Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1891-01-16

q board qnd plowed q furrow in IT,,
frosen ground with his nose. B,
this time he thought the whole
Sioux tribe WINS at his heels and the
way he marie tracks for the country
was a caution. From last reportl
I've was still running.
STATE Superintendent of Public
Instructions, GIL. Pinkhan's An.
nual Report to the Governor is be.
fore US. It contains much valuable
information as to the condition and
needs Of the public schools Of our
state.
We deem the following extracts
Of interests to our readers.
TIE educational outlook in this
state il, j. 'most respects, very cheer.
ing. Til past year has been one Of
remarkably activity in many educa.
ling. In spite Of crop fail
ures and spnty, appropriations for
Of thss~ott pertaihing 70
the commM schools, and that Of
higher education; as well, the peo-
pie have moi Gagged in their interest
and enthusiasm in matters Of educa-
lien. Tesch{ss have bravely contin.
their w6fk ind study even
the encouragement of re-
salaries, in some sections Of
the state where the physical condi-
tions have entailed privations not
experienced. Let it be re-
Y the credit Of the people OF
stain thatthey hold the interests
Of education second to none, and
that the amount Of money
needed to carry on our system Of
schools has been paid by
hem cheerfuuy. The failure to EN-
vet a new school law had q depress-
ing effect and a tendency TO retard
1evelopment. When all the con-
litions are taken into consideration,
am gratified at the showing l am
,ble to present Of the school work Of
he state" The county STU
perintendent is held responsible for
he general administration of school
'ffairs in. the county. He is, or
be, one Of the most impor-
ant factors in our educational sys-
EN-. ln proportion AZ he is schol-
Irly, critical, faithful, will the tone
II the public schools in his jurisdic-
ion be elevated, ind their work
His iutiee should be
performed with. consideration and
lhoroughness. and he should be &C.
uated W sentiments Of exalted de-
'otion. The county superintendent
9 now chosen bienninlly at she gen.
raj election.* He is thus too often
he creature ofpolitical caprice. He
be. selected by a county
of education, aud only on
rounds Of special fitness, as is done
n Pennsylvania and in some other
tates. As 4 city school board, in
occurring a superintendent or high
ehool principal, looks primarily
nd earnestly Ut qualifications 30
hould the ~oIt Of the man or the
voman--the scholarship. the ex-
,erience, the professional training,
he administrative and executive
.bility-be made the basis of elect
or appointing the county super.
Of schools"
In favor Of the free textbook sys.
EN- the State Superintendent quotes
he following from Supt. Brass of
)avibnn Co: "Davison county
las adopted the free text book sys-
EN- with the exception Of one town.
'hipl and l find it tho solution Of
he ivexing problems, heretofore
and which had seemed
jmpoesible TO solve.
LIST. Il has secured a uniformity
Il books.
End. It has secured . sufficient
Of all pupils.
Ord. II has reduced the expense
VI the community for supplying
he same.
4th. Il has reduced the number
If classes ut least one.th:rd.
9th. It has placed the rich and
poor on equal footing 70 get M edu-
9Th. It has made our schools
free.
7th. 1t has increased tho atten-
dance ofthe schools Ut least ten pet
cent.
9Th. Asa consequence, our grad
I'd system 10 of practical value and
The condition ofour schools has been
in every way benefited.
9th. The necessity for enforcing
compulsory education Is not APP
parent"
Z 80 HEE ~ FZ@-u