The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1874-06-05
For the True Northerner.
our Common schools.

our Common schools.
In nothing do the people of this State seem
to manifest more interest than the cause Of
education. So much so is this the case that in
this Michigan ranks second TO no other State,
whatever her relative position in other respects.
Scarcely has there been an improvement in
public instruction but has been readily engraft-
ed into our system OF education, until at pres
emit the common schools equal, If not surpass,
those of any State or country, Prussia except
cd; yet would 1t not seem absurd to imagine
that, perfect as is our school SYSTEM there is
no room left for improvement. But absurd as
it may seem this appears to be the logic OF the
conservative element, who would rather dictate
than eason, aud delight to indulge in plagia-
rism against the courtesy OF common farmers.
We must bear in mind that the people, both
press, are not only enabled to investigate and
inquire into certain political questions for
themselves, but the time is fast approaching
when people Will even legisate In their school
houses, town houses etc, as well as by their
own fire-sdes. and untrammeled by lobbests.
This may appear rather too Athenlan for Re-
public OF such dimensions as the United States.
But are not the people exercising their power
mere freely by criticising their constituents
more severely? And IN respect to educational
reform. the same spirit OF progress Is apparent
by the undivided efforts OF the townships TO
rid themselves OF the office OF County Superln-
tendent, which certainly needs to be remedied
il not abolished, and that there is room fol
Improvement is generally conceded after
thorough trial OF the present system. But
what can be more hackneyed than the charges
made by certain conservatives that the people
IN this effort are actuated by no higher motives
than the expensveness OF the office! Certain
ly no tax, however exorbitant, has been more
cheerfully paid than the school tax, whenever
the cause OF education was being promoted
and that the people have seldom erred in this
respect is evinced by the rapid growth and de-
velopment OF our school system, as even the
conservatives must admit. As We have con-
sidered the objection TO this Office we will now
view some of its excellencies, irrespective of
expense.
First, since the people OF the townships are
unable to judge who are competent to teach,
not even OF themselves to determine who are
incompetent, and that, too, after trial and ac-
quaintance, it follows that they must select
some one who shall be able to discharge this
duty for them,-a custom which would have
been we'll perhaps in the early history OF our
State. Yet are not the teachers OF to-day quite
as inefficient as heretofore. that is, in the dis
tricts do not young girls and boys, Of as limited
experience and attainments, obtain certificates
by the authority OF our Superintendent as
formerly under the old sytem of Town inspec-
ton But then the adjustment OF this Office
does not imply tnat the old system must be re-
stored,-other and better methods can be in
stituted. Now 1t appears 10 be expressly for
the benefit OF the rural districts, or townships,
that this office is demanded, for by law the
teachers OF the graded schools require no
different grade OF certificate than those OF the
common schools, the difference in the qualifi-
cation being lett to the discretion Of the board.
Thus, as regards union schools the Office is a
nuisance, and here the question arises. Are
not the people Of the townships as competent
to determine the qualifications OF their teachers
rs are those Of the villages that is proportion
ately thus dispensing entirely with the office 7:
second advantage claimed for this Office.
however, is that of visiting schools devoiing
about fifteen or twenty minutes to each school
once every term, and IN many instances not
oven SO much as calling. Now could not this
duty be performed by the members OF the
board, or are they incompetent judges OF school!
discipline; But as to this what better are our
superintendent. who, however proficient il
the art. cannot afford to visit school and de-
nounce the established rules by substituting
his own theory 10 their stead, for IN so doing
he YOU'D not only destroy the confidence OF
both teachers and scholars, but so interfere
with the scholars as to cause change OF teach.
ers. But luckily superintendent are aware OF
this and act accordingly. Every school visited
is good school and doing well. How few are
the schools discontinued until the board first
calls the attention OF this officer to some prom
inent defects in their schools. reminding hun
OF his duty. 1t may be asked why boards DO
not visit their schools more as they have the
privilege to call and see the machinery work
but must not interfere only by means Of a
higher power. A noble inducement to prompt
free citizens to cherish and foster their instl-
tutions OF education, the greatest blessing in
their power TO bestow upon their FAMILIES.
Another and 10 less important feature con-
nected with this office is onr Teachers Ins;l-
tutes, which enable teachers to meet in conclave
and establish their wages for the coming season.
But then there are other reforms in our schools
which demand the attention OF the people.
farmers in particular, who should endeavor to
procure able and reliable teachers that would
enable students to prepare for even the more
learned pursuits, thus rendering the rural
classes still more intelligent and self-reliant
by moulding the destiny of their sons and
daughters. Better by far depend upon the
middle classes in matters Of commerce and ex-
change, which is desirable and could not e
dispensed with so long as drugs and all articles
OF merchandise are used, thus occupying the
attention Of distinct and separate class than
trust to them for the education Of our youth.
But it will be asked how the common schools
could be supplied With proper teachers. Al
ready our colleges and Normal together with
the excellent corps OF teachers now seeking