Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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NO SCHOOL FOR SARD LABOR' + Better Deny "the Children of Rent- j ers" all School Privileges than Shorten the Term of the Trustee's Own School. SCHOOL OFFICERS MUST STICK! TOGETHER?RENTERS NEED NOT APPLY. THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION FULLY SUSTAIN THE SCHOOL COMMISSIONER IN DENYING SCHOOL PRIVILEGES TO CHILDREN OF RENTERS. -# Although the Trustees Kept their Own School Open for Fire Months, while Other Schools were Kept Open for Only Three Months, and Although a School was Denied to Other Children, the State Board of Education See No Ground for Interfering. As our reader* will remember, the people of Hard Labor prayed that the Trustees of White ilall township allow them to open a school Vhlch would be convenient to them. A majority of the Trustees gave their consents Before the school was opened the School Commissioner ordered or authorized the Trustees of the county to Day their teachers twenty-five dollars a month. The Trustees of Abbeville township however took the risk of dismissal for insurbordination, and relused to frmy the Increased salary. The Trustees of White Hall township realized that with the Unnecessarily increased pay of teachers that an increased number of schools must shorten the school term. This they thought to remedy by refusing the new school. The patrons of the Hard Labor school made their complaint to the School Commissioner, who in turn directed them how to bring the matter before the County Board of Examiners. The County Board sustained the Trustees in denying the school. It was thought -?h?n that rh? mutter was ended, but neverthe less a copy of the official records, and the remarks of the Press and Banner were cut from the paper and pusted in a small blank book with this preface, In writing, and sent to the lion. A. Coward, State Superintendent of Education ; Letter to Hon. A. Conard. Abbeville, S. C., Maroh 24, 1S8G. To Hon. A. Coward, State Superintendent of Education, Yorkville, 8. C.: Deau Sik: We herewith submltall the papers in reference to the petition, appeal, and refusal of a school on the East side of Hard Labor Creek, in White Hall township, Abbeville county. We present them in tuis form because they will be easier read and reviewed, than if sent in manuscript. While they are not sent through an official channel, it will be seen, from statements made, that the School Commissioner has refused to reconsider the matter. The law, we know, does not provide for appeal of citizcns who are denied official recognition by the Board of Trustees, but we do not Intend to yield on a technicality without making the facts known to you. At least a portion of the poople of Abboville County will await with interest a knowledge of whatever you may sec proper to do in the matter. Awaiting your pleasure, I am Very respectfully, HUGH WILSON. Courteous Reply. "The State Superintendent of Education sent the following letter In reply, which seemed so lair, and marked out so clearly what should be done in case It was desired to bring the matter to the attention of the State Board of Education, that legal aid was employed to send it up. ? The trouble of measuring distances, seeking and taking affidavits, was all undergone, with the Idea that the appeal wonld be fairly heard, and that the case which had been improperly conductcd at Abbeville would be either reversed or sent back for a proper hearing, but it will be seeu that owing to the fact that the patrons of the Hard Labor School were as ignorant of the legal mode of procedure as was the School Commissioner, they have been defeated upon tecnicalitles and, what seems to us to be, au unmistakable and ever present desire on the part of the State Board of Education to defend and sustain the school .authorities from whose Judgment the appeal was taken. The State Superintendent of Education said: State of South Carolina, Office of State Sup't. of Education, Columbia, 8. G\, March 31, 1686. Mr. Hugh Wilson, Abbeville, 8. Cj Deah Sik: Your communication dated March 24th, and directed to me at Yorkville under P. O. registry, has been received ; aud I have read it with care. The introductory address to me signed by you (in beiialf of others, I presume) leaves mo In doubt as to what action is expected of me. If the paper is intenuea as an appeal iruu u decision ot the Oouuty Board of Examiners. It should be put in proper form uud addressed to the State Board of Examiners. The Superintendent of Education has no authority to review or reverse decisions made by theCounty Boards. As be is chairman, ex officio, of tne State Board, It would be manifestly Improper for him to express any opinion, upon am ex parte statement, concerning any matter of appeal that is to come before that Board. The right of appeal is clearly granted In the law. See Section 1007, School JUiw. (a copy herewith 6cnt), aud the mode of proceeding is prescribed. If It Is desirod to bring the matter before the State Board, I would suggest that the parties who made the appeal to the County Board, prepare a statement of their -case as presented to that Board, with such map, affidavits, <xc., as may oe necessary io a proper understanding of their claim; address it to the State Board of Examiners, and forward It through the Couuty Board. This will Klve that Board the proper