The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1921-12-16
ONE woMAN's OPINION
Paper Read at a Meeting of the
Parent-Teachers' Association by
Mrs. III. HARDLY

WNAEAA MISS A1GGSCHG GSAE4 11AE kSN0
or three days ago if would read an
article on education, / said to her,
an be delighted if you'll send me
one" and she sent me one entitled
fThe Two Paths but also sent word
that | could use anything else that /
preferred, so after thinking for some
time about education in general. one
point seemed to predominant, espe-
cially after I read President Hard
ing's proclamation for education
week.
I'd like to read some or all of that
proclamation and then you viii see
the point would like to emphasize,
so I might call this "The One Path"
instead of ''The Two Paths"
You may not like my views at all,
but / want you to remember they are
given not by the Parent Teachers
Association, but just as one individual
sees them. If you don't like them, I
hope that you viii say so. Criticism
is always good for US, even though it
is drastic and, anyway, it will open
the way to a discussion and when you
discuss things, you can hardly help
thinking about thems and that is all
want--just to get the parents think
ing along these lines.
This is President Harding's procla-
nation:
Washington, Nov 29.-President
Harding issued a proclamation today
setting apart the week of Dec. 4th to
10th as American education week,
during which citizens of the United
States are urged to assist general eff
forts to reduce illiteracy and give
thought to remedying defects in the
nations educational system. The
proclamation follows:
Whereas, public education is the
basis of citizenship and is of primary
importance to the welfare of the ma
ton; and,
Whereas, more than 100000
boys and girls in America are not
availing themselves of our free school
advantages and are lacking in that
youthful schooling which is so essen
tial to the making of an intelligent
citizenship; and,
Whereas. the experience of the
war reveals vast elements of popula-
ton that are illiterate, physically un-
fit; unfamiliar with American ideals
and traditions; and our future
strength and security are much de-
pendent on their education and COM
mitment to American ideals;
:" Therefore /, Warren G. Hard
ing, president of the United States, do
urge the governors of the various
states and territories to set apart
Dec. 4th to 10th, inclusive, 1921, as
American education week, during
which citizens in every state are
urged to special and thoughtful at
tention to the needs and the aims of
the public schools. It is particularly
recommended that efforts be address
ed to practical expression of commu-
nifty interest in public education. To
that end, organizations for civic adj
vancement and social betterment are
earnestly requested. when it can be
made practicable, to provide pro-
grams which will inform the people
concerning the vital needs. In this
direction instruct them regarding
shortcomings and deficiencies in pres
ent facilities, and bring to their at
tention specific constructive methods
by which, in the respective communi-
ties these deficiencies may be sup
piled.
" The subject of public education
has always been very close to the
American heart and to the fact that
it has been made chief responsible
ity of local governmental units, We
largely owe the wide diffusion of edu
cational facilities. 1t is believed tina
widespread and earnest effort a
observance of education week woult
do much to emphasize this feeling O
immediate responsibility.
Therefore it is suggested that tn
pulpit, press, schools and publ
gatherings be enlisted in behalf o
this special effort.
1 want to go back to the third para
graph: Whereas, the experience o
the war reveals vast elements of pop
ulation that are illiterate, PHYSICAL
unfit, ETC."
We have read so much and heard S
much, especially during the wa
about physical fitness, or unftnes.
that / am not at all surprised at th
president emphasizing that poin
After the war and when the dra1
was closed, statistics show that in GU
fair state of Florida % per cent, G
r