Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1903-01-24
ANSWER TO CRITIC.
Communicated

~ AiI. IlAlfOA DAA+A 49,
Allow me space
in vour columns to congratulate the
neonle Of Berkeley county upon the
recent out break Of a stream Of gratni-
t3gs nnb!io information in the vicin-
itg OF Jones Springs. We hope that the
first flow has c~leansed the fountain
heaa of all the microbes OF eGotism
and conceit and that future outbreaks
win sparkle with bright ideas-ideas
that will elevate and enoble.
Mr.. Critic should guard well this
stream lest it should degenerate into a
series of patrid pools Of fault finding
and unjust criticisms. When be passes
judgement upon the teachers of this
county his throne should not be an
inverted coffee box in one of the gro
Gerry stores of his village. His. wit
nesses should not be the gossipers who
loaf around his court. Neither should
the still small voice that of incompe-
tencv from within be admitted as tes-
timony. That the people may know
upon what authority his criticims are
based viii he in his next effusion
please state how many schools he has
visited Tho year. This bit Of infor-
nation will add mu ch interest and
weight to his remark.
We think this idea of what consti-
tutes a competent teacher is a little
musty. namely one who does too much
hattering and not enough good teach
ing. His idea was not cleaned from
the field Of recent professional litera-
tire. He dare not own it as q child
of his mind lest the people lose faith
ia his ability to judge. Its origin
must date back to the time when the
teachers creed was Wear your pants
legs in your boot tops and don't drink
whiskey nor chew tobacco in time Of
school; when his code was a hickory
with and when his curriculum vas the
three RS. The standard bv which
he Judges does not meet the require
ments of the twentieth century. In
Berkelevcounty the incompetent teach
or is seldom found in the school room.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. from abroad have
commended our teachers both in pub
lie aud private for their superior in
telligence. Our teachers as a class are
progressive and Industrious. They
read educational journals and profess
sional books fromwhieh Critic might
have learned that thorough teaching
does NOS consist in fattering.
The present county Superintendent
has never encouraged any person to
apply for examination. Under his adj
ministration no certificates have been
issued except to persons who have
stood the educational test of an exam
ination. He does collect from each
person who applies fer examination
one dollar. After paying incidental
expenses Of Institute and examination
the residue is apportioned among the
examiners. This constitutes their only
salary. The law, as Critic knows.
says this shall be done. Critic writes
as one who knows something about
that dollar. Upon Your honor, Critic,
tell us. did YOU ever. as a member of
the examining board partici pate i'll the
division of examination fees? If SO,
did you we encourage any incompe-
tent person to apply for examination
that Won might have another 33 1-3
cents? We fear that still small voice
within has again spoken and YOU have
accepted it as a testimony.
In conclusion it is suggested that
Critic take as his next text the fol-
lowing Judge not, lest We be Judged.
For with what judgement We judge,
We shall be judged"
}. W. Shirley. County SuDt.