notice of the appeal with such statement of facts and testimony as may place the State Board in position to deal intelligently with the subject. I am free to say that this difficulty is one of common occurrence, and grows directly out ' of the unfortunate policy adopted at the inauguration of the public school system, in making the school districts coincide with tho townships. For the past three years, I have been urging the County Boards, who have the requisite power by law. to re-district their Countie* so as lo make two schools, one for white and one for colored children, with an area extending from two and a half lo three miles in all directions, constitute a school district. Th?. Trustees would then be able to discharge their Important duties without hardship or inconvenience, and would be freed from the annoying suspicion of partiality ior .certain sections. Until such a change is made 2 am persuaded that the fullest benefit of the ; schools can nol be realized. Very respectfully, A. COWARD, fc>taie ^np i. luuquuu, o. v. BEL TAPE AND TECHNICALITIES. The Decree of the Mate Board of E<Iucntion, which Determines that "Renter*" Have Xo Claims to Kchoo.l Privilege*. The Statu ok South Carolina, State Boaki> of Examiners. James A. Bigby, D. H. Howard und others against tlie Board of Trustees o; School District >>0. 8 of Abbeville County?Ap- ' peal from judgment of Couuty Board of! Examiners. Tfii? is an appeal from a judgmfht of the ! 1 Board /Of Examiners for Abbeville County dismissing a complaint against the Board of TrustoeR of School District No. 8 in that Coun ty tor declining to locate a school on the East | side of Hard ?,obor Creek. Under the School Law, an appeal to the State Board of Exam- * Jners must be made through the County1 Board of Examiners, and must "distinctly set! Jorth the question in dispute, the decision of | the County Board and the testimony as; agreed upon by the parties to the controversy,' 1 or if they fall to agree, upon tin testimony j as reported by tlie County Boar.d'1 Schoolp Law, Sec. 1007. In this case, no testimony! was taken, but we have, coming through the j: County Board, a brief containing a history of the controversy, ihe writteu Complaint of i .Tamos A. Blgby and others against the School, 1 District No. 8, the answer of the Trustees, the 1 Judgment of the County Board and theji ground of appeal. Besides this, we have laid < before us and urged upon our attention, on;] the part of the Appellants, a paper contain- ,1 ing what are cnllcd "additional tacts" sup-ji ported by affidavits; and the County Board (i *if Examiners also submit a comment 011 the grounds of appeal in which matters that wo [' <ionuttludlu the brief arc (stated lu viudl- J y'' cation of the Judgment of the Board. The the matters set forth In these two papers as addi- the tlonal facts, were not before the County sus Hoard at the hearlnjr, do not properly come tlvi before us and cannot, of course, be considered, the Itis not improper, however, to say that we ner have read these papers and find nothing in ma them which, if properly brought before us lie. would affect the conclusion we have readied, wit Looking at the case as presented, it appears V that fur many years, the school for white jnd children living on both sides of Hard Labor Tin Creek in School District No. K, has been lo- A ojitorl at. White Ilall on the Western side of A the creek. The crossings on the creek are badly liept and, nl times, difficult of passage by small children on loot. Some of the children have to travel a distance of over two miles to reach the school; but, In the language ol the Complaint, "it is not of the distanec. but of the natural obstacles that intervene' that complaint is made. Hccentiy, owing to the incoming of a number of white tenants, the greater number of the children, dependent on the school, arc located on the Kast tldo of the creek. The Trustees all live r? on the West side of the creek, and two of tlieiu are patrens of White Hall school. At the beginning of this year, James A. Bigby and others residing on the East side of the creek, became desirous to have a school locutdd on that side, and encouraged by un- j official declarations by two of the Trustees to ? the effect that It was likely there would be no . objection to the location of such a school, J'1S they obtained the use of a suitable house, ,,.f procured school furniture and made applica- slt tlon for a school. Upon consideration, the majority of the Board of Trustees, uecnneu to gran 11lie request. Mr. Bigby aud bis as- "f11 sociates, nevertheless, employed a teacher JIei and opened a rchool. At the end of the first nu' month the Trustees refusing to provide for mc the pay of the teacher, a formal complaint T was laid before the County Board of Examln- rec ers, charging the Board of Trustees with violation of duty in not establishing the school wri asked for. and praying a reversal of their ac- an* tion. The 13th of March was appointed tor am the hearing of the controversy. Though in- . formally notified of the charge, the written 11 ^ Complaint was not served upon the Trustees cas until the day before the hearing. The Answer the of the Trustees was read at the bearing without having been first served upon the Com- wil plalnants. Neither side, however, appears to I have complained of want of notice, or to ?i01 have asked for further time. No witnesses ' were present, no testimony was taken, and, Pcc without further objection from either side, "hi the Board of Examiners proceeded to deter* ?