The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1893-03-17
Highest all in Leavenng Power-Latest Govt Report
R@&!:a!'!:!!! "a! BskiHg Bs%5sg1!
ABSOLUTELY PURE
Commissioner of Schools.


AS the county is soon to be called upon to
select school commissioner for the ensuing
two years, it would be we'll to consider
whatis being done for the schools by the
present incumbent, Hudson Sheldon, and
the condition of the work under his manage
ment.
During residence Of four years in the
county, have become pretty well acquaint-
ed with its schools and have compared them
with the schools of several other counties
with which am familiar. Without undue
credit being given, l can say that the schools
of Shiawassee county rank well with the
best counties in the State, and in some re-
spects are superior to those even in some of
the older counties. This does not mean
that the work for the schools has all been
completed and that they will now care for
themselves. The good work is only fairly
inaugurated. Such matters are of slow
growth. They are not the children of a
sudden revolution.
During the two years OF Mr.. Sheldon's
Office holding. he has had to become ac-
quainted with the peculiarities of the
county, the special needs in the several
townships and to learn the capabilities of
those employed as instructors. In fact this
has necessarily been the greater part of the
commissioners work during the past two
years.
Practically, Mr.. Sheldon has had school
ing in the work during these two years, and
economy would dictate that when nran is
trained for his special work, he should be
retained to return the results of this expert
ence to his patrons.
A change in administration means so
much work lost TO the county; for new
man must of necessity begin where Mr..
! Sheldon commenced lis work two years
ago. The present incumbent could transfer
to a successor the documents on file i'm his
Office, and the good will in the work, but
those are .meager compared with the rich
fund OF personal experience that he must of
necessity fail TO leave as an inheritance.
/ Mr.. Sheldon is now in his work, where
he can reader the best possible services to
the county. He knows the situation in
every district and understands where his
work is most needed to bring the best re-
| turns 10 MS patrons.
Mr.. Sheldon has been hard worker; he
has given his whole time to the work; he
has spared no troable or expense in inform
ing himself concerning the work of other
commissioners; he has instituted a series of
local teachers meetings and each week has
met limited number and consulted with
them about the. difficulties in their work,
and has given valuable suggestions that
have cleared away the difficulties before
many of the teachers.
Best of all, Mr.. Sheldon has the conf
dence of the teachers of Shawassee county.
While he may differ from their views and
may not meet their expectations at all times,
yet they know that he is not unmindful of
their interests and that he is seeking the
highest good for the hundreds of pupils in
4 these schGols,
A whole county is too large territory for
one man to supervise and do the work he
would like to accomplish. This is the fault
of the law, not of the man.
Gentlemen of Staawasse county, you
prize your schools as the best OF your in
heritances. 1t is not only your right but
your duty to do So
The guardianship of these interests should
be in experienced hands. This is ques-
ton beyond politics. 1t is question which
concerns the children in your homes.
In the selection Of Mr.. Sheldon, you
already know that your schools will be
managed carefally, thoughttully and thor
Oaghly. Respectfully,
j. w. SIMMONS.