The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1922-02-22

state TO 90 SOI0etnlnS lOI lHdl Cidoa
Of citizens who have reached man.
hood and womanhood without the
ru6iments Of an education. The re-
sponse OF the people in need of this
work has been encouraging and TO
reduce the appropriation requested
not only means a failure to go for
ward, but is q positive injustice 10
those who are ready and willing
TO make the personal sacrifice in
volved in this effort to rid the state
of adult illiteracy.
The appropriation provided for
by the bureau of examiners viii
seriously handicap this work. The
work Of this bureau is fundamen-
tai if the standard Of instruction
IN our schools is to be improved. 1t
is absolutely impossible TO do the
work required in a reasona ble, sat
isfactory manner with tn" reduc-
ton in appropriation provided III
the bill. This subject is discussed
in the report OF the state superin-
tendent Of education on pages II
and IS. and l67 to 213. inclusive.
This chief cricitism OF this bureau
has been the delay in graduation OF
papers and the failure to provide
some additional clerical assistance
means to aggravate this condition.
come now to what | regard
the most important state appro-
priation for our public schools, TO
wit, guaranteeing a seven months
term. The state took 4 step for
ward when the legislature enacted
tbs law. For the first time we
fixed q definite standard for our
county schools. i is true the stand
ard is low, but il is nevertheless a
decided Improvement over the abso-
lutte lack Of any standard. The re-
ouirements of the law are logical
and simple, any district in order
TO participate in this guarantee
must first vote q local school tax Of
eight mills, for teachers salaries.
y great many OF oar people did
not believe that such 6 local levy
would be favored in rural COM
munities and for about three years
the country patrons and taxpayers
could not be persuaded to take ad-
vantage of this provision to aid
their schools. But during the schol-
astic year l920-21, Coz districts
qualified for equalizing aid, while
applications from 73 other dis
tricts could not be approved. These
districts have voted 4 local tax Of
eigh, mills in order 10 meet the
state standard and secure state aid.
The voting of these .levies con-
tinucs, Notwithstanding the de-
pressed condition, and a great many
people are determined to educate
their children even if it requires 4
personal sacrifice to do so.
There are about 500 localities
almost entirely rural now in posi-
ton 10 receive the benefits Of this
appropriation during the scholas-
tic year Of 1922. The farmers
OF these districts have right to ex-
pect a seven months school term
for their boys and girls. They
would be glad to have eight months
or nine. if possible, and to dis
appoint them is nothing short Of
a reputation OF the solemn obl!-
CATION OF the commonwealth can
not remain silent when am con-
yinced that there is danger Of in
jury 20 public education IN COM
munities where it is most needed.
If you Will examine the report Of
the state superintendent Of educa-
ton. pages 800 and 400. inclusive.
you will See in detail how this fund
was distributed during the year
1920-21. 1t is principally limited
to rural communities. Cities and
towns with corporate wealth. rail-
roads, banks and mercantile estab-
lishments do not need any assist
ance 1t should be borne in mind
also that practically every city and
town in the state runs its schools
for nine months. The people of
these urban communities will not
tolerate anything else. Most Of the
towns and cities also have state aid
ed high schools The bulk OF our
population is rural. Can the state
afford to neglect the country chill
dren on the plea that their educa-
ton costs money and requires
taxes? Wherever white population
is dense and tax valuation low.
this law is mest beneficial. 1t taxes
the wealth OF the state wherever i;
finds it and uses the proceeds TO
educate the children where they
are. The property Of the state is
thus made responsible for the ed
ucation of our children. Any 9TH
er standard or policy is incompat-
ible with the true spirit Of Amer
icanism, democracy and Chris
tianity.
am appealing to you. gentle
men, in behalf OF that portion Of
our population whose community
school is The only university they
can ever crjoy. II you must reduce
the appropriation necessary TO
support our educational activities
why is it that the reduction must
be made against the rural schools
and The high schools rather than
the institutions? Do not misunder-
stand ne. l would protest against
any reduction in appropriations to
L
ing NY budget recommendation