The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-06-25
IAN UNrHrNkAsLn Paoros1rIoN.,

Under this title appears an editorial in Sundays Atlanta Constitution which will be of interest just at this time when the question of providing auali- fled County superintendents Is before the Legislature. The position taken by the advocates of what is known as the Supervision Bill is. that the meas ure wiII take the election of the Coun- ty Superintendent out of local politics and will in a measure. place the rural schools on the same basis as far as supervision is concerned, as the city schools. City schools everywhere elect superintendents by Boards of Educa- ton and the plan has been a success. There is no reason why the country schools should not be put on similar basis.
 We give below the Constitutions editorial:
 Astounding--is the one word which describes-.the proposal at the recent session of the city Democratic execu- tive committee to make the office of superintendent of Atlanta's public school system subject to primary elec- tton, instead of leaving 1t as at pres ent. to the choice Of the board of edu- cation. ..-------
 The Constitution. is convinced that when the movers in the matter, as we'll as the fathers and mothers of At lanta, recognize the disastrous pos- abilities of this innovation, they will speedily withdraw the dangerous sug- r~a s1.. II. tn@ fKa Atlanta's history. seeks to involve the splendid school system of the city in the maelstrom of politics.
 The project involves nothing less than throwing the entire public school system--upon the high standard of which Atlanta justly brides herself Into the sea of political activity! It means that the superintendent, know ing that he must depend upon ballots for election, must neglect his. official duties, and that he will, inevitably, set himself to work building up a personal political machine, trafficking with the ward -heelers, the professional politi- clans and the ever ready wire -Work- CTS. with the care of the schools as secondary consideration.
 It means that the salary roll, and the army of teachers will degenerate into mere spells for petty political cliques, the leaders of which will lend their support to a candidate for super AHteudcut. Ouly upou CoHoftAou tAot Ac puts into office, or uses his influence to put into office their favorttes.
 Study. the thing 8 nnomentf
 See what possibilities 1t holds of sub stituting inefficient, perhaps morally undesirable, women teachers. for those now serving the taxpayers of Atlanta What effect must it exert upon the educational opportunities of the scholar!
 Do the parents of Atlanta wish to run the risk of having the ward-heeler of gumshoe and star-chamber, and sometimes unsavory methods, partici- pate in the nomination of the teachers who are to come in a daily five-hours contact with their children7
 That is what the proposal means, carried to its inevitable conclusion.
 Popular opinion has ample scope for expression under the existing system. tlcan register its @disapproval or ap- provai through the selection of coun- ctimen who can be held to a strict ac- countability In their selection of mem bers of the board.
 What more protection is needed?
 The public school system has no place in politics. Politicians should be held off, with a mailed hand If neces- sary, from tampering with the per sonnel of the teachers and the welfare of their little charges.
 The suggestion should never have been made. Having been made, 1t should be withdrawn-without de- lay