Viewing page 44 of 44

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Since the date of our last semi-annual report, we have completed the construction of Eleven school houses. Some of these were in course of construction at that date but most have been commenced since. One on which partial payments have been made is still incomplete, but I am advised by the Trustees having it in charge that it will be finished by the 15th of this month. In two cases where applications for assistance to aid in building had been approved by the Commissioner, the Parties proposing to raise part of the funds necessary having entirely failed to do so, the work has not been commenced, and after repeated efforts to induce them to comply with the proposition on their part. I have abandoned the instruction to build, and the order will be returned to the Commissioner for cancelation.

Within the last few days several applications have been made to me for assistance; but knowing that our Bureau was soon to close, and that we could not have time to complete any work we might now commence. I have generally discouraged them.

The foregoing statement embraces the principal part of our operations for the period embraced in this report. And with this report I presume any association with the Educational department of this Bureau will substantially cease. There remains some unfinished business which it is necessary to dispose of before a final close.

As this is the last report of a general character which I shall probably make it may not be improper to refer to some of our doings while connected with this Bureau.

I came to Alabama in January 1866, and ever since have been intimately connected with the various operations of our Bureau. I was appointed Supt of Education November 5 1868, prior to which time I was less familiar with the educational department than with other branches. The reports of my predecessors will share their operations. I will speak more particularly of my own.

During the years 1865-6-7, Society was too much disorganized and things too unsettled to accomplish much; at least much of a permanent character. The efforts made during that period were only to answer present necessities. Houses of a temporary character were provided which answered the immediate wants, but were not such as could be expected to be used when society assumed such a shape as to be able to replace them with better ones. Sometimes Churches were used as school houses and I have visited schools that were taught under arbors made of bushes, a pleasant place in dry weather, but not very well calculated to protect the scholars from storms. Now, we have established in many parts of the State School Buildings which will endure for many years. We have schools which we think will compare favorably with those of other States. From personal inspection I am satisfied they are not inferior to the white schools in the same places and some of them superior. Most of the prominent places in the

State have been supplied with school buildings suitable to their wants, some of them buildings of which they may well be proud. While the cities and towns have been supplied with buildings the country has not been neglected. Houses have been built wherever the colored population was sufficient to justify it, and when we had reasonable assurance that the houses would be protected and the schools kept up. In a few counties too much bad feeling has existed to assure us that houses would not be destroyed if built, indeed in one case after a house was commenced I was notified that it would be burnt, but the threats through the vigilance of those interested, has never been executed.

Within the past year we have assisted in building, or making substantial repairs on buildings already constructed, twenty one school houses. Some of these are intended in part for normal schools. From several of these schools scholars are already going out into the surrounding country as teachers.

I have earnestly advocated providing colored teachers for our colored schools. The prejudices which still exist and I fear will continue to exist for years to come, will in many localities prevent white teachers from being sustained. Colored teachers will not be molested when white teachers would not be suffered to practice their vocation. They can find suitable boarding place where whites could not; and they can work for a less compensation than white teachers could do. For these reasons with others I have insisted that special attention should be given to preparing teachers of that race. While at present their qualifications are not as a rule, equal to whites, they are improving rapidly, and give assurance that in a very few years many places that are now without the enlightening influence of education will be redeemed.

Since July last I have visited most parts of this State - have investigated their wants - attended meetings - ascertained the prospects of schools being sustained and given all the advice and encouragement in my power.

I am sorry to say I do not find as much interest taken by the whites in colored schools, as I expected and hoped for eighteen months ago. The prejudice in some places is still bitter, and time alone can remove it - The political feeling not only controls elections but influences largely the schools. I hope to see a better feeling ere long.

And now as our official intercourse is about to close allow me to return my thanks for the kindness which has uniformly been shown me by all connected with our Bureau.

I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
Your obedient Servant

Supt of Education
State of Alabama

Transcription Notes:
3-9-2021: Deciphered all remaining [[?]]s; Made corrections and completed the transcription on the right page; Marking for review