Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1906-12-19
For Better Public Schools.
continued from first page)

usually willing to pay taxes when
they perceive practical and lasting
benefits accrue from their expendi-
ture. Division superintendent
should be selected for their devotion
to and efficiency in educational
work. Trustees should invariably
be men of practical business sense,
of reputation and influence. broad
minded and patriotic, earnest in
the uplifting of their fellow man
and in the progress of their State.
They should have no partisan or
selfish purposes to subServe in the
discharge of their duties. These
responsible positions should never
be given to sohcitous persons who
seek them in order to provide
places for their daughters and rela-
tons regardless of qualification.
They should never be given to
persons who desire the appoint
ment in order to locate a school for
his own selfish accommodation.
Those entrustedwith the selection
of division superintendent and
trustees can render an inestimable
service to the cause of education if
they Will appoint only the best and
most worthy men to these impor-
tant offices. | went the time to
come in Virginia when to be di-
vision superintendent or school
trustee will be esteemed a high
decoration of honor and be positive
proof that the person is devoting
his best energies to the educational
progress and prosperity of the
State.
My friends, whenever the super
visors, councilmen and trustees all
unite in patriotic effort to improve
our public schools, then we will
have ample funds wisely spent and
the schools of this State will be
enthused with new vigor and life.
and the day will not be far distant
when our public schools will rival
those of any state in this Union.
If this harmony of action. this
union OF purpose can be secured
this meetingwill have accomplished
Its aims, and we will see the edu-
cational skies of Virginia tinted by
the light of a new rising sun, which.
as it ascends to its noontide splen-
dor will send sunshine and happi-
ness to the highest and humblest
homes of this Commonwealth.
The last session of the General
Assembly of Virginia did more for
the public schools and enacted more
favorable legislation than had been
accomplished during the twenty
previous years. In the future this
legislature will be known as the
great educational legislature and
Its members will recall with pride
their support of the various meas
ures which gave new stimulus TO
our public educational system and
marked the commencement of q
progressive improvement which
we propose shall continue until the
public schools of Virginia shall be
unsurpassed. This legislature ap-
propriated more money for public
education than any which ever as
sembled in the annals of this State.
In every direction it willingly and
generously extended its aid to the
public schools. Increased appro-
prlations and new beneficial legis-
lation were substituted for pleasing
platitude and eloquent declaration.
Specific measures of benefit were
given instead of charming lip SER
vice. The last General Assembly
proceeded In accordance with the
proverb that an ounce of perform
ance is worth more than a pound
Of preachment. The glittering
glamour of vague sentiment was
superseded by brave, specific acts
OF genuine benefit. Our entire
educational system extending from
the simple schoolhOuses that dots
the mountain side to our splendid
University has had infused into it
new hope. new vigor. If the local
authorities will now periodically
and courageously supplement the
work done by the General Assem-
bly, great improvement of our
schools is assured. One of our
most urgent needs is better school
houses. Many of our present
schoolhouses are a disgrace to the
State, ungainly, uncomfortable,
poorly ventilated and lighted, built
contrary to all hygienic rules, they
are q menace TO the health of