The Republican., 1899-10-26
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
A Few Things to Think About Before You
Vote.

Vote.
TO the Editor of The Republican.
At this age of the world very few men will
be found to advocate the sacrifice of the ed
ucational interests of the rising generation
III order to favor or reward a political friend.
but there are great many men who exer-
else the right of franchise who do not suffi-
ciently weigh matters pertaining to the
interests of the public schools before casting
their ballots.
lt is my desire to impress upon the voters
or Garrett county the Importance of choos-
ing Tor the management of our schools men
who are deeply interested in tie educ ltion
OF our children. ITO obtain such material
IL Is absolutely necessary to make the selec-
ton from among those who have attained
TO considerable degree of proficiency in
knowledge of books as well as to be possess
ed ofa great amount of practical experience.
our successful business men will inform
you that theory is all right in its place, but
III the absence of practical knowledge it
counts for little
Garrett county has been very fortunate in
having for the past three years at the head
OF her public schools a gentleman who is
eminently qualified for the position. Not
only has he proved himself to be a scholar.
but OF wide experience as a teacher and has
Drought into the management of the school
affairs of our county business knowledge
rarely found in men occupying similar posi-
tons. That there has been a decided i'm
proVement in our teachers under his admin
lStration is evidenced by the fact that a
person who visited one of our county insti-
tutes five years ago and then visited the one
held in Oakland only a few days ago, would
conclude he was living in a different ace
The untiring efforts of our present examiner
to increase the efficiency of the teacher has
been such as to merit the commentator of
all thinking and observing people and the
teacher ought to regard him as benefactor.
If the examinations are more difficult
than i'll former years that is the most con-
vincing argument to my mind that the
desire on the part of the Examiner is to raise
the standard OF the teacher, make him study
thaU he may be better prepared for the i'm
portant trust committed to his care
We all need something to stir up our ener-
gies and by infusing new energy into the
teacher it is transmitted to the scholar and
the community in general receives the ben
eft.
The man who has accomplished so much
i'll three years for the benefit of our children
should receive the hearty support of every
one who has at heart the welfare of our pub
lie schools, and we ought to show our appre-
citation of his services by electing him to the
office Of School Examiner by the largest
majority ever given in Garrett county.
nave heard something said about his not
giving all his time to the discharge of the
duties of his Office, but have yet to hear the
first intimation that he has neglected any of
those duties. If lie can do in one day what
1t would require some men a week to do, and
do better work, would conclude he was six
Tunes more efficient. And if we are sincere
III our desires to benefit the public schools
we want to give our teachers and children
the benefit to be derived from association
with gentleman who is thus qualified.
In our private affairs we make the effort
to obtain the very best qualified men for the
work we have to do regardless of where they
were born, or where they grew up; efficiency
is what we want. Should we not apply the
same rule when selecting men to fill import
ant public offices? Are they not in a large
measure instrumental in influencing the
lives of the rising generation, and should we
man to fill an office, the duties of which nee
essarily brings him so close to the children
of the county, for their future welfare de-
pends largely upon what advantages they
receive through the medium of the public
school?
The perpetuity of our nation depends upon
the education of the masses, and how impor-
tant that the children be given the best
advantages obtainable.
Professor Palmer is without question the
best qualified man for the position in our
county and there should be such a hearty
support given him that it will echo and re
echo throughout the State and show to the
other counties that we know how to appreci-
ate qualifications and will stand by the men
who have at heart the best interests of our
people.
He commands the respect of educators
wherever he goes and has made name for
himself throughout the entire State, of whom
we may justly be proud. Vote for him!
A PATRON OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL.