of legislation in the
South, said:
Il doubt whether any Southern
Legislature in fifty years has done so
much for education as did the Ala
bama Legislature OF 1915" And it
Is a remarkable record of achievement.
That legislation made provision for:
i. The creation of an illiteracy COM
mission.
2. A constitutional amendment per-
uniting an adequate local tax
5, A special State appropriation 10
those counties that levy an additional
local tax
=. The establishment of county
boards OF education.
5. A compulsory attendance law.
s. The voting OF special fund for
the erection. repair and equipment Of
rural school houses.
Z. The authorization OF the election
OF women to serve on boards OF educa-
tion.
Few, II any. American Common
wealths can claim a more progressive
system of school laws than the Ala
bama system. The most significant
and far-reaching event in the history
OF Alabama within q half-century was
the passage three weeks ago of the
constitutional amendment providing
for the levying OF an additional six
mill tax for the support OF the public
schools,
PAYS DESERVED TRIBUTE TO
SUPERINTENDENT 6TEARNES
1t would, however. be ungracious IL
I neglected here and now to make
reference to the remarkable record Of
progress that has been made in Viz
GINA under the leadership of Super
intendent S:earnes whose interest in
public education. as / can testify. was
q passion long before he was drafted
into service. Fifteen years ago he al
lied himself with a small group OF for
wArd-looking men who were then
STRUGGLING against odds to redeem vir-
gtnia's public school system. esteem
Il q privilege tonight to render tribute
not merely to the high character. but
also to the distinguished nature, Of
the services rendered BY him in these
testing years. He then had no thought
Of public ofYioe. High Official position
came to him. therefore. not Of hi. own
seeking. but a. reward OF duty done.
hnd a great deal Of satisfaction In
tho record that he has made a. vir-
ginia's minister OF education. He has