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benefit of what has already been done by it. 
From my experience and observation I am convinced that it will be a tedious and difficult undertaking to harmonize the conflicting prejudices of the people so as to obtain a school system that will be equal and uniform in its operation towards the two races here. This but renders it imperative that Congress provide some means of protecting those whom it has made the ward of the nation until they shall be in a position not to need such special care. 
It affords me great pleasure to be able to report a continued improvement in public sentiment in regard to our schools. I think we have had but one outrage on any of our teachers during the term, which took place at Gonzales, to the teacher, a Hungarian of fine abilities and education, was about to close his night school, a party of five or six men disguised attacked him with revolvers, and after beating him unmercifully took him to the river and forced him into it, but though threatening to drown him, did not do it. The postmaster aided him in getting away and the leading citizens held a meeting on the subject and passed Resolutions to aid the authorities to the utmost in execution justice against the perpetrators. But it is believed that they have never been identified. 
The schools have already began to feel the good effect of a prosperous season in their liberal support of the teachers. Our attendance as usual has been small during the previous quarter but will in one or two weeks be largely increased as I learn by advice from teachers.
The report of schools for the month ending December 31, 1869, is as follows:
Number of Day and Night Schools 46.
Number of Teachers - white 27 - Colored 25 - Total 52.
Number of Scholars, Day and Night 1733.
Number of Scholars in Sunday School 2716.
Total 4449.
Irregularly Reported
Day and Night Schools 21

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Scholars in Day and Night Schools 850.
Scholars in Sunday Schools 1200.
Total 2050.

Grand Total 
Regularly Reported 4449.
Irregularly Reported 2050.
6499.

I am, very respectfully, 
your obdt. servant,
Jos. Welch
Supt. of Education,
State of Texas.

Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen & A.L.
State of Texas,
434.  Office Supt of Education,
Austin, Texas, January 8, 1870.
O'Connor Miss Julia
Waco, Texas.
Enclosed find vouchers in duplicate for services as teacher for the month of January, 1870.
Please sign the receipts and return the vouchers to this office at your earliest convenience, what they may be forwarded to the Disbursing Office at Washington, D.C., for payment.
I also enclose blank school report which you will return properly filled out at the close of the month.
Very respectfully
Jos. Welch
Supt. of Education. 

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