The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-12-07

The President of Harvard University has said
without solicitation, that st. Louis has the best
organization of public education in the United
States He recognizes and appreciates the success
achieved in the method of instruction. but what he
atlmires more. and what furnishes significant eN-
ample for universal edifcation is the simple, rci-
able stable and effective organization of the free
school system Ill st. Louis.
Rightly he says that ST. Louis has not had this
excellent organization long, but as rightly he says
that ii has been in operation sufficiently long to
have demonstrated superior virtue. Thus he pays
tribute 10 the system itself. To the excellent work
done and to the officers and citizens whose oner-
Gus but pleasant duty it has been 10 lead the way
in the direction of advancement and cnlchtel,-
Incnt.
Doctor EliotS expressions received as com
mcndation and not compliment. He could not
condcscend TO fattcl.y and he would not He is
noted for frankncss and courage, quite as well rs
reputation, not less than his position and expert
cnce. gives weight to his voluntary praise.
il is encouraging, not only for ST. Louis b, for
other cities, 10 get comncndatory opinions from
trustworthy and efficient sources. Better methods
are in this manner brought into prominence and
enforce attention. The managing board is inspired
TO persist hopefully in It's laborS. The public,
WIlch Is always more or less prone TO cricisc, is
urged to magnify the good in system and effort in
To true proportions. Aid is supplied for climinat-
ing defects for retaining beneficial features and
for squirting progress
The chief element in the organization. as Prcsi-
dent Eliot has correctly said. is the ,,iparisan
spirit which pervades both the fundamental system
and the work methods. The Board of Education
is bipartisan in nature but bipartisan in fact Its
members are chosen with regard to character abi
ty and capacity. and with almost no regard for
poltlcal faith They are elected on party tickets
but not strictly party men, in fact it is intended
that they should not be extreme Iarts;ns and this
motive both parties and their representative as
sociations respect. The board is just partisan
enough for electoral requirements; after that it is
totally bipartisan
The general affairs of the frcesciool system are
directed by the board, while the educational affairs
are conducted by educators For all of IFS work |
the board is assured of definite revenue each |
year and there is never doubt as to what NAV or |
may not be DONE there is feeling of insecurity |
that the income will be inadequate for there is no |
dependence upon appropriations. The board eycr-
clses complete independence in its finances and its
work. These are among the excellent advantages
which President Eliot perceives in the local or.
sanzation.
ST. Louis has reason to he proud in the justified
Delef that it has an educational system which sur
passes the best in the United States The COM
mendatiOn received from President Eliot so soon
after similar approval from other noted educators
is praise that will have an invgo.atinc effect in
St Louis to deserve it even more in tho
future in the first place by holding the gains made
and, in the second place. by substituting additional
improvements for deficiencies which may now
exist.