The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-11-04
Blind institute Superintendency

To the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal:
1 see the statement published that the
friends of Superintendent David M. Geeting
will urge his appointment to the superln-
tendency of the Institute for the Blind to
fill the vacancy caused by the resignation
of Superintendent Glascock. l sincerely
hope that the friends of Mr. Geeting will
do no such thing. AS one directly interested
in the public schools, 1 deem the unsub-
Stimulated report as enough to call forth a
protest 1t will be admitted that Mr.. Geet-
ing is thoroughly competent and that his
appointment would be most fitting in the
absence of circumstances which exist. Mr..
Geeting, it will be conceded by all the
friends of the public schools, is the best
superintendent of public schools Indiana
has had within many years. For this rea-
son, if for no other, the friends of the pub
lie schools ought with one voice to protest
against his resignation from the state SUI
perintendency. Mr.. Geeting has given more
time, more effort and more means to the
interests Of the public schools during his
incumbency than any of his predecessors
has given in the same length of time. 1t is
true that another might be found to take
his place, but because of Mr.. GeetlngS eX-
perience he Is now more competent by all
odds than any other educator of the State
to perform the duties of the office of state
superintendent.
But, ASIDE from his peculiar fitness for
the place, there is another reason, which,
to my mind, is a more binding Cne why he
should remain in the office OF the state SUI
perintendency. He owes it to his party and
to the people of the State that he serve out
the term for which he has been elected.
take it for granted that Mr.. Geetng will
feel the obligation which rests upon him,
and that he will not break faith with his
party and with the people who elected him
TO this position by accepting another APP
not a candidate, this protest is directed
more especially to those persons, IL there be
SUCH who may be inclined to urge his APP
pointment as above indicated. Mr.. Geeting
has made contract with the people or the
State that he will serve them faithfully in
his present capacity until the expiration OF
his term. 1t is a political obligation and 1t
is a moral obligation. 1t Will be conceded
that no man has right to accept an office
which he is elected. The term of the state
superintendency is already, by odds. too
short. There ought to be no swapping OF
horses in the middle of the term. Mr..
Geeting's sense of duty is such that, with
out any knowledge as TO his intention,
am sure he will not be an applicant for the
superintendency of the Institute for the
Blind. / am sure that If his friends take
second thought they will not urge him to do
that which can SO properly be denomina ds
Judge Olds was elected to the Supreme
Bench Just at the time when his services
were most needed he saw fit, for purely
personal reasons to resign. 1t Will be re-
membered that the indignant censure of his
party and his friends followed him. The
opinion of the people is such that the board
of control will not be justified in consider
ing the appointment Of Mr.. Geeting or any
other educator under contract with the peo-
pie, and it's members ought to give no per-
son any encourageme in that direction.
have no personal interest whatever in any
one who seeks to succeed Mr.. Glascock.
believe however, because of the efhclency
of Mr.. Geeting as state superintendent and
because of the obligation which he has vol
unfairly assumed as state superintendent,
that the friends of the public schools of the
State ought to protest against his resgna-
ton from the office of state superintendent.
There are others competent to take the SUI
perintendercy of the Institute for the Blind.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
INDIANAPOLIS. Nov. 3.