Imperial Valley press., 1910-07-09

that pertains to the settlement and development of the new secteion the pioneer school work appealed to me in a very special way This interest strong in the beginning has been vital ized and intensified by actual resi- dence in the valley and an observa- ton of the school system at close range.
 It is admittedly true that next to the home. the public school ranks first in importance among American institutions and upon the eff1ciancy and scope of its work depends largly, the success and perpetuity of the Re- public. as we'll as the abiding happi- ness of her people.
 Reorganizing this fact able men and women have devoted their lives to the upbuilding of educational sys- tenn in America which Is the joy and pride of all truly patriotic citizens. Our own California has made gener- ous provision for the education of her children. Money, experience, culture and good red blood have gone into the structure All to the one end that the boys and girls of today may be worthy citizens of tomorrow.
 The one serious defecte of the sys- tenn is the provision of the State law which requires the election of school superintendents at the general cleo tion when politics are rampant and there is a danger that men may be chosen for the office, not because of merit or peculiar fitness, but because of geographical location or political affiliation.
 Political parties may be necessary to the preservation of Republican in- stitutions and are no doubt a good thing in their place, but there is no earthly reason for the existence of partisan politics in the county and municipal affairs of Imperial Valley.
 The problems with which we are concerned have no connection with the great issue of the National parties, with the tariff, with currency, with foreign commerce and foreign rela- tionships, with military armament We are interested in the development of our industries, the building of homes and school houses and good roads; the providing of safe and adequate water supply, and thousand other things incident to the building of a new country which shall be Im- perial in fact as in name. If other things are to be rightfully done, we must have as county officials men of integrity, acquainted with our needs, with a proper conception of their duty as public servants, capable and willing to sacrifice personal gain to public intereset if necessary.
 Particularly should the head of the educational department be chosen solely upon merit, for his will be a task of great moment to the valley. Our educational system Is just form ing, and the peculiar problems with which he must cope, cause the office of School Superintendent in this new est of counties to take on a much broader significance than it has in older communities, with their estab lished ideals and traditions.
 From the beginning it has been ap- nf would not answer in Imperial county. Our conditions demand new educa ton adaptable, progressive, practical, founded upon the ideals of such edu cators as Dr. Jordon, J. H. Francis and Eduah Rich.
 To organize, and direct this impor- tant work in addition to the multitud- ious duties pertinent to the admins tration of the office, will be the task of the new Superintendent, during the ensuing four years.
 That he may do this work properly, the Superintendent must not only stand as the highest exponent of all that is best in character and attain ments but must embody those char acteristics which distinguish a real man or woman.
 That he should be broad in culture
 tactful and sympathetic, goes with out saying; good common sense, sound judgement, originality and initiative are even more essential. He must be man of action able to see the op- portunity for a really great work and seize it.