Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1908-04-04
COMMUNICATION.
o THE EDITOR OF THE TRIBUNE:

To THE EDITOR OF THE TRIBUNE
Dear Sir:-Will you permit me thru
the columns of The TRIBUNE to speak
to the people of Morris who have the
good of the schools at heart including
especially those who have recently
tried to defend the schools by sup
porting me in various ways?
I have deeply appreciated the ac-
tivity in my behalf and have been
gratefully surprised to learn how
much of it has come from people
whom have been able to know but
slightly or not at all. The time for
such activity in my behalf is, be-
lieve past and cannot now help the
schools.
Three things seem to me to be of
especial Importance to our schools at
this time. The thing that seems to
me of the most immediate Importance
is that the board as soon as practic-
able elect superintendent of recog-
nized ability whose character and
reputation can command the con-
fidence of the whole board and the
people, and that when he has been
selected they return to the former
method of selecting teachers.
Second, it is important that the
people take every opportunity that
presents itself to secure board that
will place the welfare of the schoo
above every other consideration as
carefully as judge upon the bench
would avoid all mercenary and per-
sonal considerations.
Third, (this is of fundamental i'm
portance) that the people should
thoroly inform themselves in regard
to certain matters of prime import
ance in school administration which
are generally recognized by leading
school men and the better class of
board members.
It is possible to gain this informa-
ton in regard to courses of study,
teachers salaries, duties of board
members, etc., by reading, but few
will do it in thoro way. If the
people were thoroly informed on
these matters by experts who might
be invited here the schools would
gain security and certainty Of prog
ress which they can never have until
public opinion is thereby and impair
TALLY informed. II teachers salaries.
could be discussed before and with
our people by President Maxwell of
Winona; courses of study, by Prof.
Rankin; the position of the superin-
tendent in Minnesota, by. Inspector
Alton; methods of selecting teachers
by some Of our former board members
or members from Moorhead and Fari-
bault whom I recall just now; the
duties and professional ethics of
school members, by some of these
men, justice and consideration for
teachers, by some one else-if all
these things could be properly dis
cussed and understood by the citizens
of Morris some of the errors, changes
in policy and general disturbance
would become impossible and steady
of the school a practical
certainty. x"
I thoroly believe that further ac-
tivity of those who believe in the
work of the present superinten-
ient had better be directed not to
ehampioning his personality or his
record but in bringing about the
things mentioned things
which he had hoped to help bring
about.
I wish to thank sincerely at this
time, many citizens, teachers and
of the board, and board
who have in a great variety
If ways aided me in my work here
turing the last six years. The obliga-
ions you have conferred will long
constitute pleasant recollection of
Norris. May ask that you do no
ess for my successor.
Yours sincerely,
SELDEN SMYsER.