<m mine the controversy on the Complaint and Answer alone, with the exception that a Mr. sit( Hearst, representing the Complainants, "was sch allowed to make some verbal statements." to i The judgment of the County Board was as follows: "After reading the grounds of ap- Coi peal and the statement of the Board of Trus- er tees, and upon due consideration thereof, we mr nofirvn nf t.hfi Hoard Of Trusts?i.'; I Mr. Blgby and lils associates then appealed fol' to this Board. The Grounds of Appeal, ten let In number, in so far as applicable to case as . presented to the County Board, complain: ,lo 1st. That Appellants did not have a fair an hearing, inasmuch as they were taken by oul surprise by the answer of the Trustees, ana no witnesses were summoned and examined 1 by the County Board. " 2nd. That the judgment of the County ho Board was erroneous upon the facts as pre- bel sented. is t It seems to be assumed by the Appellants tb< that, under the School Law. it is the duty of un the County Board of Examiners, not only to La sit as a tribunal for bearing and determining ~ any matter of local controversy in reference to the construction or administration of the Bo school laws, but to advise and direct the par- to ties in the preparation of the controversy, sta hunt up ana select, meir witnesses anu summon and examine thom. The 4th Ground of " Appeal reads "Because the County Board of ' Examiners should have summoned the wit- for ncsses and taken the testimony as provided no1 by Section 1007 of the Revised Statutes." It is ces true that under the School Law, the County the Board have a right to supervision over the dis action of the Boards of Trustees, in the con- hei trol and arrangement of the School Districts ?, and, in the exercise of this right, may have " occasion to summon witnesses of their own wb selection and, on their own motion, to aid th< them in some investigation necessary for the t unlightened exercise of their supervisory power; but it seem scarcely necessary to say tec that when the Board sits as a tribunal for the Scl hearing of a controversy. Impartiality re- fT quires that it take no part in the preparation 8 or presentation of the matter in dispute on sta either side except in so far as the same may ucs be effected by the enforcement of such com- , mon law rules and regulations as may be ao) necessary tb secure to the litigants a fair, or- 1 derly aud impartial hearing. As a matter of ?< course, the parties must themselves, make all be ? <! If thnw, {a o,. Im. rr_. Ill'CUIUi piqmiauuu auu, ** iuv.v/ iq m.. A1, perfect presentation of either sldo, the blame th< cannot, on auy rational ground,* be saddled T upon the Court If witnesses are deemed 1 necessary, the Bo&rd can be applied to for tlio to proper process by which to secure their at- ev< tendance. Section 1007 of the School Law . simply vests in the County Board, sitting as a 8C? Court, the power, which every Court must set have, to summon witnesses at the instance of scii the parties to tho controversy, and to com- J pel their attendance. In short, in the matter 'x of local controversies, the Couuty Board of ml Examiners is a Court, and not an Investlgat lng Committee. In this case, if either party pai was taken by surprise, If complaint had been tal made, the Board would doubtless, upon a iea proper request, have granted all needed time pa lor preparation, and, had witnesses been de- tri sired, and the proper process asked for, there thi can be no doubt that the Board would have th< summoned tbe witnesses named, and tak- . en their testimony. No objection bav- ' lug been made at tho time to the mc manner in which the controversy was heaad, au it cannot be made a Ground of Appeal to us . Km* *\\rx A nnollonto ?AtO th<St. uMth t>CE more titne for preparation and with witnesses, by they could have made a stronger showing. \y( Judging from the Complaint, the Appellants ., seem to have regarded themselves as appeal- cni ing from the Board of Trustees to the County bo Board of Examiners. No such appeal is pro- m< vided for by the law. The Board of Trustees is not a Court. There can be no trial before pr< such Board, and, of course, no appeal. The Co action of a Board of Trustees can, however, be ow questioned on proper grounds before the Coun- , ty Board of Examiners, which is the County Ke Court of original jurisdiction, for the hearing ha of all local controversies arising under the ad- Tim ministration of theSchool Laws. The only .. appeal provided for in the system is the ap- U1< peal from the Judgment of the County Board abi of Examiners to the State Board of Exami- ou ners. No mode is prescribed for the hearing r before the County Board. The Pleadings need 01 not be in writing, and noformalltles are nec- lti essary except such as may be imposed by the the Court for the purpose of having the issues distinnti v atnioil nnri a fulr and imoartial hear- UCI lug had. The manner of hearing the case to I may be made the (subject of appeal only when jm some request has been refused, compliance ? with which was necessary to secure a fair and Impartial hearing of the controversy. P?