The log cabin Democrat., 1921-05-07
10 DEVISE SCHOOL
 RELIEF MEASURES
CONDITIONS NOW SERIOUS
Commercial Club at Luncheon Hears Crisis Detailed-Will Devise
 Relief Plan.

i the commercial OIuO 2l Us lISt monthly luncheon last night unani- mously adopted a resolution authoriz- i ing the appointment of a committee to confer with the school board and 9 similar committee for the Rotary Club. the three to devise plan and report at later meeting of the club. P. F. Cleaver, president of the club, said the committee would be announc- ed later. The spirit of the speakers and of the club as a whole in discuss i ing the entire subject was one of gravity and desire to reach the best possible solution of the problem which now threatens the life of the public school
 William R. James, one of the school directors. presented it's finances in a brief address With the problem full ly presented, Rev. R. L. Jetton de- tailed the proposal bY the Rotary Club, to fix a tax of l per cent on retail sales made in the school district. May or W. D. Cole followed Rev. Jetton, speaking in opposition to the plan as being difficult to carry out J. I. McClurkin, treasurer of Hendrix Col lege, spoke of the value of the school to the city and the severe blow to Conway as a whole. which would come if public school education were sus- pended for any period of time Rev. F. P. J. Garrott, who was called by the chair, endorsed the speech by Mr McClurkin and declared his readiness to work in carrying out measures which may be devised for continuing operation of the school.
 Judge George W. Clark, whose cir cult includes eastern Arkansas coun- ties. spoke of the condition of schools in that sectionand declared that ov comparison. the Conway district is in fairly good circumstances. He ex- pressed his unqualified belief in the ability of Conway and it's citizenship to meet the present emergency, and pledged his cooperation in making re- lief measures effective. Jo Frauen- thai spoke in favor of voluntarily in- creasing the school levy from 12 to IS mills and proceeding when pos sible with the sale of bonds to tide over the system until the state con- stitutional amendment, authorizing higher levies for educational purpos- es, can be submitted and adopted.
 The chair called upon s. c. Smith -ol Io ,.on1,al when member of the schol boad, he depended upon ". B. Hubbell, then superintendent to do the talking and as Mir. Hubbell was present, he would answer the call MT. Hubbell responded with a short address. P. E. Womack, superintendent, also spoke Of the schools condition.
 MT. Cleaver introduced Roy Wood of Little Rock, sales representative of the Ardmore-Akron Tire Company, who detailed some of the accomplish ments of the Ardmore chamber of commerce in developing and expand ing that city. The company which he represents, Nr. Wood said, is ore of the industries brough to Ardmore by the chamber of commerce. Pro- gress by the Conway dairy station, which the club backed financially, was reported by o. s Russ, mei r Der of the club committee on dairy extension.
 Previous to the serving of the lunch con by the ladies auxiliary, the in vocation was asked oy Rev. C. NJ. Reyes, pastor of the First Methodist church. About 54 had places at the tables, it was said and the auxiliary was much complimented for the ex- cennt course luncheon served at the nominal expense attached.
 In brief, the financial statement by Ar. James showed for the white and negro public schools a deficit, in round figures, of S3,100 per year, a bonded indebtedness of S41 900, and outstanding warrants which at the close of the present school year will total S53,0o0, according to MT. James estimate. l. was further explained that q bond issue of S125 900 had been
  agreed upon and attempts made to sell the securities, without success. To keep up with the rapid increase in enrolment. the directors were fore ed to provide additional space, which was partially met with the annex secured at a cost of S6,258.29 when failure to sell the bonds prevented erection of the brick additions on the east and west sides of the main building.
 It was the unanimous opinion of the club that relief measure should be adopted and put into effect as soon as possible, to relieve the banks of the abnormal total of warrants now being carried and to assure opening 1 ioT hn