The age-herald., 1898-03-17
ETCHENGS FROM
 CURRENT TOPICS

of the .ietcr'nination of the teachers of Alabama to do their part towards the much-needed reform of the school system of the state Men should be chosen for the responsible position of county superin- tendents because of their eminent mental fitness; their familiarity with the educa- tional necessities of the people; their de- sire to improve present conditions, and not because they aspire to positions of off, cial eminence and to comfortable salaries.
 Unless man possesses the essential qualifications to render him of great prae- tical value to his county, either as super intendent of education or as a member of the state legislature, his claims to politi- cal recognition should be entirely ignored.
 The fact that private citizens who have no aspirations for office political prefer ment are awakening to the necessity for placing in power only suitable, well-equip- ped men, portends untold and unreliable good to Alabama.
 For too long period much of the better element of the voters of the state have permitted matters to drift along down the current, fearing to undertake to direct the course of events into proper channels be- cause of the worry and annoyance inci- dent to attempting to arouse public senti- ment upon these important subjects
 
 The education of the children of Ala bama is the most serious question before the people at the present time. Too much cannot be said on the subject; only by the insistent perseverance of the press of the state, aided by the cooperation and influence of the best political element; by the teachers of Alabama and by the men and women who assist in forming public opinion, can any helpful results be &C., complished.
 This questionable education of the mass es-involves more than any other one issue. Upon it hinges better homes; the estab- lishment of great industries; the conse- quent increase of population; the growth of wealth, and refinement, and last, but far from least, the certainty of a broader and wiser constitution, which will be ade- quate to the needs of a great people.
 
 In connection with the recent recom- mendation of the committee of teachers. relative to county superintendents of edu- cation, it naturally follows that the atten- ton of the people should be directed to that higher office-state superintendent of education.
 With no desire or intention of criticising what has been the policy in the past, in selecting candidates for this very impor- tant position, undoubtedly the time has arrived in the history of Alabama when the office of state superintendent should only be conferred upon a man who is fit- ted by practical training to cope with the educational problems of the state, and if possible he should be an educator. poli- tician-in the usual sense-is not adapted to fill this position; he is out of touch with the questions which necessarily will con- front him. Alabama voters should require that their state and county superintendents of education should be practical business men, theorists in no sense of the word and above all, entirely familiar with the neces- sities of the people, and thoroughly posted regarding all that is best in educational matters. A candidate not abreast with the advancement of the world, along these lines, should be reegated to private life, where he cannot hinder or disturb the growing demand of the citizens for the best school system, possibly under present finan- cial conditions.
 The democratic state convention convenes at Montgomery on the 10th of April, and there is ample time for the press of Ala bama to arouse the people to the necessity for placing in the office of state superin- tendent of education only such a man as the grave responsibilities of the position imperatively demand. As far is poss- ble, politics and political trading should be removed from this office. It is one of the most important positions within the gift of the people, and they should see to it that the man who is to direc in large measure the educational interests of Ala bama, at this critical juncture of her af- fairs, is prepared by mental training and practical experience for the duties which shall come to him. BALL.
 THE BIRTH OF A SONG.
 pv Not MaUa nil