* The Appeal. In the second place, questions the correctness of the Judgment of the County a ( Board on the case us presented. Boards of ?ia Trustees for School Districts are empowered, under the law, to take the management and *> control of tho local educational Interests of Coi their respective districts, fix the sites for school houses, provide the same, and select and employ the teachers. Sections 1010, 1012. vo1 School Law. To do this, discretion, subject to of the supervision of the County Board of Ex- iov amlners. Is vested in them by the Law. Some wise and convenient method has to be provid- Prc ed for adjudging what is best for the school T districts in tho respects mentioned, and, to ef- < feet this, the law has entrusted the Judgment Bi1( to a Board of Trustees appointed by the Coun- rG? ty Board of Examiners. The purpose to be if accomplished would not be attained if tho Judgment of the Board of Trustees were not to i upheld and protected from the assaults of wi. mere ditlerences of opinion. As Judge Col- ' cock said, lu Commissioners of the Poor vs. T Edward Lynah, 2 McC. Hep. 171 "whenever a be discretion is given, the Court will not inter- ,i.g fere unless it be clearly shown that this discretion has been abused." A school house >8 ' cannot be loeated without subjecting to in- got convenience some who aro obliged to bo its eV( patrons, and these persons will, in the majority of Instances, consider the dctcrminatiou^f it; the Board erroneous and unwise. To permit Tri the exercise of such discretion to be assailed uiv on the ground, alone, of error of Judgment, would be to open the door to numberless and as most vexatious disputes, and deter intelligent bul aud peace loving citizens from accepting the stll< office of school Trustee. The location of a ' public school being a matter requiring discre- '9 tion and Judgment, the determination of a sell Board of Trustee, iu respect to such matters, Sf,v is an act quasi judicial, and, unless disapproved by the County Hoard in the exercise of its rot supervisory power, binding upon the School lug District like the award of a Hoard of Arbitra- ^ tors, and assailable only 011 tlio ground of partiallty, corruption, gross misconduct, or mis- f"i' take of law. County v Miller, 1GS. C. 2G1. of We see nothing in this case, either in the for papers properly before us, or in the affidavits f. taken by the Appellants after the hearing, to lead us to believe that there was abuse on the *-'h ...f .1.. D/??l nfTvinW nf Wohnnl Hie. ,^l? Irict No. 8 of the discretion vested In tliem by J h the law, in declining to establish ft school on i tlte East side of llard Labor Creek. The j boi Trustees say in effect, that to have removed | a si ttie school from White llall to the Kastsldo ofi i-n tlie Creek, would have been the abandonment, of ground purchased and a school house built Ha with public funds, and the probable loss of iie. the property by such abandonment, In order . lo adapt the school to a condition of things I"*" not likely to be permanent; while to have c-s-i the tublished two schools, would have necessitate jju ed a much shorter school term. These appear .. to be good and sound reasons for the course inn pursued. The school fund is so small that it>dei is impossible, perhaps in any School District, ter to locate a school in easy reach of every pupil,! . rind at the same time to keep the schools open i for a term Ions: enough to make them of suh.! dre stantlal benefit to the pupils. The lust, under u, the circumstances, Is all that can be done. It , Is certainly better that some children should I 01 have a long distance to travel to reach the the school?even that 6ome should find It impos-'has sible to attend?than, by a multiplication ofi schools, to make the term so short as to be-]eis come a mere waste of the public money with-'! dre nut real benefit to anyone. With the small' gia fund at their disposal, and the size of ti'ej school districts. Boards of Trustees have a dif- j ftcult problem to solve, and cannot expect to wli satisfy everybody. uie The fact that flie Trustees all live on the , Western side of Hard Ijibor Creek, and the 11,1,1 further fact that two of them are patrons of j crei ?a? White Hall school, are manifestly not, of, <>f msclvcs, grounds sufficient upon which no yj lain a chnrce of improper ana selfish moL'S. The Trustees arc not responsible for ir appointment by the Hoard of Examl- ui s. Such charges should not be llghty ()f de against men who are doing for the Pubdelicate, difficult and Important service houtpay. ire And no ground for Interfering with tlio tc gment of the County Hoard of Examiners, e Appeal is dismissed. l true copy. .ttest: U CH ,\S. M. TEW, fn Clerk. si VE THE PEOPLE REASON TO COM- U PLAIN OF THEIR SCHOOL OF- fl FICERS? . 0, ?. ol lx marks by Iho "Pre** and Rniinct" on tbp Wonderful l>ocnmemt ci Which Emanate* from (he Stale j Board of Education. sc he .State Board of Education say: ti It seems to be assumed by the Appellants tc it under the School Law, it is the duty of ! County Board of Examiners, not only to ' as a tribunal for hearing and determining p matter of local controversy in reference sc ;he construction or administration of the ,i 100I laws, but to advise and direct the par3 in the preparation of the controversy, J'1 nt up and select their witnesses and sura- it m and examine them." r< lie School Commissioner did assume to di- c, t the appellants to reduco their appeal to Iting, and, although they offered to come w 1 testify before the County Board of Exlners, the School Commissioner told them c? vas unnecessary lor them to do so, as the c, e would be decided on the papers. He ^ :refore denied them the right to summon r( tnessce. t is not true, as the State Board of Educaq assert, that the Hard Labor school ex- ai itedthe County Board of Examiners to 11 jnt up and select their witnesses and sum- ?' on and examine them." The very oppo2 Is true. The friends of the Hard Labor iool complain that they were not allowed bring their witnesses before the Board of anty Examiners. The School Commission- ? namuH tntallv li?nnrnnt. nf the nroner OtVI il^V? WVVMH^ D"w* * ?