The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-04-08

these columns On Monday, is no less prac-
tical than progressive in its aims, and such
discussion, by the body Of educators who
arc or win Be in attendance, cannot but
result in the Advancement Of educational
interests throughout the state.
The chief merit Of this movement Il its
evident purpose to bring into agreement
and to crystalline into : system the best
opinions of those IN attendance, looking to
cooperating uniformity in Ill Of the coun-
ties. in lieu of the confusion and working
at cross purposes which has prevailed in
this and most other states as an inevitable
result of varied and frequently conflicting
interpretations Of Law, differing construc-
tons or applications Of rules, and variant
opinions As TO methods
The scheme Of discussion suggested by
State Superintendent Bryan contemplates
agreement. not only 40 to the relations be-
tween his Office and those Of the county
superintendent, but also between the lat
ter which win lead to uniformity in their
construction Of the law relating to the
granting and Endorsement Of certificates,
in constituting their proper relation to
school-boards and to teachers; In the time
and manner of holding teachers Institutes,
and as to the matter of school visitation
and the like.
1t does not stop here, but aims at ends
of equal or greater importance further
down the scale. It recognizes the neces-
sity for concerted action on agreed prin-
ciples in respect to the duties of district
officers, and of teachers, and in respect to
the usefulness and proper scope of teach
ers' associations; and in regard to the en-
ployment of conductors and instructors
for institutes the policy or impolicy of
preferring those from abroad rather than
home talent.
That at the outset there will be widely
divergent views on many of these topics is
to be expected. But it is hoped that upon
all the more important points an agree
ment viii be reached to which all will sub
scribe, not as . mere formality, but with
firm purpose to live up to it in good faith
and earnestly. In all of its parts the edu-
cational system-or at least that portion
of it which is under public control and
maintained by taxation--should be ho-
mogeneous whole. working harmoniously
and without friction. This cannot be if in
the various counties there are variant in
terpretations of law or variety of incon-
gruous methods.
Members of the convention may rest as
sured that the great body of the people of
this state viii approve of and cooperate
with any agreement that may be reached
looking to such uniformity and harmonious
action as was the evident chief object of
calling this convention. The people of
this state always have responded and al
ways win respond earnestly and heartily
to any movement having for its object the
Improvement and elevation of our public
school system. They earnestly desire
that it shall be placed on the highest plane
and be made equal at least to that of any
other state in thoroughness and effect
iveness. They viii not stop to count the
cost of furthering any effort designed to
bring it up to the highest standard. They
will hesitate at no reasonable sacrifice of
preconceived notions or individual opin-
ions in this behalf. And this is the spirit
in which they hope to see the discussions
of the convention conducted and agree
ment reached. In that case its session
viii work an epoch in the history of the
state that will be long and gratefully re-
membered.