African Labor Supply Association [pp. 231-235]

AFRICAN LABOR SUPPLY ASSOCIATION.
231
this school has been sold, by leave of tie Legislature, which. I think, ought
to be restored in order to preserve entire the territory, as it was originally left
and intended by the testator-which seems well adapted for a sheep-walk.
Connected with a proposition to the last General Assembly to send a pupil to
one of the agricultural schools of France, I received from the civil attention of
the Minister d' Agriculture et d' Instruction, a programime of the said schools,
showing the course of instruction and the cost. This programme, of which I
furnished a translation to the President of the State Agricultural Society in
January last, was accompanied by a graceful tender from the Minister of France
of his best offices towards a son of South Carolina, who should be recommended by the Governor.
The school supported by the Beresford bounty, seems to be flourishing. The
fund is well managed.
Academies and high schools have been multiplied, within a few years, in the
several districts-especially for the education of girls, upon whose moral and
mental, as well as physical development, depend so much the future welfare of
society. Sustained generally by sectarian influences, they supply extensively
that liberal culture and discipline by means of which the minds of our ingenuous
youth are strengthened and prepared for the active duties of life. Under the
wholesome influence of intelligent and more devoted Commissioners, increased
usefulness has been realized from the funds appropriated for the support of
Free Schools. To insure the fullest success, the schools must be considered
free, in the best sense of the word, for the admission of the children of any citizen. I cannot omit to invoke, for this precious charge of the State, the devoted personal attention of patriotic citizens in all the districts. The improved
system of instruction which is successfully pursued under the direction of the
Board of St. Philip's and St. Michael's, is worthy of your patronage and of
general emulation. In order to afford to every part of the State an opportunity to witness its success and discuss its merits, the teachers throughiout the.
commonwealth were invited by me to assemble in Charleston, in the first week
of June, and examine for themselves its practical operation. I am happy to
have it in my power to bring to the notice of all persons engaged in teaching,
Carrol's "Catechism of United States History," a small work of great value to
schools, prepared by one of our fellow-citizens, himself an experienced teacher.
A Normal School was authorized by the last General Assembly, to be established in the city of Charleston. Its success has been secured by the liberal
subscriptions of individuals and societies. I trust that your Honorable Body
will not fail, before its final adjournment, to provide for the organization of
another Normal School in the upper or middle portion of the State. Certain
generous citizens of Charleston have commenced a subscription, also, for establishing and maintaining a Marine School afloat in their harbor. This benevolent design is worthy of encouragement.
MISCELIANEOUS DEPARTMENT.
1.-AFRICAN LABOR SUPPLY ASSOCIATION.
THz editor of the RzvIEw having been elected President of an Association with
this title, the constitution of which was given in our last number, addressed a letter
to Mr. Yancey, of Alabama (in reply to one received from that gentlemen), explaining and defining his position, on the new and important issue of the African Slave Trade. The two letters are given below. It only remains to add
that the subject is an open one, and that we are willing as journalists to publish able contributions upon one side as well as upon the other. Our pages
have shown this. Witness in the present number Gov. Foote's speech and that
of Mr. Spratt. What is wanted is more light. We are not afraid of it.