- ? I ? . j dc of legal procecdure. As proof of this, the [owing from the School Commissioner's " ter of Mftrch 29,1886, Is cited: We made the fullest and freest Investigan of everything that should come before a: appellate tribunal (as our Board was) with- si original jurisdiction." w 'he State Board of Education say: a The action of the Board of Trustees can, D wever, bo questioned on proper grounds 'ore the County Board of Examiners, which d he County Court of original jurisdiction, for vi 5 hearing of all local controversies arising ? der the administration of the School W6." R "he School Commissioner or the State U ard of Education are clearly mistaken as P where the original jurisdiction lies. Their ti tements are diametrically opposite. c 'he State Board say: n No mode is prescribed for the hearing be- ft c the County Board. The Pleadings need n t be in writings and no formalities are nesary except such as may he impdsed. by i Court for the purpose of having the Issues h tinctly stated, and a fair and Impartial u wing had." ro lair and impartial trial could be had, ^ ,en appenunia were noi uuowuu 10 answer i Incorrect statements of the Board of Trus- .j s. Particular reference Is had to their syis- j atic underestimate ol distances. Tha t 100I Commissioner refused to give the ,rd Labor school a ro-hearlng, notwithnding the fact that the State Board of Edition have no doubt that he would have tie so, if application bad been made to hinr 'he Board of Education say; The purpose to be accomplished would not attained if the Judgment of the Board of , ustees were not upheld and protected from 1 i assaults of mere differences of opinion," U Jnder this ruling the people must submit the decision of a majority of the Trustees, ' jn though they refuse to establish needed iooIs, and though they may keep their own 100I open' for llvo months, while other tools are kept open for three months. Jone are so blind as those who are deter- . ned not to see. The State Board 6ays : J We see nothing In this case, either In the pers properly before us, or in the affidavits ten by the Appellants after the hearing, to d us to believe that there was abuse on ths rt of the iioara or Trustees 01 Mcnooi uihct No. 8 of the discretion vested in them by 3 law, in declining to establish a school on t } East side of Hard Labor Creek." ( Ve proved that the Hard Labor school had 1< >re scholars than the White Hall school, d we believe the sworn statement of the at- j >dance at the White Hall school is not less k the opening of the Hard Labor school, s proved that some nineteen or twenty lldren were accommodated by the Hard La- t r school, while the highest number accom)dated at White Hall was sixteen. We jved by official statements of the School [J mmissloner that the Trustees kept their n school open for live months while they } pt others open for only three months. Wo ve the authority of one of the purchasing 3i ustees lor saying that the allegation that j i school property would would be a "Joss if | indoned," is not true. Wo proved that the I ly dislntcsted Trustee favored the opening P the Hard Labor school for the reason that _ vould ad vance the educational interests of 1 j township, and yet the state Hoard of Ed. itlon sees nothing in this case to lead them believe there was an abuse of the discretion rested in the Trustees. But they say : ^ The school fund Is so small that It is im- h ;sible. perhaps in anySchool District tolo- _ e a school in easy reach of every pupil, and the same ti me to keep t he schools open for | firm long enough to make them ofsubstan- s 1 benefit to the pupils." Hid yet in the face of this fact, the School mmissloner ordered an increase of twenty- J e per cent, in the salaries of teachers in. vlng a loss of from one-fourth to one-third the school term, at a time when cotton wae | rest, aud when the people were harder u isscd than at any time since the war. 'he State Board say : It is certainly better that some children >uld have a long dlstauce to travel to ,ch the school?even that some should find impossible to attend?than, by amultipliion of schools to make (he term so 6hort as * become a mere waste of the public money I thout real benefit to anyone." t' 'he declaration that some children should excluded from school privileges in order it others might enjoy longer terms at school in evidence of the arrogance which is be nn/1 le A^noltfA ;ry Instinct of Justice and common sense, j . was bad enough for little local school ][ ustees to urge the fact that they are le children of persons who rent land," a reuson for rofuslng to grant the school, I when the State Board of Education j itain that action on the ground that it better that they should not be allowed 100I privileges?If it shortens the Trustees