The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1902-02-28


bargains in farm lands over across the
line, and Emerson is nearer than Winni-
peg, for purchasers. See his ad in an
other column:
Marriage Licenses II
William Mcfarland to Lizzie Rickbeil
both of Cavalier. ,
-Educational-The Directors Convention.
On March 4, 1902, there will assemble
in Neche in the town hall the second an
nual meeting of the presidents of the
School Boards of Pembina Co.
While this meeting is intended, prim-
arily, tor the presidents of the several
boards, yet the spirit of the law views it
as general school convention to which
all school officers are invited. 1t is still
more than this. 1t is an educational
meeting to which all the patrons of our
schools are earnestly invited, and which
they should attend.
i, 1t is intended for all the school officers
of both our rural and village schools. 1t
is intended for all the patrons OF OUT
schools. both urban and rural, for the
school problems of all schools are very
fsimilar, and the essential needs OF all
Identical. There can be nothing more
inimical to the real, substantial prosperity
and growth of our county system than
the growth of the idea that the city
schools are subject to general conditions
which do not obtain in the country.
Our towns are all too small to assume
any metropolitan airs in school matters;
and our aim has been to treat the first
eight 48) grades of the county schools as
aunt, whether graded or ungraded.
And am happy to say that this spiri,
of antagonism between the rural and
urban schools has not gained foothold
in QUIZ County of Pembina.
And one Of the ways to keep it out
forever is for the patrons of all sorts and
conditions of schools to meet in conven-
ton to- discuss the questions of common
Yinterest,@hich are now calling for solu-
ttion.
Whether; will it or not; whether we
understand it or not; whether it will be
ultimately beneficial or not, this is an
age, of cooperation. consolidation, con-
seentrahon, system, and educational mat
tiers are ne exception to this spirit, now
>co'extensivewith civilization. Hence, il
at any time, our so-called city schools
should cultivate spirit of aloofness, they
wonld damage not only the rural schools
but themselves, also. l am not speaking
of the school denominated "high
Schools" L lam speaking of the first
eight grades.
i do believe there is no county in the
state where there is such hearty and earn
est cooperation of all principals and
teachers as in old Pembina. And from
all present indications this will be still
more complete and systematic in the
future than in the past.
/. In addition to this cooperation of all
the ountyschoolforces (Which is nothing
more or less than the practical appli-
cation of the state course of study there
are the problems of Consolidation, !"
uniformity of text books" 'certifcation
of teachers, - building and equipping of
school houses" apparatus" etc. 1t is
also especially desirable that any person
present bring up any local question that
may properly come before such a meet
ing.
Last July in Bathgate there met the
representatives of IS of the school dis.
tricts of our county. 1t was the busy
season, and the day was very warm, vet
the delegates showed most wonderful
interest in the questions before the con-
vention.
This year March ~ we are to have
with us our superintendent OF public in.
struction, the Hon. ]. M. Devine and
Supt. Ben. Tronslin Of Grafton.
1t would be superfuous for me to
speak of the qualifications of these vet
Grams to instruct and inspire all who may
be SO fortunate as to attend.
wish to say here what have said be-
fore; need the. support and earnest
work Of every school officer and patron
to aid me in realizing the educational
possibilities OF our great county.
In conclusion, allow me to urge you, |
one and all, to come to Neche and see
the greatest official educational conven-
ton Of the year.
w. j. ALExANDER.
Pembina, Feb. %, 'O2.