New Britain herald., 1930-11-12
HOLMES ASKS AID FOR SCHOOL SYSTEM
(Continued From First Pase)

thing to learn 10 give up our inter- ests and pleasures that are subor- dirate in value to the interests of e child and its future.
 Why do we have schools? There was a time when there were no schools. But even in those days the teaching was done by the elders of the village, and those who shared the responsibility of service.
 Europe Looks to America
 To-day we try to give the chill dron an opportunity through the school room. In many cases the classes are too large. In some cases the teachers are absolutely in competent. But no other country in the world has public schools like the public schools in America. The soviet republic, Austria, Germany and Italy all are coming to feel that Europe must come 10 America to find a better kind of school than Europe has ever had.
 They are finding that the old time school system that Germany and Austria have had will not serve in democratic country. Education fly of opportunity.
 "Without education that is free and with equality of opportunity we would have a seething mass of unin- teligent far below the safety level.
 Thus the prime purpose of edu- cation is self-defense.
 Money for Schools Is Investment
 When you vote money to the schools of your city do not think of this as a gift or as taxes. It is an investment. You invest in the safety or the community as you would in vest in fire insurance. You are in- vtsting in safety and protection.
 What can be substitute for the school? The church doesn't take it's place. The church does a great service and is absolutely necessary but it cannot take the place of the school. Neither can parks and play grounds and public recreation, or good streets. road and sidewalks. or sewer systems, police or fire depart ments or hospitals All these are good things, but they cannot take the place of the school.
 Another purpose Of education is the training of the individual for opportunity and preparation for training for service. Ii is the right Of the child to have the fullest opportunity ,o receive a vocation.
 T know opinions differ as to what is needed and accomplished.
 Little Red School Houses
 Some of our critics honestly be- Ieyc we would be better off with the little rcd school house. If we carried their ideas 10 a logical con- clusion we would have little red school houses on every street cor ncr in New Britain. We would re- turn 10 the little red school house. with it's little one room inside, Its little teacher afraid of the big boys, and the little pupils afraid of the larger pupils.
 The modern school has ine system and fine teachers and equip ment and gives the pupil better opportunity.
 Cost Not ENorbitant
 "Of course schools cost money. Some people say schools cost too much. l say the schools do not cost too much. This community today requires good schools and it is will ing to find the money to pay for them.
 There is no reason for New Britain 10 equip good schools for less cost per pupil than in any other community of its size. We can. compel New Britain people to teach in New Britain schools for less money than they could obtain by teaching elsewhere.
 We have to buy our supplies and materials in the open market. We get as reasonable prices as possible, but we can't do any better than any other place.
 should Have Income Tax
 ''Of the entire school budget all most so per cent goes for service. Any reduction in the budget would have to be made by cutting teachers salaries. We could not hope to pro- vide adequate teaching service a. We do now if the same people could go elsewhere and get more money.
 ''I feel that those who think taxes are too high. really mean that pro- perty taxes have gone as high as is reasonable. They mean that real estate tax is too high.
 "On this basis they fcuge the schools cost too much and thus force the real estate taxes up. In this respect they are right. There is no fairness or justice 10 the little fel- low who has his money tied up in property that some fellow with a S25,0O0 yearly income can live in an apartment for which he pays $50 a month. without assuming his share Of the burden.
 Calls Connecticut Slow
 ''There should be a state income tax, the same as they have in New York and other places. Connecticut .s slow, conservative and backward in this respect and will be for some timn to come.
 The larger share Of money that goes for school purposes in New York state comes from the state tax.
 Danger Of Being Mihlcd
 In New Britain the people have been very generous and the schools have had wonderful support.
 Tt is in the present emergency we feel there is grave danger of the people of being misled by the insIs- tent and loud demands of thought less people. politicians who play to the galleries. for reduction In school expenses 10 bring about reduction in taxes.