iool term?then the ofl'ence is rank and ist stink la the nostrils of nil Justlce-lov ; people. tut, aside from all this. "Time about is r play." It was in proof that the people White Hall had enjoyed school privileges fifteen years. It was also in proof that [ people of Hard Labor had never had a h mol. Then, in the name of justice and fair y, is it not time for the peoplo of Hard La to iiuve a school, even if their rich neigh- ~ s should have to cross the creek to attend shool for "the children of persons who rent n d." The children of "white renters'' on J rd Labor prayed to be allowed school priv. j P jes which should be equal to the advan- j > es which had so long been vouchsafed to 115 eolored renters In the same neighborhood. t the State Board say in act, if not in words, it it is better that these children should be _ ilcd all school privileges than that the' in of the Trustees' school should bo i rtened?that because they are "tho chll- T n of white renters" they are not entitled * school privileges. The Slate Board te Education have nothing to say of J'< shortening of the school term which Uf i been occasioned by payment to teachof $23.00 a month out of the chilli's money, when a majority of them were EI d to get $20.00 a month under the wise aud ninlcal administration of his predecessor o gave longer school terms than our peohave ever enjoyed. No regret is expressed t the School Commissioner ordered the lnxsc of pay aud the consequent shortening } the school term, but tho Trustees of White all are laudod for refusing the necessary umber of schools, in order that their own id other schools may enjoy tho benefit ' all the school money which hay not been luandrred In the Increased pay of teachers. The Board of Education defend the Truscs and Sch<x>l Commissioner iu these ords: "The fact thai, the Trustees all live on the Western side ol Hard Labor Creelc, and the irlher fact that two of them are patrons of >e Wnite Hall school, are manifestly not, of icmselves. grounds sufficient upon which to istalit a charge of Improper selfish moves." But If they keep open their own school for ve montlm while other schools are kept for lly three months, and if they refuse to open her schools for fear their own school would j sooner closed, is there not at least ground >r complalnt7 The Trustees were honest lough to iitate that the Schools would be osed a month sooner if the Hard Labor shool is op jncd. The State Board of Educa<11/1 r?m ln? ';?o Hto oo n/lnr nnr fho fiilrnoufi notice tie fact that there are only two ^hools for white children In all of White all township, and that the Trustees' own :hool was one of them. Thoy did not noccthe fact these same Trustees have for ears kept four or Ave schools for colored ;ntcrs. Hiis it come to this, that the negro mtcrashall forever receive from the Demo atic government, school privileges which re superior to those which are granted to liite renters? Let the honest voters of Abavllle county s.nswer this question, even if ur school officers continue to shut their res to the :.ract, and try to deprive honest hite men of school privileges for no other :ason than that they are "renters."' In conclusion the Board says: "Such chargeit should not be lightly made WIIU U1C UUIIJ^ JUi buvjruuat, uccate, difficult and Important service withut pay. Following the example of the Board of rustees, this was, and can be nothing more or less than an official reprimand to humble tlzens who believe they have been Injured nd denied their rights by the local Board ol rustees, and who appealed to a higher aulority that the evils of which they complain light be corrected. These high and mighty (Hoials would deny "the children of jntcrs" any consideration whatever. They re dismissed with a sneer. Reasons are asgned which are offensive to good taste, hich are contrary to equity and Justice, nd which are repulsive to every instinct to roper sentiment. The Government must ineed have lost something of its Democracy hen its school trustees boldly assert that the children of renters" should be denied school, arid it seems to us that South Carona is in danger of losing some of her proud restlge, when her officers support and sus. iln the act, which discriminates against the hildren of our own men and brethren jerely becausc they are not able to own tho irms on which they live, or because they are ot men of education and influence. The Chairman ot the White Hall Trustees as special reason for congratulation in the ict that he would have been sustained by he State Board of Education, even though e had not changed his mind, after having iven consent to open tho Hard Labor school, 'he declsiou virtually says that the State toard of Education would sustain the trusr?PB nn hnro If. tnnv hnvp nflfcntAfl t.hf> renters" or Hard labor. IN OUR NEW QUARTERS!! I. D. CHALMERS & CQ'S Iffll ST1E ffow in Center Store of New Hotel, Convenient and Easy of Access. 