Milford chronicle., 1927-09-23
WORK WELL DONE

The work of nine years by the Ser
vice Citizens for public school edu-
cation in Delaware, marks a new era
in the progress of the people to bet
ter life conditions. Words can not
express appreciation for what has
been, and what will be accomplish
ed through this nine years of public
service. In an editorial last Satur-
day the Morning News voiced the
whole story as near as it can be told
briefly, which with the news article
that appears in the columns of the
Chronicle this week, helps to a real
ization of what has been accomplish
ed. The Morning News said:
mo matter what the future of
welfare work in Delaware may be
the formal passing of the Service
Citizens causes keen regret among
those who have watched the remark
able career of that organization for
the last nine years. The impetus it
has given the larger and nobler life
in Delaware cannot pass out.
Delaware has been the scene of
an astonishing, a staggering expert
ment, unique in the national life,
and it is sometimes difficult to grasp
it all.
Fortunately for the State, the
Delaware School Auxiliary and the
Delaware School Foundation do not
cease. There is comfort in the re-
newed statement by Director Odell
that Pierre S. DUPONT has erected a
new trust fund to be administered by
the Foundation.
"The summary of the work of the
Service Citizens as related at the
final session yesterday showed that
an enormous sum had been expend-.
ed to benefit our public schools, both
white and colored, the figures being
around $5,000,000, sum much larger
than the endowment of many his
toric college. One important thing is
that under the administration there
has been no waste, the money reach
ing the destination, the specified pur-
pose. 1t is indeed monument to
Pierre S. DUPONT, who in a way un-
dreamed of has manifested his
toward public education
just as his distinguished ancestor of
the same name and friend Of Thomas
Jefferson was deeply concerned in
preparing the foundations of Amer
ican educational system during the
early days of the last century. Mr..
generosity made this great
work in Delaware possible, he be-
ing the handspring, the motive pow
er, and the benefits will continue
down the ages.
while much has been accomplish
ed, as Mr.. DUPONT said, there is more
to be done, and he spoke with ap-
proval of the newly-organized Della
ware Citizens Association, which al
so met yesterday afternoon.
"Mr. DUPONT and other speakers
praised Director Odell, whose resig-
nation was presented at the final
meeting. To his duties DR.. Odell has
brought rare skill and sound judg-
nent. In fact all connected with the
were lauded, and right
y so, as any person who had deal
ngs with the Service Citizens can
.estify.
1.-THE final report of Director Odell
vas brief summary of this pioneer
And yet its accomplish
nents, spiritual and material, could
hardly be set forth in a report Of
words. There is something in the
created in Delaware that
effects this wholesome desire for
educational progress, knowing that
t is the basis of better and larger
md richer life. 1t has truly been an
organization.
doctor Odell sums up admirably
n appreciation of his staff, relating
hat Pierre S. DUPONT had never been
90 busy to give him an audience
rhen problems were to be solved and
here has always been the valuable
dvice, the ripe and disinterested
ounsel, of Henry P. Scott.
"a thought that occurs in contem-
lating this final meeting is that it
hould inspire many other of our
.otable citizens to emulate in one
ray or another the example of Mr..
uPont, according to their respec- J
I've abilities, by expanding other
bases of life in Delaware with the
anne spirit of unselfish devotion.
"True, much along this line has {
cen done, but much is yet to be ]
one. Surely no other state has a 1
lore attractive background where :
le appeal to the historical, to the {
to the altruistic, is
reater, and where the reward in S
entail satisfaction at least would be t
Although 1t has formally closed, ]
g are not inclined to say farewell {
the Service Citizens, for we are +
keIy to linger.