The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1917-03-16
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE.

One OF the most Important anu 6io'
ffying bills introduced at this session
af the legislature is that providing
larger and more permanent measure
of support for the University OF Ten
nessee the cap stone OF our pubic
school system. This bill makes ade-
uuate provision for the University ana
Mt the same time by releasing the gen.
eral education fund of any claim for
the university will give to the ele-
mentary schools about $4,000 year
more than they received last year ana
give to the high schools about $2o,ooo
more than they received last year. IN
other words, if the University OF Ten
nessee bill should pass that instltu-
tion would no longer share in the ben
efits of the general education FUND,
but its seven per cent of that fund
would 20 to the common schools and
the high schools, five-sevenths to the
FORMER and two-sevenths to the latter.
The university is admittedly lacking
IN support. The special education
committee of the legislature, of which
senator Rocks was chairman, evolved
thu act in question. Senator Rocks is
me of the strong men Of the leg1sla-
ture. He is the friend of the public
school system. Clear-headed, public
spirited, broad-minded and dependable
he has paved the way for great things
for the educational interests OF this
state. Twenty-one senators joined
him in the introduction of the meas
ure in the upper body, which should
insure it's passage in the senate. For
ty odd members have joined in intro
1 JAucing the bill In the house Of repre-
sentatives. 1t is hopeful sign when
the members Of the legislature, with
such rare unanimity, manifest a high
and intelligent appreciation of the
needs of the public school interests OF
this state.
The University of Tennessee, should
this bill pass, would soon become the
greatest public university in the
South, one of the greatest in all the
union. Every boy and girl in the
state would then have the great oppor
tunity to obtain a college education
ut the public expense. 1t would also
make adequate provision for equip
ment of the university, something in
which it has been sadly lacking. With
the endorsement of the agricultural
committee, of the educational commit
tee, of the state department of educa
ton and the state board of education
and the commissioner of agriculture
surely this bill should be speedily
passed. While not authorized to
speak for the governor, The Herald is
sure that he will look with favor upon
a measure that will do so much for
the future welfare of his state. Gov
Rye is often slow to act, but this state
in the Judgment of The Herald, has
not had chief executive who is more
earnestly trying to do for the best
interests of all the people:
1t will be especially gratifying to his
friends in this county to know that
Senator Humphreys Of this district, is
one of the authors of the University
bill. In joining in the introduction OF
. measure to do justice to the states
great institution the senator has JUST
fed the confidence of his friends In
Maury county that he would stand fol
wise and progressive legislation de
signed to meet the growing needs Of
a state that has too long Jagged be
hind in it's measure of support fol
public education.