The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1922-02-21

satisfactory and growing in favor and
efficiency. 1t is the policy of the
state to provide, as part of its edu-
cational system, special training in
the professions, and for this purpose
we have a law department in the state
university and a medical college. We
train teachers at both the university
and Winthrop college, especial en-
phasis is given at Clemson and domes-
tic science at Winthrop. How is it
possible for this particular work at
Clemson and Winthrop college to
reach the masses who can never hope
to attend either Of the colleges unless
it be through the local schools? The
farmers son, who must be denied the
benefit of college education, ought
not to be denied by the state the spe-
cial training which can be given him
through these various classes in ag-
riculture. The Importance of this
work is recognized by the federal
government and congress has provld-
ed liberal appropriations for it. In
the various mill districts we have es-
tablished 105 textile evening classes
for mill operatives. These classes are
for the especial benefit Of adult oper-
atives and this work has the approval
of the mill executives as well as the
operatives.
Gratifying Progress
We have made gratifying progress
in the operation of our adult and
night schools. This, as you know, is
an effort on the part Of the state to
do something for that class of citizens
who have reached manhood and wo-
manhood without the rudiments of an
education. The response Of the peo-
pie in need of this work has been en-
couraging and to reduce the appropri-
alton requested not only means a
failure to 60 forward, but IS a posi-
tive injustice to those who are ready
and willing to make the personal sac
rifce involved in this effort to rid the
.4.+o of . J,,1+ ;11i+orocv
The appropriation prov;Gcd Tor by
the bureau of examiners will seriously
handicap this work. The work OF this
bureau is fundamental if the standard
of instruction in our schools is to be
improved. 1t is absolutely impossible
to do the work required in q reason
able, satisfactory manner with the re-
duction in appropriation provided in
the bill. This subject is discussed IN
the report Of the state superintendent
of education on pages II and IS, and
1877 to 213, inclusive. The chief crit
icism of this bureua has been the de-
lay in gradation of papers and the
failure to provide some additional
clerical assistance means to aggravate
this condition.
l come now to what l regard the
most important state appropriation
for our public schools to wit, guaran-
teeing a seven months term. The
state took step forward wne1 the
legislature enacted this Law. For the
first time we fixed Q definite standard
for our country schools; it Is true the
standard is low, but it IS nevertheless
decided Improvement over the ab-
solute lack of any STANDARD. Tne re-
ouirements of the law are logical and
simple, any district il order to part-c-
ipate in this guarantee must first vote
local school tax of eight mills for
teachers salaries. y great many Of
our people did not believe that such
local elvy would be favored IL rural
communities and for about 8 years
the country patrons and taxpayers
could not be persuaded 20 take edvsn-
tage of this provision to aid their
schools. But during the scholastic
year 1920-21, COZ districts qualified
for equalizing aid. While appi;"1t'o4s
from 73 other districts could net be
approved. These districts havH voted
local tax levy Of eight mills II order
to meet the state standard and secure
state aid. The voting OF these levjes
continues, notwithstanding the de-
pressed condition, AID i greet many
people are determined to educate
their children even if it requires a
personal sacrifice to do so.
There are about 500 localities al
most entirely rural now in position
to receive the benefits of this appro-
priation during the scholastic year Of
! 1922. The farmers o. thesa DIS