The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1871-06-15

idnul6nHm psStiOrm. Inc OlnCinn0-
ii Enquirer, however, after q bitter
fight against the platform, finally
succumbs.
sa,sl;iAssAd dsae sf PAblie iAsszsetien
EDiroRs CouRIER
That the above is one Of the most
important public positions In the
state, | need not argue. Ono who
has an opportunity to mold TO some
extent, the educational policy of
such state as Iowa, who can send
out his personal influence 10 the far
thest, humblest school in the state,
whose advice is sought by teachers
and school officers, has trust second
to none iD Importance, equal to any
in difficulties.
Hon, A. s. kisscll has filed this
position one election torn, having
been appointed by Gov. Merrill to fill
out the unoxpired torn of Superin.
| tendent Wells. II Mr.. kissell has
filled the position reasonably well,
he ought, on the two-term principle,
to be re-nominatcd without opposi.
tion. 1t is easy to SEQ that it must
tako time for one to familiarixe him.
self with the demands Of the place,
SO AZ TO do tho most he can for the
schools of the State. With the
samo qualifications and tho same in
terest in the work, ono can do far
moro q second torn than tho first.
What objections are brought against
Mr.. Kissell by those who are so anx.
ious to perform the duties of the
Office in his place? They are OBJ
jections that have to do for the most
part with petty prejudices and jeal-
ousies unworthy to be named in such
connection.
1t is Of course unavoidable that an
official whore duties bring him into
contact with so many different class
es, teachers, school officers, members
Of the Legislature, presidents and
professors in colleges. should stir up
opposition in some quarters. A man
IN such position ought to have views
Of his own, aud to use oil right
means to have them adopted. Mar
row-minded, biguted, old fogy men
will Of course feel sggrieved when
more liberal views are held and moro
liberal measures than their own in
augurated. Ii theso opponents Of
the present incumbent were called
to testify, one by one, rs to what
they have to urge against Mr.. Kis-
sell, it would be little less than this:
~ think | can do it better"
They remind one of the good
deacon who was always finding fault
with bis minister's sermons, and
whom the minister commissioned to
preach for him in his absence. Tho
deacon went through the introduc-
tory service; took his text, hesitated,
repeated it over and over, hemmed
and hemmed, and at last said -
"Rrethren, if any Of you think it an
easy thing to preach, come up hore
and try it," He never found any
more fault. 1t is easy to condsmn
others; it is not always SO easy TO do
better.
Mr.. Kissell has for years been
studying methods of public educa.
tion WAS for ten years tho efficient
superintendent of schools in Daven-
port afterwards held tho same
position in tho schools of Mlnnoapo-
lis, Mimi, whore tho requirements of
suoh position demand the very
highest order of talent; and ! have
heard II repeatedly asserted that he
is the best superintendent OF public
instruction VIC have ever had.
| have no doubt that some of the
gentlcmen named in connection with
the office, arc able, well qualified
n en- for the place, and when the
proper time comes let their claims
be considered. know that many
of the best men of our State are in
tercsted in MIR. kissell's reelection,
and, unless there ia something better
10 urge against him than has yet
been said, tho friends OF education
in Iowa will hanor themselves, no
less than him, i'm re-nominating him
by reclamation and giving him even
u better majority than no had two
years ago. A FRIEND OF SCHOOLS.
| A wcll-dressed, genteel looking
man named T.. L. Hunt was arrested,
on the arrival OF the train from tho
west yesterday, on a telegram from
tho City Marshal of Ottumwa.--
What offcnse Hunt has been guilty
oil is not stated. Tho Marshal ut
Ottumwa was notified OF the arrest,
and in reply instructed the authori-
tics here to retain the prisoner until
after his arrival Haiokeye, Sth.
G. W. Hills, of tho Ottumwa Cour
Ter office called to SEQ ns on Monday
Mr.. Hills reports tho Courier as pros
, perlng, and tho city rapidly improy