Evening star., 1932-09-11
Continued From First Page.)

OUSet IN many lHSIdHCeS ny AicC ScAF-
ices generously given by the teachers.
Conditions in California are highly
varied, but reports show low wages,
farm prices below the cost of produc-
ton, with a tendency to discontinue
domestic science and manual training
and to withhold increases in teachers
salaries.
In many parts OF Colorado conditions
are most trying Some men have lost
their ranches, mines have been passing
through a difficult period, teachers
salaries have been cut. One county
superintendent writes: "As this is en-
tirely an agricultural county, every
body broke. about one-third Of the
farmers lost and losing their farms,
loans more than the land Is worth,
taxes alreaoy more than the land will
sell for, I can see nothing improving
now"
One Of the most favorable reports
comes from the State Of Delaware,
which has revised its system of taxa
ton so as to stabilize income. The
schools are supported by an income tax
which has been so productive OF reve-
nue. that the last Legislature gave the
income taxpayers so per cent rebate
without any injury to the schools
Florida Hit Hard
The depression has hit Florida with
particular severity The croSs-currents
in that State have been so strong as to
change 80 out of 81 county superintend-
ents. Says a report from that State:
I'VE face again heart-breaking situa-
ton. School administrators don't feel
much enthusiasm about asking teachers
or any one else to come to meeting
when the teachers and parents would
not have money to buy gasoline to
operate their cars. or in many instances
to buy dresses that would be needed by
those who must thus venture away from
home We expect to take DR.. Strayer'S
advice and do better teaching for less
money"
Reports from Georgia show the break
down of the taxing system and the
prospect of shortening school terms un-
less prices and farm conditions steadily
improve.
Conditions in Illinois show little i'm
provement. One report from that State
reflects the unfavorable effects of the
depression on the home life OF the
children, which in turn touches their
school success. Some families are NOV
ing together in their homes in order to
save expenses, thus reducing the stand
ard of living.
From Indiana comes a report: I'VE
have 35 unemployed teachers, not
counting married women and retired
teachers who would like to come back.
There are no signs Of improvement ="
From another Indiana county super
intendent: THE economic situation in
Central Indiana ic not as good as two
months ago."
From an Iowa county superintendent: ::
I'VE are starting all the schools in the
county within the next two weeks for
the whole year, We hope, but we don't
know. A lot Of our funds are tied up
in closed banks, and what's coming
from taxes this Fall Is problematlcal.
The situation is desperate"
Conditions in our county are not as
bad as in lots of places, but they are
worse than a year ago. There is no
sign of improvement" writes county
superintendent from Kansas. Another
Kansas report shows salary reductions
from 10 to 20 per cent.
Fears This Winter.
Reports from Kentucky show little
sign of improvement. Says one state
ment: II believe the conditions in our
county this coming Winter will be
worse than last year. because last year
there was quite a bit Of road work. y
These comments on the Importance OF
road work as a source OF income appear
in many of the letters. Another Ken
lucky letter states: Our teachers
salaries were cut on the average about
Is per cent. I voluntarily cut my own
salary $25 a month"
y;r5n We ct1 fyyN
comes this: THE assessment of this
parish has dropped exactly SO per cent.
Our planters are losing their large hold
ings, as they can't meet their obligations.
1t is getting so that the Federal Re
serve will in the near future hold most
of our large sugar plantations"
Reports from Michigan are not en-
couraging. Says one county commits
sioner: Salaries have been cut about
30 per cent below those of 1881. There
have been no increases" Says another:
I'VE are beginning to feel the pinch of
hard times more and more" From an
other: "A new method Of supporting
the schools is needed" A hopeful note
is struck in the report, which refers to
a cut in salaries Of 80 per cent or more,
but adds that with very few excep-
tions the teachers are cheerfully facing
the situation with every hope for better
conditions soon"
THE financial conditions Of this
county are very bad" writes super
intendent from Minnesota. AT tax
paying time in May the farmer had to
bring in four times as much butter fat
or eggs to get dollar with which to
pay taxes as he did two years before
with about as many dollars tax to pay
as then. The price of cattle and hogs
was worse. AS a result taxes are not
paid" Another Minnesota letter
Economic conditions are worse than
ever, due to a continued and severe
period of drought
Among the reports from Mississippi
one finds these: Salaries have been
reduced almost one-third I doubt If
college graduates will be paid more than
$55 per month. The sales tax in Mis-
sissippi is bringing in more than was