Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-02-03
MERRITT, ANNOUNCES
IN OPPOSITION
TO GLENN
VALDosTA MAN ENTERS RACE
FOR STATE SCHOOL COMMITS
sIoNER-Hls PLATFORM IN
FULL GIVEN.

vALDosTA. Ga, Jan. S1.-Professor
w. B. Merritt of this city, candidate for
state school commissioner, makes the FOL
lowing announcement today;
ITO the People of Georgia. The fact
that so many have been urged to an
nounce is very strong evidence of the
statewide desire for a change in the
office of state school commissioner.
1.-THE demand for a change by so many
thoughtful people; the demand for more
practical and harmonious administration
of school affairs; the innumerable crit-
cisms, many of which are well founded,
seem to overbalance the claims or the IN
cumbent to a fifth term.
Among the gentlemen who were urgeo
to become candidates, / was in favor OF
one whose interest, sympathy and earnest
activities have for years been given to
the cause of education as opportunities
presented; a man whom the people OF
Georgia have many times entrusted with
positions of honor and responsibility. II
is a matter of regret that his health
would not permit him to accept this office
at the hands of his fellow citizens.
"The providing of ample and efficient
school facilities for the rural districts OF
Georgia is the most, important question
connected with the future growth and
development of our state. The burning is
sue is, how can the present state fund be
so expended as to give the best results
to the masses of the children Of the rural
districts.
For thirty years there has been oper-
ated in Georgia a so-called common
school system, and yet no definite plan for
the systematic education Of the children
Of the masses. on sound educational prin-
ciples, has been devised or put In opera
ton by the executive head Of our schools.
In the earlier history of the system,
when the funds provided we're, small, and
when teachers and boards of education
were not so efficient as now, there were
undoubtedly good reasons for an absence
of systematic work, but now. with a state
fund of s1,5OO.OOO and with teachers, many
Of whom have been trained for their work
at the states expense, and with school
officers growing in efficiency every year,
there can be no acceptable excuse offered
for the continued lack of plan and sys-
tenn. .D' 81,
1T is true that large numbers Of towns
and cities in the state have excellent
school systems in which the well-rounded
education of the children in their juris-
diotion is sought, but these are the re-
suits of the efforts of local school au-
thorities and do not need the constant
care of the state superintendent. His
special work-the' work for which he is
paid-is with the county schools.
ITO inaugurate and operate a real sys-
things are necessary; first, a knowledge
Of the actual educational conditions ex-
listing in the state; second, the ability to
plan a system to meet these conditions
and to see that this plan is executed;
third, a willingness to put time and la
Dor in the place where 1t is needed In
stead of wasting time and expense money
in gratuitous labors in local systems
where the state superintendent has abso-
lutely no authority. --.
There is a striking clause in the school
law touching the visits OF the state school
commissioner to the various counties. 1t
says these visits shall be for the purpose
of examining into the administration. OF
the school law, counseling with school
officers, delivering popular addresses, in
specting school operations and doing such
other acts as he may deem subservient to
the interest of popular education
Among these duties we think the
| fourth on the list should receive due at
tention. No amount of ponular eddros~-
es.' etc, can compensate for lack of
| inspecting school operations.
"From>a long connection with Georgia s
educational system as pupil, teacher and
Superintendent, have become convinced
that the emphatic need of Georgia s
schools is system-a different plan for the
elementary education of all the children
of our state.
| by whom 1 am now employed, and other
friends, have kindly expressed their con-
| fdence in my ability to discharge the du-
ties of the ONCE. Educational questions
| and practical school work have claimed
the best energies. Of my life. have used
every opportunity of becoming familiar
with all the educational work of the state
and the object and purpose of every line
of this work has my approval and CO.
| operation.
LAS special opportunities of learning the
needs and conditions of the common
schools have been afforded me, 1 feel
| that my training and experience fit me for
the satisfactory performances Of the du-
ties of the state school superintendent,
and with sincere desire of serving her
highest interest in this way, L announce
my candidacy for the office of state school
commissioner, subject to the Democratic
nomination. Yours respectfully,
CIV. B. MERRITT