The Farmville herald. (Farmville, Va.) 1957-current, 1960-12-02

tack from several sources to force
the opening of public schools. The fact
that Prince Edward county has chosen
no public schools in preference to ra-
cially integrated public schools has not
vet been fully realized. The fact that
the people of Prince Edward have es-
tablished private schools appears to
have been overlooked The county's
position will be attacked from every
quarter - let there be no mistake about
that
The fact that fundamental constitu-
tional questions must be resolved APP
pears to escape the attention Of those
making the attack.
The fact that Prince Edward people
did not voluntarily choose to abandon
public schools, but were forced out of
this field by the action of the NAACP,
and the federal courts is overlooked
Abundant notice given by the people in
petition that the county would abandon
puDlic schools was cast aside by those
who would force racial Indignation. 1t
can not accurately be stated that Prince
Edward abandoned public schools with
out fight in the courts, and no one
can point an accusing finger at these
people who have openly stated their
position from the beginning, and for two
years have maintained their position by
determination and sacrifice.
1t can not accurately be stated that
the Negro school population has been
denied educational opportunities. 1t was
they who forced abandonment of public
schools in Prince Edward Yet. every
opportunity has been offered them to
provide a system Of schools for their
people - to no avail The NAACP
actions have taken away from all people
in the county the public school service.
Reestablishment of educational oppOrt-
unities have been available to all the
people. without discrimination.
Prince Edward School Foundation
has successfully filled the breach, how
ever. not without Inconvenience and a
nancial sacrifice.
Southside Schools. Inc, stands ready
to provide educational opportunities,
but the NAACP chooses not to accept
any assistance nor to offer any assist
ance to the people they represent and
control
1t is obvious that organized pres
sures are being planned By those who
demand racialv ntegrated public
schools The pressures are coming from
the outside
The Virginia Council on Human Re
lations meeting this week in Richmond
at Virginia Union University private
institution for Negroes, considered
Prince Edward County.
The councils executive director, Rev Dan
Bowers, predicted the opening of public
schools in Prince Edward county by Sept
ember of next year.
Mr. Bowers said this hopeful result would
be obtained because of legal action and COM
nltnty pressure for school reopenine.
The county. according to Bowers, has lost
both Negro and white population since be-
ginning of the situation which Bowers called
Exhibit No. l IN the foolishness Of massive
resistance He added that there had been
- almost complete breakdown of community
in all its senses in the county.
Facts belle Mr.. Bowers statement.
We don't know how far back he wishes
to go, as this county has been under at
tack by the NAACP since 1851, if not
before.
Let's look at the record:
In 1856. the people of this area.
large portion from Prince Edward
County, donated $145,000 to the South
side Community Hospital to expand its
services.
In 1857, the people of this county,
principally the Town of Farmville, es-
tablished d recreation center by build
ing swimming pool. cost $4,000, and
little boys baseball park, through
the voluntary efforts of businessmen
and artisans. A ful-size baseball foot
ball park was built by the Jaycee Civic
club in 1859.
In 1859 the people of Prince Edward