Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-12-25
- 'N2sse IL ,
-. H
PATERNALISM IN GOVERNMENT IS
DOMINANT.

= T has been remarked that One-half the
l people are now being supported by the
- other half In the early days-nearly a
hundred years ago-the families in a neigh
borhood settlement, were interested in each
Other-in each others children. If there was
sickness, neighbOrs who were we'll planned
to ''sit up with the SICK That meant they
went over to the sick folks house after
dark and took charge of the sick ones, kept
fires going, gave the medicine, lifted the sick
one with strong willing arms. The worn out
, family were entreated to lie dOWn-gO to
sleep If pOssble-anyhow stretch out on a
bed and rest When morning came they de-
parted, after they had replenished the wood
| bOX-flling buckets with fresh water at the
well, and making the sick one as comforta-
BILE as possible for the day. They never ex-
pected to eat supper or breakfast That was
looked after at their respective homes. Be-
fore leaving they planned for others equally
willing to be hand the next night, while
the tired ones might get a good comforta-
BILE nights sleep. This neighbory care and
attention made strong friendships, abiding
and genuine. Women were prompt to go, as
circumstances permitted. Nursing mothers
were apt to carry their babies, and stay an
day. In the event of death they rallied
bravely to those who were bereaved. They
dug the graves, sometimes made the COffins,
and continued their unselfsh attentions to
the latest hour. These neighbors made loyal
church members, because they had brotherIy
kindness to base their religion upon. They
could trust their neighbors. They had seen
them tested in times Of trial.
In school matters they were unit. First,
to erect schoolhouse-probabIy a cabin of
logs, with stick and dirt chimney. Teach
ers came around asking for the job. The
heads Of families made Inquiries and togeth-
er agreed upon details-and their pay
The poorer children were welcome, along
with the well-to-do ones. A richer neighbor
would pay for the schooling of some bright
boy or girl, when their elders were not finan-
cially able. In those days a mans word was
his bond. But few promissory notes were
demanded or accepted. "He will pay If he
cam" was the usual word that passed.
If serious illness overlook farmer (and
n1ne-tenths were farmers), and the crop got
grassy, the neighbors would take a day off,
go over with mules and plows and clean
the crop"
1t was nothing out Of the common. They
had precious little talk either-it was the
expected thing. There were cuttings, corn
shucklngs, weddings and meeting houses,
later called churches
Everybody who was we'll enough to go
went to all of them. They enjoyed a circus
and militia muster" But few gave time
to book reading, because they worked hard
all the week and went to bed early
Once a month the neighborhood went to
hear regular preaching. But few had fine
vehicles and many rode Observation-Disclosures.
LIE crowd wore their sunday best, which
meant clean shirt and breeches and a coat,
which was only comfortable in cool weather
The children all went, and generally occu-
pied pallets on the meeting house floor to
sleep on.
There was no extra excitement. If they
believed the preacher to be a truthful, hon
est man he was we'll received. Taxes were
not heavy and there was plenty in the corn
crib, also in the smokehouse.
This is reasonable description of what
made Georgia a great state-when I first
saw it in 1835-nearIy ninety years ago.
When l attended school my father paid the
teacher. When 1 boarded out for schools
away from home, he paid it all cheerfuIly. l
was his child He expected to support his
family. take pride that l never cost the
state dollar in my life. Nowadays every
bodys children must go to school at public
expense. Every year the expense goes high
er. 1t will cost the taxpayers at least three