Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1918-06-07

In single column of the Grady County Prog
find two editorial expressions that show
how well that paper lives up to its name: one is
hearty commentator of the system of medical in
spection which inaugurated in the conntys
schools this year. other is stirring appeal for
countrywide local taxation to provide the schools
with adequate support. These two lines of improve
ment touch the fundamental interests of every COM
munity in the state.
A school that pays no attention to the physical
condition of it's pupils falls woefully short of
education woefully short of it's duty to the child
and to the public. child may lag through school
and through life because of some defect which is
slight to begin with and easily remedied but which,
If neglected, becomes grave and lasting handicap.
Many boy girl apparently dull to the point Of
stupidity is simply in need of eyeglasses of
slight operation for adenods. Many one who is
under-nourished excessively is simply In
need OF dental treatment briefly prescribed
form of diet and exercise In directing timely at
tention to such defects and pointing the way to
their correction, the system physical examination
renders a priceless service to the community as
well as TO the schools and to the future we'll
to the present. Suppose this system had been
established generation ago in all the public
schools of the United States; we should not now
face the discomfortng fact that twenty-five per
of all the young Americans registered under the
Selectve Service law physically unfit fight for
their country. Medical inspection thoroughly estab
Isked in the present generation of school children
will prove terrifying and wonderfully benefcent
force for the years and decades ahead
Urging the wisdom and necessity of countrywide
local taxation for the support schools the Grady
County Progress. says:
I'VE believe it is right and proper that a
part of the school funds for each county should
the
ize the burden between the counties of large
taxable valuation and the counties of small
taxable valuation. But the amount coming to
any county from the State is entirely made
quate for the school needs and should be sup
plemented by local tax by the counties them
selves. There is pending in the Legisla-
bill which provides local tax of at least
mill for school purposes in all the counties
of the State. If this bill should pass this sum-
it will county the trouble and
expense of an election providing local taxation
for our schools. Speak to your Senator and
Representatives asking their hearty support of
the measure"
This good counsel it is to be hoped, will meet
with Statewide response. How does it happen
that North Dakota spends 1852 per capita for pub
lie schools while Georgia spends only about two
dollars per capita? How does it happen that num-
bers of States less wealthy and less resourcefu than
ours spending from twice to four times as much
as Georgia in the al-important work of educating
the children? The only explanation is that in those
States every county and township contributes its
equitable part of the cost of maintaining and de-
evloping the school system, while in Georgia the
burden is left largely to the State treasury In al
most every other State the levy of local county
tax for school purposes is obligatory; in Georgia
special county election and favorable vote of two
to one is required to make such a levy legal. In
time of course every county that is mindful of its
interests and it's duties will adopt this system OF
school maintenance; ffty-six already have done
But how much simpler and more expeditions it
would be to submit the question to a Statewide
referendum. That is the object of the measure to
which the Grady County Progress refers and which,
it is to be hoped will be enacted at the forthcom-
ing session of the General Assembly.