The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1911-10-19

the people of Maryland" says the Re
publican platform, that every possible
aid be extended to the cause of public
education We, therefore, declare our
belief" it continues, Tin the wisdom
and justice of such additional appropri-
atoms for our public school system as
will suffice to build sufficient schools to
adequately accommodate all the children,
and to guarantee to the undergrad
teachers of our State" pledges the
party, "a more generous compensation
for the duties they are called upon to
perform.
Thus clearly, forcible and in terms
readily understoodgand admissible Of no
ambiguous construction, the Republican
candidates for the State Offices and for
the Legislature alike, stand pledged be-
fore the people to increase the appro-
priations Of public funds to the end,
first, that ample accommodations and
facilities be provided for all the children
of Maryland; second, that the efficient
teachers engaged in the commendable
work of instructing the youth Of every
hamlet and community receive a recon-
pense commensurate with the service
and sacrifice rendered to the future
citizens of the Commonwealth. And,
given the opportunity, the Republican
party may be relied upon to absolutely
and in good faith eliminate the public
school system of Maryland from the
baneful and bhghting influence of poll
ties and professional politicians.
Throughout the State, and particular
" in Baltimore City, the Democratic
party have given abundant evidence of
their manipulation of the system Of pub
lie education for partisan advancement
and political achievement. The situa-
ton in Baltimore City, described by
men OF the highest standing as most de-
plorabe and disgraceful, whether in the
public school system has become we'll
nigh disintegrated and is dangerously
lacking in efficiency and force through
the petty trihing and activity of the
politicians. The manner IN which the
cause OF education Is being retarded and
the system itself bungled and seriously
impaired has become a Nationwide sub
ject for pointed criticism and an object
for sincere commiseration.
Here again the record of the RepubIi-
can party stands out in potent contra
distinction with that of the Democratic
regime. When the Republicans were
in control Of the State government in
ls96-l90O, they established reforms in
the public school system which proved
of the highest value to the cause of
public education until misfortune again
overlook it by the return Of the Demo
| cratic party to power Under the Re
publican administration the free school
book system was inaugurated and be
came so popular that it has been one of
the few reforms which the Democratic
| bosses have not since dared to repeal.
And they went so far in the work of
removing the public schools from the
influence of politics and politicians as to
create bipartisan boards of school com
missioners in every county in the State
and in Baltimore CITY. Compare con-
ditions then and now, dear reader.
On the matter of the public schools
the record Of the Republican party is
meritorious and clean, while that of the
Democrats is besmirched in this as in
every other branch of the State govern
ment in which the people are most
vitality interested.
Under the existing reign Of the bosses
and rule of the machine, can the people
look to the Democratic party to better
the conditions which surround The pub
lie school system, or will thew feel more
secure by again entrusting this impor-
tant duty into the hands of the Republi-
can party party that has never
broken faith with the people and their
| best interests?