The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1872-05-29
The state superintendencY...A spg,
gestion.
FAIRxoSr. W. VA, May "a.


To the Editor OF the Intelligencer:
II has always been my earnest conyic.
ton that the Free School System should
be separated from the political arena. II
Ia wholly distinct, In all It's relations and
bearings, from the law.making depart,
ment, and for this reason has nothing
whatever to do with the politics Of the
State. A State Superintendent Of Schools
should not be known or recognized as q
partisan. He should have no such embar.
easements thrown around him. Heshould
not be hemmed In by such a wall when
his duty and usefulness evidently lies
clearly outside OF It. he should be re,
garded by the people as the guardian OF
custodian Of the educational interests 81
the State at large. Regarded In this
light, he would very naturally command
the esteem, respect and confidence oil
every one who Is friendly disposed toward
the cause Of education In our State
In word, he would be known
and recognized simply and purely as an
educational officer, and not as o political
wire.puller. This kind Of recognition
would take him and the Free School sys.
tenn out of the hands Of politicians and Sc.
cure for both the confidence and approba.
ton of the people regardless Of politics
and would certainly tend greatly in the
direction OF the sure upbuilding OF the
Free Schools all over the State.
Now, 10 secure this much desired object
of extirpating the Free School system
from the control Of politicians, what d
best to be doneS Let me suggest plan
to the good people Of the State. Isuggest
that the different political parties refuse to
make nomination for the Office Of State
Superintendent. Let their State Conven.
lions refer this mstter. Y Me ,IState Teach.
CrS association, and let This AS ation,
as often as the law requires, nominate
some fitted man for the position, and then
let the people, without regard to politics,
vote for him and elect him. This course oil
conduct would, If acted upon, give a
common interest in the educational
affairs OF the State. Besides this, I am
quite sure that the educators Of the State,
in their wisdom, are better prepared to
pass upon the merits Of the individual
who Is to take charge Of the educational
affairs ofthe State, than convention Of
politicians. The Teachers Association
meets annually and can, therefore, at all
needful times, make a nomination for the
office Of State Superintendent OF Free
Schools. p. ~ ~ % ~
In closing this article, l must beg leave
toremark that l have only given the sub.
ject under consideration a cursory notice.
l hope, however, that the press OF the
entire State, regardless of party politics,
will take up the subject and discuss II
honestly and fairly before the people.
trust, too, that they will not fail to see the
wisdom Of urging the people to accept the
plan have suggested. know 1t will &C.
complish good for the whole people.
The next annual meeting Of the State
Teachers Association will be held at
Fairmont on the 25th, Goth and 9th Of
June next. A large attendance Is antici.
pated. At this meeting, it is thought, the
propriety oil nominating candidate for
State Superintendent OF Free Schools will
be discussed and acted upon.
DR.. J. G. Blair, the present very able
and efficient Principal of the Fairmont
State Normal School, is, l see, highly
recommended for the position Of State
Superintendent Of Free Schools. A bet!
ter and more prudent selection could
not be made. He possesses all the pre-.
requisites necessary to enable him to till
the office with honor to himself and pride
and dignity to the State. Truly, &c,
r. P. L.