Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1925-07-02
ROTARIANS DO NOT
SANCTION CLOSING
OF NEGRO SCHOOLS

and is altogeUner out OF borno,,r
and accord with simple iustiro
and with the actions of the lead
ing counties of the State Of
Georgia and the leading states in
the South, and
Whereas we love our country
and desire that our children shall
do the same and shall be able
truthfully to continue to sneak
well of the pleasant relations ex-
listing between the races in our
country, and
Whereas the action taken bv
said Board of Education is al
ready beginning to cause discour
agement, unrest, and general dis
satisfaction, and
Whereas these unsettled con-
dltions among the Negroes of the
county cannot help the county in
any way, but bids fair to hinder
both races economically and 9th
erwise; and
Whereas we desire to avert any
and all unfavorable results threat
ening our county.
Therefore, be it resolved.
l. That we look with genuine
pleasure and approval to the
splendid program of education
mapped out for the white chill
dren of Sumter county who de-
serve everything being done for
them and more.
2. That we stand ready to join
any construction campaign or
program for the education of all
the people regardless of race or
color believing that education is
a blessing to any people and that
the lack of it is a curse.
3. That we view with alarm the
backward step taken by the
Board of Education with respect
to the negro children who consti-
tute three-foruths of the school
population of Sumter county.
4. That we regard as a calami-
ty
A, The cutting Of the already
too small salaries now paid to
negro teachers.
b. The shortening of the school
term which were never long
enough to insure 4 students do
ing years work in a years time,
G. The dispensing with four
negro schools without making
adequate provision for the chill
dren thus deprived.
ID. The cutting off of the
Jeanes worker thereby greatly re
ducing the efficiency Of our cdu-
cational program.
E. The cutting off Of one of
the two Smith Hughes men there
by leaving only one man to look
after the work of four or five
schools.
F. Every other action or scnti-
ment that tends to drive from our
country foreign funds which are
helping to accomplish our educa-
tional program.
5. That we appeal to the C0un-
ty Board of Education.
A. To place all of the negro
: schools of the county at least on
the same basis as they were fast
term in every respect, and if pos
slble to make some much needed
improvements.
8. That if the reason given bv
the Board of Education for talk
ing such steps be desire to free
the Board Of debt, it is our can
did opinion that it is unfair to
further cut the amount paid to
negro teachers and schools,
which amount has already been
cut far below amount provided
Sumter county by the State on
account of the negro children in
said county, and far below the
point of efficiency in negro
schools. We believe that some
other means ought to be found to
cancel this debt,
z. That we pledge our best cf-
forts to place Sumter county in
the front rank SO long as the au-
thorities show themselves svmpa-
thetlcally interested in all the peo-
pie OF the county.
"Some times we white folk
think we can get away with lots o
things, but | tell you we are no
fooling the negroes in this county
Here are some facts which thes
negroes have gathered and printe,
and which they are putting in til,
hands of their white friends.
want you to consider. them careful
ly, in the light of justice, and max,
your own deductions:
''There are $3.50 children of pub
lie school age, 1922 of these ar,
white and 1861 of these are ne
groes. There was $4.44 per chill
received from the state treasury 0.
$29,228.52 in all for 1925. Tht
state does not discriminate agains
a child on account o fcolor; 1922,
027.84 of the above total amour
come to the county because Of tht
negro children.
1t is reasonable to expect at leas
an equal amount from the state thii
year and only $6.400 will be pro
vided for negro children next year
"The County Board Of Educa
ton received in property within thc
last few years for negroes more
than $4,000 Of this amount, for
eigne yuds gave 100000, negroes
.aontiElEted $12,000,00, the Coun
\ Board Of Education $4,000
Docal whites gave $4,000, foreign
fund on eauinment gave 100000