The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1869-01-29
Prof. w. r. Waite.

Editors IHteLHgeHCcT
AS the time for the election of a Stale
superintendent OF Schools is apProach :
ing l would suggest to those charged
with the duty OF selecting that officer
the propriety and importance of retain
ing at the head of our school system
our present very able and efficient Su-
perintendent, Prof. White.
There are many reasons why 1t would
be Injurious to the working of our
school system and detrimental to the
interests of education in the Slate to
make a change. In all such positions
as this, where experience and special
study have to be added to education
and natural fitness for the work to be
done, changes are always damaging,
for the reason that the newly installed
officer, even If the equal OF his prede-
cessor in requirements and natural fit
ness has to acduaint himself with tho
specific duties OF his position and work
ings of the system placed under MS
management. He may after year or
two of this experience know as much
and be able to do as much ofthe special
work required of him as his predeces-
sor. Yet, meanwhile, the system has
suffered on account OF his necessary ig-
nOrance and inetheiency and II the 70.
tation goes on, it has scarcely recovered
its former position, bel ore 1t Is loaded
with another incompetent, because IN
experienced, head. And so, under such
practice, our school system would
have perpetual struggle for life.
Isubmit, Mr.. Editor, that for US who
have no interest in this matter, except
in the vigorous and successful conduct
of the school system, this scramble for
the SUPPLEMENTARY whenever the cleo
ton comes around, by men whose com
potency is at least doubtful, is some
thing that ought to be discouraged. The
people OF the State have no Interest in
providing place and salary for this
man or that on personal grounds, but
they have an interest in having the
most efficient man in the office that the
salary will command.
Have we anybody better qualified
than Prof. White? He has held the pc.
sition since the adoption of the system.
And this fact, instead of being an argu-
ment against him, is very strong one
in his favor. If this Office WAS simply
matter of spoils, then the longer a
man was in it the more reason there
would be for putting him out and Civ
ing somebody else a chance; bat this
conception of the subject Is one that de-
grades and belittles not only the office
and the candidates, but the whole
school system. l insist the Legislature
should select a man with sole reference
t o his fitness. Prof. White has shown
that he is the right man for the place.
He has managed our school affairs with
great success; he has long been a resi-
dent of the State and is thoroughly &c
quainted with its people and their
wants, and identified with its educa-
tional interests. He is practical teach
err, acquainted with the best methods of
teaching; is posted in the operations of
the various school systems of other
States, and devotedly attached to the
success of free schools in West Virginia.
A gentleman so we'll qualified for the
place ought by all means to be retained
if possible.
A FRIEND OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
HhecLind JQnttdru 2S, 1859.