The Sun. [volume] (Price, Utah) 1915-1932, 1917-06-01
WENT MOURNING WITHOUT THE SUN;
I STOOD UP AND CRIED IN THE CONGRE.
GATION.-JOB, 1928.
DEMOCRACY AND THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
OF OUR COUNTRY.

In the midst of preparations for military as
sault upon autocracy in behalf of democracy,
the civil branches Of our government are not
neglecting means for the advance Of democracy
in America. In the bureau of education, in par
ticuar. we see efforts in this direction. In re-
cent addresses before parent teachers assoca-
tons DIR. Henry +. Jackson, representative of
the bureau Of education, has pointed out the OPP
portunity for utilization of public schoolhouses
in extension of the democratic spirit of America.
He asserts, as everyone will agree upon reflec-
ton, that the public school Is the great demo-
cratic institution Of the United States. IL Is the
institution where rich and poor, regardless of
religion, politics or social station, meet upon an
absolute equality. Because It is the one great
democratic institution, DIR. Jackson thinks II
should be used more extensively for govern
mental purposes.
He remarks that the ballotbox is the great
emblem of democracy in America, but that we
usually relegate that box TO the least pleasant
surroundings on the day the American people
assemble to exercise their powers of sovereignty.
Livery stables, shops and abandoned shacks are
too often the place where the balotbox is sta
toned. DIR. Jackson advocates the utilization Of
school rooms polling places. He says this
would not only save enormous sums now paid
for rentals Of polling places, but would do much
TO increase public appreciation of the sanctity Of
the ballot, and bring the people Of every COM
munity into closer touch with the public school.
He declares that in New York City alone two
year would be saved IL schoolhouses were used
a. polling places.
Dr. Jackson also advances the suggestion that
political organizations should be either encour-
aged or required 10 make use Of public school
rooms for their meetings. At present political
organizations, especially In cities. rent halls for
their assemblages. The party that has the most
money for rentals can, therefore, hold the most
meetings. and has advantage accordingly. II
public school rooms were thrown open for the
IL -
expense would be saved and all political organi-
cations would be placed upon an equality so far
as the rental of rooms for meetings is concerned.
Moreover he contends the atmosphere and ASSOC
citation Of the school room would bring 10 poll
teal discussion higher tone and tend 10 instill
in the minds Of voters the feeling that their
purpose in attending a political meeting Is not
so much partisan advantage as gathering ac-
curate information upon which 10 base judg-
ment concerning issues involved in the welfare
Of our country.
DIR. Jackson takes the view that our public
schoolhouses, which represent an investment Of
about a billion and half dollars, are now util-
lied for only six hours a day, five days a week.
He says that so far as possible they should be
utilized for social purposes, for recreation, en-
tertainment and vocational training. outside Of
regular school hours so that they shall be
agencies for public service on an average of at
least ten hours a day. While many people will
see apparent difficulties In working out details.
DIR. Jackson believes these can be easily over
come and that in a few years public school
houses will occupy much more extensive place
in our system of democratic government.