The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1907-08-02
MAXIMUM
CEPT'
noa,, .,u ~"sexcept that he pro-

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8Gov. NJ. +. Anscl, Columbia, s C.
Lear Sir: l am informed that Won
have offered the position on the state
board of education from the second
dls'rlct to lawyer and ex-governor.
II such be the case, I wish to servo
notice that | expect to make viuor-
GUS protest through the press. Sucb
action will seriously injure the work
OF TINS department, as well as have u
depressing effect upon the schools
and educators Of This state. Jf T
am correct as to the second district
TINS will make two appointments on
mhe state board of education, and The
'eachlng profession has not been rec
ogh1zed. l am sure that they will feel
your attitude to them very keenlv. 7
shall not hesitate to speak frankly
IN regard to this matter.
Sincerely yours,
0. B. Martin,
State Supt. of Education.
The statement referred to is as fol-
lows:
- regard the appointment as poll
ueal rather than educational. While
nave an exalted opinion of the an
polntee, I believe this position was
rendered him because of former asso-
cation in politics and because of his
political prominence.
"The law says the state board Of
education shall constitute an advisory
Dody with whom the state superin-
tendent of education shall have the
right to consult when ,he is in doubt
as to his official duty. There are 9th
en- statutes which make the duties
and relations Of this board very close
to the state superintendent of educa-
non. The law gives the governor the
power of appointment, but 7 think
mat common decency and courtesy
demand that the state supcrintend-
cnt of education be consulted. AT
least several very distinguished gov
ernors, including that delightful and
consldcrate gentleman who adorned
that otlice dnrin" the past four wears.
have taken this view. I know that
this Is the view held by very large
mhJolhty OF the educators of this
state.
In The second dist rict T did not
even know that the name of the dis
tln@ushed ex-governor was being con-
sldered for the position until after
the position was rendered him. T re-
fuse to believe that it was ever in
tended that the governor should be
a political and patcrnal Santa Claus
t" tender surprise appointments to a
chld-llkc state superintendent. This
same chief executive made Il similar
surprise appointment in the sixth
district and 7 concurrcd in the re-
suit because | realized the necessity
Of havin" one excellent lawvor On
thc board.
In the name Of the schools of
South Carolina I insist that an cdn-
eatlonal board shall consist of e,luca-
tors. What would be said if teach
ers should be put on the pharma-
centlcal board or the state board Of
medical examiners? Or why NOT let
te2rhers conduct bar examinations 2
70 o{c has been decided disposition
rGe9 south recently to put educators
a al1ealional Offices. Every southern
tho superintendent of education has
trict Perience in teaching. a few
t,ict bgo This was not true. States
torncTe political boards Of cduca-
Standa passing laws requiring that
k"' laced school men shall consti-
hte the membership Of state boards
Hf education. Bills to that effect are
!now pending in the Georgia lcgisla-
turc. They have had board of state
officers.
"The state board of education pre-
parcs all questions for teachers cx-
amlnations, makes out COURSES of
study, examines reading circle papcrs,
selects books for teachers and chill
drcn and performs other duties more
or less professional.
why man who is really LOOKING
for official efficiency and service 10
the schools does not want people who
Lave devoted their lives to that line
Of work is more than I can see. II