3UR stock is full of handsome furniture and our prices at nil times as low as the owest. Call and 6e<; us. Respect fully, J. D. CHALMERS & CO. SPRING BEDS. The Woven Wire Mattress j at 85.00 uudSO.OO each, will Inst a life time. J. D. CHALMERS & CO. JUST to h id this week, a pretty lot of Oil Cloth Window Shades in "DADO" styles. J. D. CHALMERS & CO. ^PLENDII) SOFAS, at the lowest prices. > Just what Is needed for the warm season. J. D. CHALMERS & CO. IIHVIN SPRING, 83.00: 140 Spring, 83.30; IL Spiral Sprlnjjs, 8.2.50; Star Spring Bed with ;i springs, 81.75. J; D. CHALMERS <fc CO. 1ANDSOME WALNUT SIDEBOARDS at <E2fl to 810. Walnut Bureaus, 812 to 818. mltatlon Walnut Bureaus, pretty styles, at irices from fC to 812. J, D. CHALMERS & CO. I ALL STANDS, Hat Racks, What Not*. Brackets, Picture Frames, all useful and i jcessary to make your homes attractive. j. D. CHALMERS & CO. .IJE havo in istocli a few Bed nnd Single IV Lounges, something every family should live. J. D. CHALMERS & CO. JICTITRE FRAMES, all sizes and styles, made to order. A large assortment of deigns to order from. J. D. CHALMERS & CO. [71NE CHAMBER SUITS, Walnut. Ash, n Cherry, lutest styles and lowest prices. J. D. CHALMERS A CO. 1EDSTEADS, all styles anil prices. Prices J at S2.50, $3.00. =30.50, S-1.00. $5.00. 86.00, 87.00 and pw?rds. J. D. CHALMERS Jc CO. March 17, 1886. TbSevIlle hotel. [T AVING lutoly gone through some repairs LL Is now open for the accommodation of he traveling public. Terms rrnsonnble. B. K. BEACH AM, Manager. Jan. 6, 1880. tf. Wanted. A/\ CORDS Tan Bark, will pay the high UU market price. Apply to G. M. MOORE. Oct. 21,1885. tf ALTER L. MILLER, Attorney at Law, Abbeville. S. C. t^L-Oflice forme rly occupied byJudgeThomju. April 7, 1856. Important Notice. 4 LL ye that anticipate attending the com\ niencement at. Due West, see that your arnessaro in good repair. If not, send them ) the subscriber and have them made all ght. THOS. BEGGS. April_7.1886, tf To The Public. rHE Undersign ed subscriber is prepared to Torraco Land upon the most scientific rinciples known to modern agriculture. I ill furnish a good level arid render my ser le with their patronage. Satisfaction Kuarntecii or no pay required. Correspondence >1 iclted. K. A. PRES.SLY, Jan. 1;>, 18?G. tf LownUesvllle, S. C. Harness Shop. 70R the manufacture nnd sale of all kinds ; of harness, a id everything usually kept 1 suoh an establishment; also repairing atnded to with neatness and dispatch. Should ju want anything we have not on hand, give 3 your order and we will sec that It is done. T1IOS. BEGGS. Feb. 17, la^l, tf LLI6 G. QBAYDON. W3t. N. OKAY DON GRAYDON & GRAYDON, attorneys at law, ABI1EVII.LK, S. C. All business promptly attended to. Dee. 'J, I860, tf tatvit ii nirnmnn Jill JlLlMllili, CON GAEEE IIOI WORKS.. Coumbia. S. C. Agnt for CHAPMAN'S PERPETUAL EVAPORATOR = 11HESE WORKS WERE E8TABLLSAED In 1S47 by Messrs. Geo. Sinclair and James Anderson and purchased by mo in tbe year. 1836, and from that time till now carried on successfully by myself. My friends and customers will bear witness of tbe large and stupendous Jobs executed by me. It was at my works where the largest and almost only job of its class ever executed in this city was done viz: the making of the pipes for the City Water Works In tho year 1S5&. In the branch of BKLL FOUNDING, I can say that I have made the largest bolls ever cast iu the State, such as tbe bell for the Cltv Ilall in Columbia. My stock of patterns for ARCHITECTURAL WORK COLUMNS forStoro fronts, is large and various, and in RAILINGS for Balconies, Gardens, and Cemeteries I have the largest variety and most modern riatterns; many of these are patented and I have purchased the right for this state. In tho machine line I can furnish my patrons with STEAM ENGINES and BOILERS of any size and description. My CIRCULAR SAW MILLS have carries off tbeprizeat evi-ry State Fair held in this city, and in their construction I have taken pains to f combine simplicity with the most useful modern Im provements, and may flatter myself that my CIRCU Li AII OA VY miL.JL.3 linn iavor wnn uyery saw jer wno understands his bnslness. The many orders I am steadily receiving for SUGAR CANE MILLS prove that the public appreslote the mills of my make, nndsoitls with my GEARING for IIOKSE POWERS. GIN WHEELS, GRIST _ MILLS and other MACHINERY. ' I have tho manufacturing ri(.'ht of many PATENTS such as castings for ROCK COTTON AND HAT 1 PRESS and three or four different FEED CUTTRS and other implements. I will be pleased to send my circulars to any appli- .? cant, together with price list or estimate. Mr prices Are moderate lUitl I Assure the public that tnev are lower than those of Northern manufactures, and that , my work will compare favorably with tU?t of any other maker. Address * John Alexander, I Coxgaree Iron Works, Columbia, S. C. SORRY TO DISTURB YOU, BUT YOU MUST READ THESE FACTS. ^ ~ar ' i r -?Cliing! Clothing! Clothing!! SPRING & SUMMER,, i WE haveJust received onr Springand Sam- * mer samples and etyles, and are better ^ prepared than ever to offer our friends and Jcustomers the following lines of goods: GE1STTS' SUITS ? made to order by the best of tailors and guaranteed to fit or no pay, at prices from S15.00 to StiO.OO. Boys' suits made to order and guaranteed to fit or no pay, at prices from S8.00 to ?18.00. Gents'ready made suits made by the Latest Styles and Patterns, and guaranteed to fit or no pay at prices from 57.00 to 535.00. Boys ready made suits guaranteed to fit or no pay at prices from $4.00 to ' S15.00. Shirts, collars, cuffs, hosiery, suspenders and underwear, in fact eoerything needed to complete a gentleman's or boy's dress made to order or ready made, all ol which are guaranteed to fit or no pay, We have tho pleasure of representing the largest clothing r establishment in the world, that of JOHN xtr ? VT ? u A Trt?r? \U.,nAmal/nP fr Brown, of Philadelphia, and with its millions of capital and ample facilities make it without a doubt the cheapest and most Ratisfacto- ry way in which to buy your clothes. All we ask Is Just one trial. MILLER BROTHERS. March 31, 18S6. Seal, Mcllwaine & Co.' JJaVE on hand almost every variety of ; CARRIAGES, BUGGIES, AND . WAGONS, which they offer to their customers on the , most advantageous terms. 