Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1920-07-04

s'A1s.-~YN a very decided inn ;4, pTvvement in recent years, but it does f& mean that other states have advanc-
 ed more rapidly and that Arkansah sis consequently at the foot of
 Educational interests of the akhte H'fhave taken Il forward step in Afcent M years. The State Normal has tecome Zone of our most important anst1tu- sftions, the University is bAng more 2 MEenerously supported and patronized Ethan ever before, the four agricul- tural schools are doing d splendid work and there is marked improve nCnt in the high school, graded ssebool and rivate school systems.
 hs creat n g sf Al Efhe county board 'a superintendent for sac", 'conntv. which becomes effective Janas w I s1921, is another the forward ster~ ~ Ithat will count for progress.
 Pay Liberally.
 And yet, we are 'only at the begin ming, The people have shown that they are willing to pay and pay 'liherally for education. They have Voluntarily increased the maximum tax from seven to twelve mills; they lhave advocated and approved the heavy increases made in teachers salaries throughout the state ;they have always been willing to pay for the erection of the most modern of school buildings and other equipment with the best apparatus available. There is no other tax the people pay so willingly and cheerfully. There lis movement for an amendment stU tho constitution, eliminating the smaximum and permitting each dis Rtrict to levy any amount 1t may deem Unnecessary for it's educational re- snuircments. Such an amendment syill have only an indifferent opposi- tiun. While other taxes may be bur < densome, it is realized that school " taxes are an investment.
 One of the most progressive blanks Sn the proposed constitution of 1918, which the people rejected at the polls was that devoted to education. It Is bclieved that had this plank been submitted alone, it would have been Overwhelmingly adopted. There IS a movement on foot to submit this nr0position as an amendment to the present constitution, by an initiative nctition to be circulated soon. The s&educational interests and all good & citizens will join in seeing that the petition is speedily filled and that Nfhc proposed amendment will be < nAdy for filing before the legisla- Mture has an opportunity to submit Sother amendments.
 University Needs Money,
 One of the educational matters in the people are intensely inter ested is that of providing adequately ssfor the state university. At present S&the institution is supported by tax sof four-ninths of mill as provided s by the millage bill. With the in creased cost of everything and the advance averaging thirty per cent in NJ fhe salaries of the teachers, 1t has ! been demonstrated that this amount .l7s entirely inadequate and if the uni 1vversity is to be operated upon Its nrcsent plane. and certainly II 1t IS tc be improved as all good citizens Mopc shall be done, 1t must have more revenue. The legislature which meets next January will be asked to the millage tax. Doubtless other institptions will make similar reouestsA and this will present to the iaw makers a most serious and dltfl- sult problem for solution; however ;t ,nnst be solved or the state Will 3ast ..1~x,,.,yI ad, OnIllV.