Williams news., 1922-08-04
August 1st.

and against the proposed bond ing of the Williams district for a high school, perhaps a few words from one vitally interes- ted both from the standpoint of a tax payer and also that of 9 parent of three children, will help to make the situation clearer to those who have al ready read the articles dealing with this subject.
 In the first place it should be clearly understood that it is by no means a foregone conclusion that we WILL bond ourselves for a high school. That must be voted on, and by tax payers only, and more, only by persons eligible by virtue of paying taxes in his or her OWN name. A bonding proposition is en- tirely different from an ordi- nary election. This narrows the situation down to com parative few, as the number of taxpayers in the Williams dis trict cannot compete with the number of people who do not own single stick of taxable property.
 If we vote NO on the high school-what is the alterna- tive?
 Build another grade school building, and segregate the Mexicans, as they are already segregated in the first two grades. The Americans are in the minority as it is. With the Mexicans in a building of their own, the present school building will amply take care of the white children, grades and high school both, for the next decade, at least-judging from the fact that the towns population is less than it was five years ago. And, even if it increased a hundred per cent in WHITE population still the school could take care of the pupils. The crowding at pres ent is due to the fact that the grades are being showed in with the high school proper, which comprises all beyond the eighth grade.
 The building as it stands has a gymnasium, shower baths, auditorium, stage, in fact, is designed for high school need. The average attendance for the past six months of the Williams district high school, figures taken from the official records was 49 and a fraction. The assembly room seats over one hundred and with the Mexicans in building of their own, there would be plenty of room for the white children. This is done in other towns where there is large alien population and the situation proves to be much more satisfactory for both races. If it is deemed advisable to seperate the first two grades, what good and suf- flclent reason can be given for not separating ALL the grades?
 Now as to the site. Of course that will come later. whether it is a grade or hirh school that we vote for. Why go across town, build new wat CT mains, build new heating plant, hire another janitor, hire an extra teaching force, hire an extra principal, build more sidewalks, drain the property. etc. etc., when it is possible to purchase the adjoining prop erty, namely the lots on which stand the Catholic Church? The school heating plant is actually nearer the Catholic Church than it is to the present school house. I am not at- tempting to name prices, or quote figures, that is the province of the Board to find out, but surely in such an inn portant matter as this is, it is wise to locate every possible and suitable place for a new building, and this is suggested as one most ennnently fitted. Then the same janitor could take care of the two buildings the same heating plant, slightly enlarged perhaps, could be used, no new side walks need be built, no expensive pipes laid for water, or wires strung forl lighting; the same playground could suffice and the Amundsen property could be bought and