The union Democrat., 1871-09-23

At the Special Judicial Election to be held
the 18th Of next month besides the various
Judges, there viii be State Superintendent
Of Public instruction to elect To remove
the election of this officer far as possible from
partisanship, with hope of being able to Sc
cure the best man without regard to his poll
teal views, some years since the State Con-
stitutIon was amended separating it from the
election Of general State officers. The inten-
ton in changing the organic law was good,
but in practice it has not worked as desired
The law is good but the people are at fault in
not carrying it out as intended. 1t is great
wrong to carry politics into the selection of
those officers who have charge Of the eduea-
ticnai interests of our State. All intelligent
and right thinking voters should remember
however much they may desire the success of
political candidates, and sometimes il is to be
regretted without regard to fitness, that it is
of vital Importance to the rising generation to
have fit and competent administration of
the educational system of estate, uninfuen-
eed by political prejudces. When the peo-
pie have had the good fortune to secure Su-
perintendent that devotes his time exclusively
to the cause of education. free from politics
and sectarianism, whose whole heart aud soul
is enlisted in discharging the responsible
trust reposed in him and who gains the conf
dence Of all the teachers aud active friends of
education within the State regardless of the
political opinions of that officer he should be
retained. That perfection TO which ali good
citizens desire our public schools shall reach,
will be long delayed if State Superintendent
is to be retired with every political! change Of
the State. Four years ago O. p. Fitzgerald
was elected Superintendent of Public In
struction, he has discharged his duties conscen-
tiously and satisfactorily to all who are not
blinded with partisan zeal, he is now can
didato for reelection. No Superintendent
can have stronger tribute paid to his eff
cheney than the teachers of this State paid
him within the year, his opponent Mr. Be-
lander was one that eulogized him for his ex-
cellent administration and promotion of edu-
cational interests. The only objection raised
against him during his incumbency was by
a few partisan Republican papers for the
change made in textbooks used in public
schools. Since the change was effected it has
been approved by teachers and parents both
on account of economy and the superiority of
the new series. His duties as Superinten-
dent have been faithfully and ably perform
ed, advancing the interests Of our schools and
thereby adding to the public welfare. Mr.
Fitzgerald has been tried he has proved faith
full and efficient. We ask the people can their
interests be promoted by making change
Is it reasonable to suppose new man can
take up these great duties and fulfil them for
time OF least, we'll as the present incumbent
can? Can we afford to take chancesin chang
ing tried for an untried man. 1t remains
with the voters to determine if q faithful hon
est and efficient officer shall be continued.
Every friend of education should support Mr..
Fitzgerald.