Goldsboro weekly argus. [volume] (Goldsboro, N.C.) 1885-1909, 1899-06-15
AND EDUCATION

Should Politics Dominate In the Election
of State Superintendent of Public
Instruction?
As is known, of all men who
know the ARGUS and its history,
this paper ever since its establish
ment, nearly fifteen years ago, has
stood for the best interests OF
North Carolina and the Demo-
cratic party.
Before taking a decided stand
on any question, the ARGUS has
never waited to feel the beat OF
the public pulse before declaring
its position. The God-given mis-
sion of the press is to stand up
boldly for the right, and for the
betterment of humanity.
A few months, ago when dark
ness and ruin threatened North
Carolina, and the negro editor in
Wilmington reflected upon our
homes, the ARGUS was the first
paper in the State to rally the
Anglo-Saxon manhood of North
Carolina to crush out Immediately,
at any cost, the william who should
attempt to bring any reproach
upon the white people of our great
commonwealth. The facts are a
matter of record.
In looking over the files of the
ARGUS, we find that several years
ago, we discussed the wisdom of
making the Office of State Superin-
tendent of Public instruction a
non-political Office. The dignified
action of Mr.. Mebane, the present
Superintendent of Public Instruc-
ton, has SO impressed US that we
are forced to the conclusion that
partisan politics should no more
enter the Office of the State Su-
perintendent of Public Instruction
than it should enter the Office
of the President or the class room
Of the State University; and no
one will contend for one moment
that politics should ever enter the
sacred precincts of the University
of North Carolina.
But the State Superintendent of
Public Instruction is to the four
hundred thousand free school
children of North Carolina what
the President of the University is
to the five hundred students of
that institution.
The State Superintendent of
Public Instruction is the head of
our great public school system,
and he should be a man who walks
and dwells on a higher plain than
the plain of partisan politics.
Hon. G. Fl. Mebane has con-
Quoted his Office in such a digni-
fed, courteous, fair and able man
e that he has won the respect
and confidence Of the people of all
political parties. Ever since he
went into Office, the burden of his
song has been to get the best men
in every community to control the
schools. While this was not done
two years ago, it vas no fault of
his, His recent action in recog-
rizing the County Boards of Edu-
cation appointed by the Legisla-
ture is deserving of the highest
praise. The fact is, Superinten-
dent Mebane is a man of the peo-
pie. Teaching in the country pubs
lie schools, making his way
through college, then becoming
a college professor, he knows the
needs of the people, and he has
been true to his trust.
The teachers are a power in
North Carolina, Their great meet
ing is in progress at Morehead
City. Let them think of these
things. Upon their action and de-
liberation depends much of the
success of the great educational
system of our State.
Politics has no place in the
schools.
Politics has no place in the
Office of Superintendent of Public
Instruction.
Last fall I sprained ny left hip while
| handling some hAavv bOyas Tho 1oo-