The state had not produced great scholars nor established great libraries.

In the estimation of publishers North Carolina was unimportant as a book market.

"By any test that may be made, both these systems have failed even with the classes that they appealed to." The net result was that "One in every four was wholly forgotten"-- that is, was unable to read and write.

And the worst of it all was that the victim of this neglect was not disturbed over his situation.

"The forgotten man was content to be forgotten.