The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1868-12-30
Who shall be the Superintendent of
our Public Schoolsf

WHEELING, December ~, 1865.
Editor of the Register:
This is question: in which all our
citizens, and especially taxpayers, are
interested. take it that the individu-
al who fills that position should be one
thoroughly educated and Intellectually
qualified to impart his knowledge as
well rs one whose executive ability is
unquestloned.
Such an one will manifest independ-
ence and will dare to do what he be-
lieves to be right and for the best III
terests of the schools and the public
generally.
Ia making "a selection the Board of
Education should be uninfuenced by
the influences or prejudices of the prin-
cipals and teachers of our public
schools, in favor of one party or an
other, otherwise the Board becomes Il
useless piece of machinery. Bat the
very object of the creation Of the Bsard
was, among other things, to remove this
Office from the control, direct or indi-
rect, of the principals and teachers, and
to make such selection as will best
subserve the public veal.
A uperintendent so disposed, has it
in his power so to direct his official
course and conduct as to secure the SUP.
port of the principals and teachers at
the expense of the true interests of the
schools and the welfare of the citizens,
so far as the subject of education is con-
cerued.
And one Of the strongest evidences to
my mind of lack of duty on the part of
Superintendent, IS found in the unani-
nous approval of these parties of the
whole course and conduct of one who,
for years, has held such position, indi-
eating that the Superintendent has
been more anxious to secure his re-elec-
tion by securing the favor of individ-
uals, than acting in that manner which
would be for the benefit of parents and
children. 1t is fact that no man who
is actuated by an independent motive,
can please every one, and more particu-
larly when his independence springs
from IA desire to conscientiously dis
charge his duty without fear or favor CT
affection.
An unscrupulous man occupying the
position of Superintendent of our pub
lie schools, has it in his power to build
up an clectiOneeriug scheme which will
be devoted to his own selfish purposes
and designs.
But these are mere general remarks,
not intending by them any application
tn N nj ian lnr IN
fatory to those which follow in answer
-l---->:- --h:.,i> l.. L. .i,:,
munication.
We have been informed that Rev. K.
V. Dodge will be candidate before the
Board for election to the Office of Su
pcrintendent of the Public Schools of
this city. Now, without wishing to
disparage the claims Of any one, we say
to the Board, if You really desire an in
thoroughly qualified execu-
tive officer in this capacity, he is the
man for the position. AS q teacher he
possesses large experience, rs Il scholar
he is unsurpassed, and as Jealous,
active Christian he is prompt and ener-
getic.
In addition, lie proposes to take the
Office at the decreased salary of one
thousand dollars instead of the present
salary of fifteen hundred dollars per
year, thus saving annually five hundred
dollars per annum 30 the city, which is
an item not to be treated with inditfer.
ence under our present taX-ridden con-
dition.
Besides, he has no income whatever
except what results from his individual
labOrS and efforts as a teacher and the
pastor of one of our city churches, not
withstanding reports to the contrary,
which have been circulated by ignorant
and irresponsible parties.
Respectfully, IAN PAYER.