Williams news., 1922-08-04
THE FORUM
(Continued from page 1.)

THAT costs something, every one will admit. But the worst feature, to the mothers and fathers, who after all are the ones to decide this whole matter, is this:
 To reach a school located on MT. Cureton's land, it is neces- sary to cross nearly half block of railway tracks, where switching is going on contln- uously. Many an adult has barely escaped accident right on those crossings. What shall we say of the danger to school children? The bulk of the town population lives in the other part of town, that would mean all the school children would have to cross those tracks, not once but many times a day, and not always in clear weather, but in storms, foggy weather, when the danger from such crossing would be double.
 In Los Angeles the number of school children killed at railway crossings where the Pacific Electric crosses the thoroughfare is appalling. In Pasadena, where the children have to cross a boulevard, where only automobiles pass, a special traffic officer is station ed all the time to escort child ren to and fro safely.
 Not only trains are constant ly passing and switching, at these tracks here in Williams, but the main highway is located here and there is always a stream of automobiles coming and going.
 What about the advisability of young girls having to go into that section of the town after nightfall for gym practise, and basketball? Around a rail- road yard has generally been conceded NOT the most de- sirable place in the world for minors, where hoboeS congre- gate. There are mothers who will refuse to allow their daughters to attend a high school located in such a part of town.
 As to the expense. It Is true, we may have the land for nothing, but that is the smallest part of it. Water would have to be piped, sidewalks built, a separate heating plant. install ed, more fuel burned, another janitor hired, a separate princl- pal, a separate corps of HIGH SCHOOL teachers. Anyone who says NO to that please ex- plain how teachers can chase back and forth across town to teach the 7th and 9th grades in the present building, then back to the high school proper? Some one has said the 7th and Sth grades will be incorporated in the new high school, but MT. Cureton can tell you himself that the high school proper con- sists of the grades beyond the eighth. At present the same teacher can take care of the high school grades and the two lower grades. Under the sys- tenn just discussed it would be impossible.
 Find out what the lowest price for the Catholic Church would be. Even if it were Is per cent more, the saving in ex- pense mentioned above would more than make up the differ ence. Do not consult ONE architect. Get the opinions of at least three. Then you can form a working basis.
 Let us not be guided by a provincial jealousy of "what some other town has done or is doing"! Remember, these other towns, such as Douglas, Bisbee, Flagstaff and Tucson, are ALL larger, wealthier per capita, have richer surrounding country to draw from, more in dustries to bring wealth, and ii is useless to say, eff THEY dc it, WE can".
 Consider our permanent pop ulation. Consider the number of taxpayers, and the value o1 property on which taxes are paid. Consider the actual number of high school pupils the number who graduated this year. Then think deeply, with | one hand in your pocket. firmly