The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-13
MUNROE &- -MUNROE, Mgrs. for the MarcOni Underwriters,
 25 Broad St., New York.

required, it will render. a service to future posterty that can never be measured.
 q am glad we have had such strong men (since school men started to hold this ofnce) that were patriotic enough to leave good positions and serve their state. l hope that strong school men will continue to be patriotic and self-sacrific- ing and take this office even though the salary Is not increased, for l submit that if our educational problems are solved a school man must continue at the head of the department.
 Look at the great educational awaken ing brought about by our present efficient superintendent. The work accomplished will be enduring, as will be shown by q higher state of civilization.
 "This is not the only officer that Is underpaid. The members of tho legis- lature should receive enough to call the very best talent to our legislative halls. Then, too, the next legislature should al- low the people to vote on an amendment to the constitution regarding the four year limit of the state superintendent. A work is often started in this department that requires a long term of years to com plete. and so there are times when 9. su- perintendent should be his own successor.
 Minimum Salary.
 "A bill should also be passed establish ing minimum salary of not less than $sJ per month for teachers, the maximum, of course. to be left open, so that teachers of merit may get encouragement from time to time.
 T am convinced that length of service alone should not determine the increase of salary, but merit that brings out OK. cellent results should receive the highest consideration.
 "To get the schools graded as | have suggested calls for expert county super vision, and to secure this it will be well to vest county boards with power similar to city boards Let them elect the county superintendent, who shall serve them as the city superintendent does the city board. This will necessltate the election of five county board members, but this can be done just as they now elect the four The county board should be re- quired to elect man who holds at least Il second grade certifqate, but they should be allowed to go anywhere for the best available man. and he should become Il county officer at good salary and be required to give his entire time to the duties of the office.
 Teaching as Profession.
 "I am convinced that for good works and splendid results we stand today near. if not at the top, of all the callings
 
 training citizens better than they have ever been trained, but I know that they can be improved, and l want us to de- tcrinine by the help of God and our own best efforts to make the schools still better. Let us do our duty. Why, the teacher is in position to help the com munity more than any other single per son H. should be a person or such strong character and solid worth as to impress af line that is ennoblng and uplifting. He should be able to win the respect, admira- ton and love of his people, then he is in position to accomplish results that will count for good throughout eternity itself
 You have stood by the mountain side and watched the clear sparkling water of the little streamlet cagning against rocks, giving out moisture to flower. plant. and tree. Then plunging into the pool below there to increase in helpful ness by spreading life, giving moisture to growing crops and lowing herds; then into a larger stream and finally into the ocean, where thousands upon thousands are benefited by it's help transporting commerce and passengers. anc you could not but say to yourself. this had little strength and power back yonder on the mountain side. but it mas grown in iise- fulness until the whole human race is concerned So 1t Is with the conscientious painstaking teacher, whose fife is given over to encouragement and hepfulness His power and influence grows and broadens until il becomes mighty force that spurs and upliftsJ the human race. Be not discouraged, tliou noblest of all workers when pay Is short and sym pathy scare, when criticisms arise and trials come fast Leave not this noble calling. neither become weary in this great work for the time VIII come some bright and glorious day when all will be well and thy reward be ample.
 Let Us then be uu and doing.