Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-06-30
MANY ARE AFTER IT,
Over Fifty Applications for Va
can't School Superin.
tendency.
STRONG MEN DESIRE TO COME.
And There Are Those With {
Pull Too-The Busy Book
Agent.

There are on file more than fifty
applications for the SUPPLEMENTARY of
the Rock Island public schools, to fill
the vacancy created by the resignation
ofProf. R. G. Young, who goes to Butte,
Mont. Some of the candidates for the
position are now in the city, and the
efforts that are being put forth by and
in behalf of these learned gentlemen
indicate the standard to which the
head of the Rock Island school system
has risen. 1t is healthy sign, one
that Rock Island is glad to see, and
the people are happy to have men
prominent in one of life's MODEST
callings coming here seeking to be
intrusted with the direction of that
which is nearest to the people-Rock
Islands model school system.
1t cannot be said that the idea of
enlisting the advantages of political
and personal pulls in support of the
am bilious is an agreeable one,
however. If there is one public
office that should be held aloof
from the influences of favoritism and
politicians, it is the city school super
inteudency. Merit is the first aud
only consideration in determining
as to the man. This comment is di-
rected at no particular candidate for
the vacancy in the Rock Island
schools soon to be filled.
The Busy Book Man.
While the practice of lobbying in
behalf of any candidate for such a
position, is to be deprecated, the
energy of the book agent is.
perhaps, the most tiresome fea-
ture of these latter days of school
government. The innovation is one
that should be exceedingly repugnanr
to all friends of the public school, and
tax payers generally. The represen-
tative of the school book publishing
house has become the most meddle-
soma and. what must be to the fair
minded school director. the most an
moving proposition that has TO be
handled in connection with school
management. 1t has become so
in Rock Island. at least, that
in all that transpires affecting the
schools, this busy individual-and
the term is applied in a general sense
feels that he must have his say.
He must be here every time there is a
school election. He was much in
evidence and in the plural mum Der
just preceding and during the recent
school election. Whenever a change
is to be made in the corps of instruc-
tors, he is sure to be on hand, and
doub tless the board will not be per-
mitted to fill the present vacancy
without hearing fully from the man
who thinks the curriculum should be
so devised as to make that for which
he exists Indispensable in conducting
the schools successfully.
First of All q School Man.
1t is good recommendation for a
school man to have friends who are
ready and willing to go to any
reasonable extent for him. 1t is
testimonial to his worth as a man as
well as professionally. tits therefore
gratifying to see candidates coming
here accompanied by Jealous
and enthusiastic friends work
| ing for them. But when it comes
to pulling wires. political and other
wise, it is something else. The Rock
Island schools want a school man who
cannot be too strongly recommended
by those who know him as such. But
4