The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-07-14

ment on a plane with the department
of labor; of providing compensation for
the commissioner of education and of so
constituting the department of educa-
ton that while it's invaluable function
of collecting and diffusing information
be in no wise impaired, 1t may be equip
ped to exercise oversight over the edu-
cational system of Alaska and of the
several islands now dependent upon US,
as well as to make some provision for
the education of the children of the tens
of thousands of white people domi-
ciled in the Indian Territory, but who
are without any educational opportuni-
ties whatever. Such reorganization of
the bureau of education and such ex-
tension of its functions we believe to be
demanded by the highest interests of
the people of the United States and we
respectfully but earnestly ask the con-
gress to make provision for such re-
organization and extension at their
next session. The action so strongly
recommended will in no respect con-
the reorganized functions OF the nation
al government to encourage and to aid
but not to control the educational in
strumentalities of the country.
I'VE note with pride and rapid extern
sion of provision for a separate secon-
Diary and higher education, as well as
for technical, Industrial and commercial
training. National prosperity and our
economic welfare in the years to come
will depend in no. small measure upon
the trained skill of our people, as well as
ence and their general information.
Every safeguard thrown about the
safeguard of teaching, and every pro-
vision for its proper compensation has
both general and professionalism en-
trance upon the work of instruction, Sc
curity of tenure, decent salaries and
systematic pension system, are indis-
pensable if the schools are to attract
and to hold the service of the best men
and women of the United States, and
the nation can afford to place its chill
dren in the care of none but the best
I'VE welcome the tendency on the
part of colleges and scientific schools to
cooperate in formulating and admins
tering the requirements for admission
to their several courses of instruction,
and we rejoice that this association has
constantly thrown its influence in favor
of this policy, and has indicated how,
in our judgment, it may be best entered
upon. We see in this movement a most
important step toward tightening the
burdens which now rest upon so many
secondary schools and are confident that
only good results will follow it's success.
1.-The efficiency of school system is
to be judged by the character and the
intellectual power of its pupils and not
by their ability to meet a series of tech
meal tests. The place of the formal ex-
animation in education is distinctly sub
ordinate to teaching and its use as the
sole test of teaching is unjustifable
I'VE renew our pledge to carry on the
work of education entrusted to us in a
spirit which shall be not only non-sec-
tartan and non-political but which shall
accord with the highest ideals Of our
national life and character. With the
continued and effective support of pub
lie opinion and the press for the work
of the schools, higher and lower alike,
we shall enter upon the new century
with the high hope born of successful
experience and of perfect confidence in
American policies and institutions. "
The report was adopted.
The executive committee, which has
under consideration the matter of the
and Cincinnati early in October.