333

have done; and consequently did not meet my eye until within the
the last week. I now answer it as a mere apology for my seem
ing neglect.

Our educational system may be seen by a reference to the laws
of Alabama, which are deposited in the Department of State,
of the several States. We have a University endowed with
$250.000, 6 per cent State stock, a small annual revenue from
rents, &c. -
We have a 16th section school fund, amounting to more than
a $1,000,000, invested in 6 per cent State stock. This fund being
in common, but to the townships in proportion to the sum at
which their respective sixteenth section, sold, is doing but little
good, especially in the poor districts where it is most needed.
In Mobile and the larger towns, the common school system of
education, if properly managed succeeds very well, but in the
sparsely populated parts of the State, it has not hitherto promised
very beneficial results.
The lands given us by Congress, for the establishment of a
"Seminary of Learning," have not yielded one-half the sum at
which they could have been sold, owing to the unwise and extra
ordinary legislation in respect to them. But the fund is now well
secured. The same remark will apply to many of the 16th
sections.
I am sure this information will be worth nothing to the Con
vent ion, even if it had not adjourned—even as matter of history,
it is hardly worth reading.
With great respect, I have the honor to be your ohed't servant,
H. W. COLLIER.
Which were severally read.
The President also laid before the Convention a petition from
sundry citizens of Washington county, praying that. provision may
be made in the new constitution, that the privilege to sell intoxi
cating liquor shall not be granted to any person in any part of the
State, except the same shall first be sanctioned or approved of by a
majority of the votes in the district where the same is to be sold.
Which was read, and
Referred to committee No. 14.
Mr. Dorsey, moved that committee No. 14, be discharged from
the further consideration of the several petitions referred to said
committee on the subject of the License Laws, and that the same
be refer red to a select committee to be appointed by the Chair.
Determined in the affirmative.
The President also laid before the Convention a report from the
clerk of the Levy court of Kent county, in relation to the fees
allowed the Attorney General and his Deputies by said county.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Which was read, and