The courier-index., 1917-11-09

salaries and subsistancies OF the men
Even the boot black who took 500
bond on the installment plan Will
soon make it in increased business
in polishing officers $24 leather leg
gins. 1t keeps the money in circu-
lation.
Sometimes there are traditions of
such things, but they occur rarely in
real life. Every normal human being
some time in life makes some great
sacrifice for others, and often SUI
preme sacrifices for home, for coun-
try or for principle that sets him
apart as a hero. Sometimes a none
tary sacrifice seems hardest, for
money, properly used, represents our
comfort and well being. A remark
able instance of financial sacrifice
came to light last week that should
be an inspiration to many others in
these days of persistent giving. The
War Work Council of the Y. M. c. A.
is asking Arkansas to give 100000
next week for its work among the
soldiers in camp and trench at home
and over seas. One of the district
secretaries, the Rev. H. G. Hoy, pas
tor of the M. E. Church South at
Holly Grove, attended Y. M. G. A.
conference in Little Rock, and be-
came enthused over the prospect for
actual service. Returning home, he
called a meeting of his board of
stewards, and proposed that they
turn over to the Association the
5000 in cash the congregation had
accumulated for the building of a
new church.
Brethren" said he, the need is
urgent. We have worshipped accept
ably in the old church for a long
time, and l think we can get along
with our old clothes for a while
longer, when there are SO many
brave men fighting our battles for US
in Europe who need this money
much more than we do"
And the board unanimously agreed
with him.
An analysis of the annual report of
the Department of Education shows
most gratifying condition of the
school interests of the state. There
is an increase in every item except
that of teachers employed, which
shows a slight decrease. This is
partially accounted for by the fact
that there are fewer districts through
consolidation of small and weak
schools There is also a very con-
siderable demand for teachers in
rural districts, and fos higher grade
teachers in special distriits, that is
not being filled. This year there
are 1928 white and 2,105 colored
teachers, total of 10,769 in the
state, compared with 8,723 white
and 2,253 colored, a total of 1926,
loss of POT for the state. The num-
Der of teachers holding state and
special license has increased from
697 to 766, and there is also an in
crease in the number of first grade
license, and decrease in the number
of second and third grade certificates.
showing decided elevation of the
standard of teaching.
The enumeration of persons of
649,054 to 658,705, the enrolment
from 446,525 to 459,189 and the av-
erage daily attendance from 292,750
to 304,230. A considerable part of
the increased enrolment and attend
ance is probably doe to the enforce
ment of the compulsory attendance
law
An increased rate accounts for an
increase in the amount of school
revenue received Last year the
public funds for school maintenance
derived from taxation and other
sources amounted to $6,268,758.37.
and in 1917 this was increased to
$6,268, 1887. The increase in the
value of school property is less than
might have been expected in view of
the erection of so many new build
ings. Last year the valuation was
$12,109,867.64, and this year it is
$12.17S,19752.
One of the most striking proofs of
the Improvement of our educational
status is the increased length of the
school term. 1t has increased from
an average of 1882 days in 1907 to
1882 days last year and 12575 days
in 1917, or a total of one and
half school months. The three months
school is becoming much less COM
mon than it used to be. The most