Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1873-05-10

ciently amend their action in July.
IL is 70 be hoped the auspicious be-
ginning already made win be fol-
lowed up by all the remaining
counties in the State at the July
terms of their courts. The augnries
all give promise of such results. In
telligence from the different divis-
ions in the State indicates the
springing of a widespread, earnest
sentiment in favor of public schools
under the new auspices, and the
records OF the courts that have Ia
ken action show that the counties
of the east, the middle and the west
are vieing with each other for
places of honor in our educational
annals.
THE ELECTION OF COUNTY SUPER
INTENDENTs
is a most important duty of the
county courts. Thirty-four coun-
ties elected superintendents at the
April term of their courts. The
selections in most instances are OF q
most satisfactory character, and in
dictate that the magistrates acted
with a due appreciation Of the very
responsible duties Of the position.
The law requires that all the re-
naming counties shall elect their
superintendents at the next July
term. These elections must be made
since they will be essential TO the
organization OF the system. After
what has already been said, il need
hardly be added that the position OF
county superintendent Is no sine
cure. On the contrary, the very
nature of the duties implies earnest,
persistent work, and, Withal, capa.
city to give such labor intelligent
direction. Incompetence or indo-
lence in q county superintendent
will to a great degree practically
nullify the law in his county, anC
cheat the people out Of its benefits
Too great care, therefore, cannot bG
exercised in making the selection
and the best qualifications possibll
should be secured in every instance
ON THE FIRST THURSDAY IN Az
GUST NEXT,
an election will be held in ever,
school district in tho State for tn
choice of district directors-thre
in each district. We have ALREADY
seen how much depends upon tn
efficiency OF the district boards
They are, in fact, the bases upoI
which the system must rest. Thi
people of each district should fee
an earnest interest In that election
and should be aroused to a dul
sense OF its Importance. To the end
the county superintendents should
especially address themselves, anS
the friends of public school
throughout the State should see L
il that the proper influences are sc
in motion TO stimulate the people
in every district in the State, &
place three of the very best men il
the districtin the board of directors
This part of the work must by N
means be neglected. 1t is not with
in the purpose or prescribed limit
Of this communication to present
AN ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF tn
LAW.
To direct attention to its immedl
ate requirements, and to ihVok
prompt measures for its faithful
execution, is the only present dC
sign. Regulations regarding ia
more specific application of the Law
in its details, TO the operations c
the system, will in due time b
officially communicated TO IN
county superintendents, and b
them 10 the district directors an
teachers. The law, no doubt, ha
its imperfections, and, possibly
some Objectionable provisions
Nevertheless, il elnbodies the essen
tidI elements of an efficient gener'
system of elementary schools.
aims to establish nothing higher
will be satisfied with nothing les
Whatever defects may be founa ]
the law can be remedied by sutuI
legislation, as experience sail hay
| pointed them out. The legislatul
has done well, and, Unsupported b
corresponding actin on the part I
the people, the aext one may be r
lied on for such Improvement I
may be fophd to be necessary or d
sirable. Give the law fair tris
1t wiz soon become its own inte
prster. Open the schools. Tn
will plead their own cause with Il
umphant eloquence. Put the sy
tenn into operation. Its fruits w
ere long be its best vindicatiOn.
Let the people respond promptly
the call Of the legislature, and Te
nessee will not much longer find o
casion to blush for the ignorance
her children.
JOHN NJ. FLEMIHo,
State Superintendent.