The Farmville herald. (Farmville, Va.) 1957-current, 1962-11-20
Letter 10 Editor

School Dilemma
By Cancellation
Editor. The Farmville Herald,
In recent letters to the Herald
regarding the Prince Edward
school crisis, the mistakes on
both sides have been aired.
Most of us are willing to admit
these mistakes (delay in equal
izing educational facilities on the
one side, unwise strategy on the
other). But the time has now
come for more constructive de-
liberation Of decisions that will
soon be unavoidable. We all
recognize that it is a tragedy for
hundreds Of Negro children to be
deprived of an education in an
era when good education means
so much and through no fault of
their own. In 1857 sociologists
computed that a high school
education as compared with
even an eighth grade schooling
means an additional $4,000 in
lifetime earnings (76 per cent
more income). But the value Of
a good education for informed
citizenship and for personal real
ization cannot possibly be esti-
mated. So interdependent are
the lives Of white and Negro
citizens in any modern com
munity that both races stand to
suffer when one is unduly re-
tarded.
Some will no doubt recon-
mend delay on the ground that
the Federal courts have not rem
dered a final verdict. But when
this "order" comes, it will not
dictate the right solution, but
only the conditions under which
a constructive solution would or
would not be legal. In a democ-
racy when sharp division of
opinion prevails, the alternative
to open conflict is reasonable
Cancellation. But this does not
mean base compromise" Both
sides may uphold certain princi-
pies but nevertheless find a way
out. To do this, however, they
cannot remain absolutely ada
mant.
The Christian religion and our
system OF democracy seem to be
in agreement that gross inequali
ties are not to be accepted as
predestined but reduced or mini
mized. This is the essence of
ethical justice. It is also axio-
matte that the strong help to
bear the burdens Of the weak.
that is, help the less privileged
help themselves. It is, therefore,
to the credit of a large number
Of white citizens in the County
that they have contributed gen
erously to the education Of both
races. during this crisis, not
just to their own.
Almost everyone agrees that
the present situation is unsatis-
factory. A permanent and right
solution will call for forbear-
ance. wisdom and energetic fore
sight. It is fortunate that both
races have remained patient
and courteous during the last
seven years, though for one race
1t was more difficult. But one
needed ingredient is better COM
munication between representa-
tives Of the two races. In the
late 1905 a biracial meeting
was held in the willie
Methodist Church to discuss i'm
provements in racial relations in
this area. About forty citizens of
the two races were present. The
was amicable, the dis
cuSslon candid and the spirit
constructive. Unfortunately, it
was not followed up. If it had
been. We might have been spar
cd the present distressing situa-
ton.
II Christianity is. as most Of
us believe, a spirit of reconcilia-
ton and mutual helpfulness that
knows no inSurmountable barri-
ers. perhaps the church people
OF Prince Edward County will
lead the way instead of standing
back for fear of adverse criti-
clsm. It is well for us to recall
that it was a citizen Of this
County and active churchman
BENJAMIN Mosby Smith who,
as an educator. led a thirty year
fight for the establishment of
free public schools in Virginia.
It heartens one to think that
such public spirited leadership
may still be forthcoming among
our citizens.