St. Paul daily globe., 1892-12-30

The agitation over the selection of q sue
cessor to Superintendent of Publ ic Instruc-
ton Kiehle is not entirely prompted by per-
sonal likes and dislikes When the leading
educ ors OF the state are approached OH the
subject and discuss the matter on its merits,
it is found that they are in favor OF advanc-
ing the cause of education rather than being
inclined to support any one Tor personal
grounds Some of the thorough and prac-
tical educators OF the state incline TO the
view that there is ample room for reforms III
the educational system of the state. and that
the liberaiity of the state in supporting the
school system ought to have produced better
results than have been obtained.
t I
1t has been said that Mr.. kehle. having
been in his present position for more than
dozen years, and being identified with the
National Education association, should have
accomplished more. There is movement
all over the country to adopt national sys-
tenn Of education that shall be based on the
best known methods, and will be in some ex-
tent neutrality-suspicious. is, that the best
methods shall be adopted and that al asso-
citation shall be formed that will recognize
the better class Of teachers. who
have served a reasonable apprentice
ship; that such class Of teachers shall
not be subject to the captious examinations
imposed by the boards or examiners i'll all
the counties of all the states. 1t is,the opinion
of men who have made a life study of edu-
cation that the universities of the country
ought to give more, attention to pedagogy or
the training of students to some extent in
the theory of public school instruction.
Then they would have the diplomas from
IT. 81 rtnn tNaIf
class be a lifetime certificate emitting the
holders to teach in the public schools with
out requiring an examination yearly before
county boards.
Applying the theory to the state of Mime
sota it is complained that the graduates of
the state university are required to stand an
examination by the county boards every year.
The graduates of the normal schools are ex-
empted even if their education has moi been
as thorough that obtained in the univer-
sity, or even in some of the high schools of
the state.
Another point is raised that there is not
uniform system of education i'll the state.
Some of the high schools have course pre-
scribed that is even higher than some col
better than the primary schools. 1t is
claimed that there should be a uniform sys-
TEN of examination of teachers in this state
bv state board and that certificates should
be granted to competent and experienced
teachers that will be good for series OF
years or even for life in circumstances that
may be prescribed. 1t is claimed that this
state is not up TO the standard of other states
in many respects.
AS a means to secure the desired end it is
urged that Il change should be made i'll the
head of the educational department. 1t is
desirable that a prominent and able educator
should be selected for superintendent of
publiciinstruction. That the man who fills the
Office ought to be, progressive goes without
saying, but he ought to be more. If not q
politician. he should at least be a man in
hearty sympathy with the administration. In
fact he should be popular with the executive
and legislative departments of the state
as we'll as be in touch with the
educators of the state He should
be man of policy, and capable of making
an impression upon the politicians and edu-
Gators. 1t matters not whether the coming
man is Thomas II. Kirk, W. W Pendergast
George N. Carman. Charles B. Gilbert, or
some other leading ana progressive educator
of the-state; but there is a strong impression
tn ct if good man is selected he will have
grand opportunity to make vast improve
ments i'll the entire scho oil system OF the
state.
Worth Keeping an Eye on Him.
Williamsport Sun.
John Bull has been quietly building
armed vessels for the inland seas be-
tween the United States and Canada.
contrary to the terms of the agreement
between this country ard England.
What object England has IN placing
these vessels on the lakes cannot be
even guessed at. but that John Bull has
some sinister motive i'll the movement
is certain. The United States govern
ment should inquire into the matter.
The Senate Not Necessary.
Cincinnati Commercial.
The Well-known fact that the senate
is largely made up of members who
have uurchaSt.ti thpir seats Ily bribery