The bee., 1884-06-14
SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT.

We wish to be distinctly under
stood in expressing our views rela
tive to change in the supervision
of our schools, that we are not
making personal issue with Mr..
Cook, who is a gentleman of cul-
ture and retired habits. Our ex-
ception Is to the double-headed
system OF supervision which we
claim is under a consolidated
board detrimental to the progress
sive advancement of the colored
schools. Regret it as much as we
chose, there is no denying the fact
that our white citizens possess super
ior opportunity of acquiring lnfor-
nation, of a progressive character,
in the management of their school
to that enjoyed by the colored peo-
pie, and the latter owe it to them
selves to see that their children
enjoy like benefits.
The question Is, how is that to
be brought about? The first step
was the consolidation of the school
boards, which Is generally accepted
as beneficial to the entire system.
The next step was the appointment
of supervising Principals for the
colored schools, the wisdom of
which has never been questioned.
The next and most important
step is the placing of the schools
under the same executive officer.
The objection to this is purely
sentimental and personal, and
based upon the fear otthe removal
of Mr.. Cook, or making his posi-
ton a subordinate one. As per-
sonal friend of Mr.. Cook, we
would dislike to see him supplanted
but as citizen having in view the
or eat benefit to be derived in thor
oughly educating the colored chill
dren, we have no hesitaney in say
ing that no one man should stand
in the way of accomplishing SO
great an object. The dual super
vision of the schools Is no benefit
to either; the school board legislates
and under the double-headed sup
ervision the construction of their
rules could not be more at variance
if they were working under diff.
erent boards.
The colored schools are entitled
to the benefit of all the latest i'm
proved school facilities; in the
county where Sup't. Wilson has
charge they have all that the white
schools have, but in the city color
ed schools that is not the case; the
reason for this is chargeable by
some to the trustees, and by others
to Cook; we MAINTAIN that it is ow-
ing to the foresight, energy and
executive ability of Sup't. Wilson,
qualities we regret to say are pos
sessed to a limited degree only by
Mr.. Cook. The celored schools
need a leader endowed with some
thing more than a mania for Sta
tistics; they need broad mind ca
pable of comprehending their mag
nltude and Importance. They re-
quire a man of energy, and one
who will not permit personal pride
to warp his official obligations, and
who will keep abreast of the great
wave of popular education, and not
he content with q showing of
gains on paper. Mr.. Cook has
had the best opportunity OF any
colored young man in America,
and we accord him praise for
what he has done, but be fails to
recognize that the great education
al system Is expanding daily, and
unless he dives's himself OF his
excluslveness and mingIe more
with the people, aud espec-
tally those of like profession,
he will find his usefulness at an
end. Can he do it? We regret
to say We believe he cannot and
feel it our duty to waive
preference and ask the
Commissioners to re-
commend to Congress change IN
the executive management OF our
Pm hlic Schools