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60 a levy made by the County Commissioners, in accordance with section 5 (if a law passed March 20, 1837. The latter varied from five to eight thousand dollars: the Commissioners were authorized to levy the maximum if the Inspectors requested them to do so. The whole amount obtained from these sources was divided among the Districts in proportion to their respective population between the ages of five and eighteen, and was paid to the Trustees. By the Act of February 31, 1810, the latter were empowered to apply the fund to the erection of School-Houses, the purchase of sta- tionery, fuel, &c, the payment of Teachers' salaries, or to the gen- eral purposes of the School, as in their discretion they might deem best. Additional funds were secured by a charge for every child, whose parent was considered able to pay, of twenty-five cents (and in same Districts, fitly, or even seventy-five cents) per month. This charge was styled monthage. The efficiency of the Schools depended entirely upon the ability and zeal of the. Teachers. Where one of great mental activity and enthusiasm was found, whether in a mountainous district or in a town, (lie children generally manifested diligence and enthusiasm in their studies. Furthermore, it may be stated that the country Schools were generally better than those belonging to town dis- tricts. The citizens, being absolutely dependent upon the former for the education of their children, were constrained to exercise some kind of supervision: in towns, however, Subscription Schools were always to he found, to which the children could be sent when the Public Schools proved inefficient, and hence inefficiency was frequently tolerated. 3. As regards "the general intelligence of the people of this County," I may say that there is as much "good, hard, solid, com- mon sense" to be found within its limits as anywhere in the State. There are but few white citizens who cannot read and write. Newspapers are read throughout the County, and very clear ideas of the principles involved in the late fratricidal war are possessed by all classes, from the wealthiest to the humblest. The people have submitted to poor Teachers, because better could not be secured, but they are now anxious to secure the best possible Teachers (or their children. 4. The Public Schools are largely attended at present, and but few of the people offer objection to purchasing the new School Books. The interest in Public Schools has been steadily increasing since the beginning of the Fall Term. This is the case especialiy in those districts where the Schools have been opened. In conse- quence of the great want of good Teachers, we have been able to open Schools in ninety-four districts only; leaving fourteen unpro- vided with Teachers. Our people do not manifest their interest in an enterprise by attendance upon public meetings, called with ref- erence to the same, nor are they influenced by statements made at such meetings, but true to the customs of their forefathers, they are always disposed to look at the fruits—the practical results—and by these' to determine for or against. My engagements have kept me |
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Proceedings and Acts of the General Assembly, 1866
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