The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1906-07-14

State want the best service? Then
the only way is to pay for it. Political
economists tell us that low wages
mean poor service, and that high
wages mean effective service. Better
pay means better teachers. What we
can get a teacher for, the law OF sup
ply and demand, has nothing to do
with this question. The State should
look at it from one standpoint only,
and that is OF efficient service-oi value
received.
Does the State receive any value
Il ON the teacher? Why, did not Mr.
Adams, who delivered our address OF
welcome, tell us that we hold the des-
tiny OF the State in our hands? Is not
this true? Does not Mr.. Adams be-
lieve this? OF course he does. But,
ladies and gentlemen, | believe he is
the only one OF the members OF our re-
cent legislature who does believe it,
We hold the destiny OF the State in
our hands. 1t seems, then, that the
State is somewhat careless in its treat
ment OF those who hold its destiny. |
should think she would fear in an an
Niety to get something substantial in
our hands we would let go the destiny
and drop it to the earth where it would
get lost and never be found again.
But we are OF value to the State
We are expected to mould the future
men and women-to form their char
acter-and | say without fear of con-
tradiction that wherever you find a
good school, there you will find also, a
more intelligent and thrifty population.
The teacher helps the State just as eff
ciently as the Judge, the States Attor-
ney or the Clerk OF the Court-then
pay them accordingly. The High
School Principals in this State should
be paid more. County Clerks receive
about $4,000 or $4,000 per year and per
haps more. The High School Prin-
possibly one-third as much Then why
not pay the teachers more? 1t it not
just as important to the interests of
the State and to the people OF the State
fto have a wise, honest and efficient
principal as it is to have a wise, honest
and efficient clerk OF the court?
Increased salary would add to the
dignity OF the position, raise the stand
ards OF education and promote all
the interests OF refined civilization.
We are dispensers OF knowledge and
culture. Now as we are placed at a
small money value, these things that
we stand for are placed below par.
knowledge has no financial value cul-
ture is at a discount The finer things
OF life are neglected and the ignorant
are the important ones. This is true
beyond doubt. Even college PROBES
sors are poorly paid Sometime ago I
went into the home OF an eminent pro-
lessor, tn author OF many important
books, wise and learned teacher.
There were all around the signs ii not
OF poverty at least OF mcagcr provis-
ion "i the comforts OF life Yet that
man had refined tastes. He loved the
beautiful in art and in literature vet
had not the means to CRAFTY his desire
i'll even Slight degree. On the other
side oi the street lived another mana
business man. His home was furnish
ed luXuriouSly Now | would not say
a word against thiS-ior we all would
do it ii we could But somehow it
doesn't seem that the adjustment is
right. Should we not charge it? 1t
the butcher charges us twenty-five
cents a pound for meat he should not
grumblc ii we charged him I612 cents
tax for the mental food OF his boy-the
idol OF his heart. Ii the lawyer or the
| doctor charges us five dollars minute,
should they not be willing to help pay
lis five dollars day | believe these
matters should be readjusted.
Now, in conclusion, in view OF what
we now get, in view OF what we give
and have to prepare for, in view OF our
! service to the State. in the name OF JUS
tice and right, | make plea for rails
ing the salaries OF our Maryland teach
ers The last Legislature reduced the
tax rate for educational purposes from
| 1854 cents to 10 cents! Shame on our
/ State, thus to take a backward step!
and all honor to that priceless cham
! pion oi teachers rights, Mr.. Lee Car
! CIV. OF Worcester, who kept the rate
from going still lower. Let us not rest
ladies and gentlemen. until we regain
our rights. and let us not be content
until the next Legislature atones in
full measure for the crime committed
upon all the best interests OF Mary
! land, My Maryland