4G8 A SKETCH OF EDUCATIOX IN SOUTH CAROLINA. 



IV. CITY OF COLUMBIA. 



PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 



The Legislature, in 18S0, pas.sed an Act providing for a special system 

 of public instruction for the City of Columbia. Four School Commis- 

 sioners are elected by the, voters of the city, who have authority over the 

 schools. 



The law j)rovides for an annual vote by the resident tax-payers of 

 Columbia upon the question of levjdng a local tax. Meetings were held 

 in 1881 and 1882, at each of which the proposition to levy a tax was de- 

 feated. By the year 1883, the quota of the school fund arising from the 

 two-mill tax had become so small, in consequence of small attendance at 

 the public schools, that these were open only for sixty days. Out of nearly 

 $7,500 paid into the school fund, the city received back only about $1,700. 

 At a meeting held January 31st. 1883, however, a levy of one mill was 

 made, which will realize nearly four thousand dollars, and will do much 

 towards creating a system, which as yet cannot be said really to exist. 

 The Park School, for whites, is in charge of Mrs. Stein. The Howard 

 School, for colored children, is conducted by Prof W. M. Dart.* 



PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 



The Columbia Male .Academy and the Columbia Female Academy, 

 under the control of a board of trustees, have long been in successful 

 operation. Their early history has been lost; but it is known that land 

 was given to them b}^ Colonel Thomas Taylor, and that under the old 

 charter of McGowan's Ferry across the Congaree, half the tolls were given 

 to the academy. This provision is not continued in the new charter of 

 Guignard's Ferry. 



THE MALE ACADEMY 



is now conducted by Mr. Charles H. Barnwell. He has several assistants, 

 and more than sixt}' pupils, some of advanced standing. 



THE FEMALE ACADE>;Y 



is in charge of the Misses Elmore, who have a large number of pupils. 

 Mr. R. H. Clarkson established a classical school a few years since, 

 which is growing rapidly in favor. 



* Since the above was written, tlie City Board of Columbia have fully or^ranized a 

 system by the election of D. B. .Johnson, Esq., as Superintendent, and a full corps of 

 instructors. The male and female academies have been leased for the use of the 

 public schools. 



