The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1902-11-18
CONVENTION OF COUNTY SCHOOL
SUPERISTEDENTs.

As a result Of the meeting of the
county superintendent of education
now being held in Raleigh much good TO
the cause of public education in our
state is likely to come. These superin-
tendents, if proper and qualified ones
have been selected in the various coun-
ties and they nave done their duty, and
there Is nothing to lead any one to
suppose the contrary. know more about
the defects in the present school sys-
tenn and should be lone TO RENE
dy them than any one else. For them
to get together and discuss these de-
fects and their remedies. to exchange
ideas upon any proposed changes will
Of necessity bring good results. The
fact that this is the largest gathering
OF county superintendent ever held in
our state shows that these men are TAX
ing interest in their work and are
anxious to devise plans for making IL
more effective. We suppose that after
going over the field thoroughly this con-
vention will decide upon certain recon-
to be made to the legisla-
ture at he session which conyenes in
january. Suggestions of changes in our
school law coming from his body
should received thoughtful considera-
ton from our legislators, who should
remember that they come from men
VINO devote their entire time to the
study of this matter n are ambi-
tious to improve our public school sys-
tenn and thereby raise the standard of
hteracy in our state.
Special credit is due State Superinten-
dent Joyner for the success of this meet
ing. Since being placed at the head af
tbs department he has l,bored intelli-
gently and arduously for the betterment
or our public schools. and no man in the
state VIII rejoice more than he al the
attainment of the good results hoped
Tor from this convention. He deserves
success. and We believe he will attain
1t. Too much must not be expected at
once. The advance will necessarily he
gradual but with such men as we have
In the state la6oring for it We are sure
1t will be steady.
Professor Joyner's address in OPEN
ing the convention was a strong one
He gave statistics showing the need of
mproVemen of our school system. He
strongly urged as an important one of
these improvements the consolidation
or school districts. The plan of CONSOLE
dation of districts has been tried In
other states N has always proved ben
eficial.
rms meeting and similar ones to fol-
low should interest all the people of
the state who should give united sup
port to the men who are trying SO hard
10 improve our educational facilities.
without the cooperation of the people
these men can do little or nothing.
Though We have made rapid progress
in the matter of public education in
the last twenty-five years, there is no
denying the fact that we are still far
behind most of the other states and
that there is room for great improve
ment yet. This Improvement is to he
accomplished only by hard work and DIV !
increasing public interest in the subject.
campaign of education carried on
IN the last few months by Professor
Joyner and Others has done much to-
ward the latter. This awakened feeling
should not be allowed to die out, but
the campaign should be carried on un-
til the school officials have the full sup
port or n people, then no longer will
our position among our sister state re-
garding il~literacy be a reproach and a
humiliation to us.