1 REPAIRING A SPECIALTY., Willi the best of workmen in every branch cl our business, and an abundant supply of lumber, and other materials, we are prepared to do all kinds of repairing in the very best manner, at the shortest notice, and on the most acBommodating terms. All work fully n warranted. J SEAL, McILWAINE & CO,, 1 Washington Street. I - . o ? FOUTZ'S q HORSE AND CATTLE POWDERS * No House will die of Colic, Bots or Lcno Fe- n Vkr, if Fontz's Powders are used Id time. Fotitz's Poffdere will pure and prevent Hoo Cnor.EHA. Fotitz's Powders will prevent Gapes is Fowls. Fotitz's Powders will Increase the qti.-inf.lty of milk ?nd cream tweuty per cent., and make the butter Arm Hid sweet Fontz'g Powders will enre or prevent almost evict Ptstask to wlilcli Horses imd Cattle arc subject. Foutz'b Powdkkb will eivt Satisfaction. Sold everywhere. DAVID E. FOUTZ, Proprietor, SALTIMOKE, MB. FOR SALE BY COTHRAN & PERR1N. e Chairs. "V ALL|klnds and styles. Over BOO on hnnd. rr J. D. CHALMERS & CO. " Nov. 25, 18S5. tf B. K. BEi ABBEVIL Sealer Sash, Doors, B IN6S, BEAC1 May 19,1886, tr 11 TEMPLE Are Opei Stock of Ch AT THE STORE UNI I7HEY ARE SELLI Mr. W. A. TEMPLETON, wfc will give you a hearty welcon ness. Mr. S. J. CASON wil my and all who may call. Abbeville, S. C., May 5, 188<>. UNDERTHE1 T. C. PE Hah just opened a new ana eiegantiy ntiea i NEW HOTEL, and is now receiving and omplete a full line of Drugs, Medicines, Chem Llso, all the popular PATENT MEDICINES kei warrants to be fresb and good. Prescriptions Carefully Compounds H<? also offers a well selected stock of FANCY i Colognes, Foreign and Domes in great variety, Finest His line of BRUSHES AND SOAPS Is simply ? JAIL. FLESH, SHAVING AND SHOE BRUSI st. He has always In stock a full line of STATIC January 28,1885, tf SPEED & 1 Drug;; f7"EEP CONSTANTLY ON HAND A FULL A )yspepsta. For ?ale only by vs. Try our BLACK nd our COMPOUND SYRUP SARSAPAttILL !ED BUG POISON, the most convenient way of < II the staple and fashionable colors. A full Mr TATIONaRY, etc.. etc. The best brands of CIC omplote fitock of WHITE LEADS, PAINTS. < (rushes, WINDOW GLASS, GOLDEN MACK >ros. PREPARED PAINT, the best In the inarkc Prescription ] Physician's prescriptions nnd Family Recipes 1 ienced and competent hands. Orders by band o April 29, 1S?5, tf PALMETTO Che Largest aifl Best Stocked with select pINE "yyHISKEY, JgRAS and j^omestic, j^ublin a AND ^le? JfitESH JJEEr ^LSO A JpULL 0F ^OBAC jy?OUNTAIN Q.AP JJYE A QORN ^yyjEIISKIES Thos. McGettiffj Elberton Mac! ELBERTON, BUILD AND KEPA fickiierr, Enffines, Boilers, Saw ] SHAFTINOP Igents for the best Stationery, Engines in the market. Sorting's Universal Injector, th Che Van Duzen Jet Pump, for r Mining Purposes, ["he Vanwinkle Cotton Gins ant Preeman's Patent New Era Potr Seep in Stock Steam andWate Valves, Check Valves, iteam Guages, Guage Cocks, Oi Lubricators, Piles, Soap St T+oUon TTom-n nnd f*nm )CO b ltaii?u - -w. _ Screws and Bolts. ?- Will be Kind to furnish estimates foranytbln? .'spondenee toll cited. Respectfully, PHII Nov. 4,188.5,6m bTfTs! ABBEVIL Is now prepared to furnish s d Lumber, and is ready to fil Pork of any kind, at the very lost reasonable prices. June 15,1881, tf ICHAM, I iliB, S. C. I 10k BBS linds, Mould* 9 IETS, &c. II k CO., ling a' oice Goods )ER THE HOTEL. M '* '>S NG VERY LOW. lo will always be on hand, le to his new place of bns1 also be on hand to serve JEW HOTEL. ?^ mniixr ?p DRUG STORE on the Corner nnder.thft : will continue to reoelve till hi* Block la icals, Dye Stuffs, &c. )t In a flrst-cloas Drug Store,all of which he 1 At fill lionrs. Dar and Nirht. ' GOODS, consisting of tic, Handkerchief Extract! Tobacco, Cigars, &c. complete. Every variety of HAIR, TOOTH i SOAPS from the finest toilet to the cheap )NEKY, which is unsurpassed. ^BUFFER, ND WELL SELECTED STOCK OF PUKE . All the latentund popular lines of PATt\tc best Lfver Medici da, cores I DJCiCVCVX buum.iu iur ouiuiiici wuiuwium ,A with IODIDE POTASH for the Blood, iestroylng these Insects DIAMOND DYES le of FANCY GOODS. TOILET ARTICLES, JARS, TOBACCO AND CIGARETTES. A )1LN, VARNISHES, ETC., ETC PAINT [INE OIL. We sell the celebrated Harrison it. Special attention paid to the Department. lllcd nt all honrs of day Aod night by axp&> r mall promptly attended to. SPEED & NEUFFER. SALOON. House ii the Up-Mrc. BRANDS OF rDY AND ^j^INES, JIOREIQIT ND J^IVERPOOt pORTHR I j^LWAYS ON JJAND* CO, QIGARS AND QIGARETT8, ND j^TONE iyj"OUNTAIN A (gPECIALTY. in, Proprietor No, 4 Washington Street. hine Works, GEORGIA. IK AIjL. KINDS Mills, Grist Mills, Cane ills ULLEYS. &c. . Portable and Semi-Portable ie best Boiler Feeder known aising Water to Tanks and I Presses. rer Cotton Press. ;r Pipes and Fittings, Globe 1 Cups, Malleable Oil Cans, one, Asbestos, and Packing ; Set Screws, Log ; seeded In the MACHINE line. Cor-LIPS & GARBtJTT, I I T H, !LE, S. C.. ill kinds of Rough or DressL all orders for Carpenter shortest notice and at the