The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1874-08-01

soon ranked among the best in the
State, and were entirely satisfactory to the|
people. "A
In 1868 he was unanimously elected SUI.
p%erintendent of Schools at Bloomington,
I'LL. after a careful survey of his work at
Kewanee by the Board Of Education, since
which time he has been successfully labor
ing there. The schools were thoroughly
~reorganized under his supervision and new
buildings were built to accommodate the
increased number wishing to attend the
schools. In one year the number attend
ing increased from nine hundred to twenty
one hundred.
Thus success has crowned his efforts.
Energy, enthusiasm and discretion are
some Of the elements that have placed
him In his present position. Unaided by
friends, he has, through his own efforts,
become one of the prominent educators Of
the State. Since the beginning Of his ped
a~gogical labor he has never sought a posi-
ton, but has always been solicited. He is
Justly held in great esteem by all his edu-
cational brethren,
Mr.. Etter has been considered one of
the leading educators Of the State for many
years was one of the first members OF
the Illinois State Teachers Association,
and assisted in the first organization of the
Normal School work. He has ever been
one of the strongest advocates OF the pub
lie school system, and of the thorough ed
ucation Of the masses of the people, be-
~lieving that upon their intelligence, to a
great extent, rested the safety and security
of our Republican form of government.
In SO brief a sketch as this we have been
able only to mention a few Of the acts OF a
man who has spent a lifetime in the work
Of education, and who has risen by his
merit and exertion from the humblest pc,
sition in the teachers ranks to the highest
position and influence as an educator. Ills
life has been one of restless activity, and
has been given with undivided energy to
the work in which he was engaged. Mr..
Etter is also a thorough business man,
qualified to occupy any position to which
he may be called. He has always been
successful, either in teaching, manage
ment of schools, or in the various depart
ments of business in which he has been
engaged.
That he is well qualified to fill the impor-
tant position for which he was SO unani-
mously nominated, no one can doubt. His
experience in every department Of school
work peculiarly fits him to fill the place. He
has taughtin the district school, high school,
has been superintendent of city schools,
and County superintendent, and we be-
lieve all these are Of great Importance in
the performance of the duties of State
Superintendent. His work in the City of
Bloomington wac a grand success. When
he came here he found our schools a cha
otto mass OF confusion but through his
thorough systematic course he has built
up a system Of public schools in our city
surpassed by none 10 the State, to which
our citizens all point with a just pride.
Mr.. Etter, personally, is the true gen
tleman, a friend to the rich and poor alike ;
the only qualifications his estimation Of
manhood is honesty and industry. Al
though Mr.. Etter is not a politician nor
never has been, yet he is in full sympathy
with the principles of our party, and has
been since its inception. He is a gentle
men Of the most sterling honesty, with
%roguery he has no compromise to make.
We ask of the people and the press Of the
State, a fair hearing for our friend Etter,
knowing that if such is accorded his char
acter will shine brighter as he becomes
better known. Having been a teacher all
his life, it is needless to say that he is not
a wealthy man but he has maintained
his family, and by frugal and industrious
habits has saved something. II we can
elect Mr.. Ettcr, as we believe we can, he
will make an excellent officer.