Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1912-03-15
POLITICS AND SCHOOLS.

Aneut the much discussed question
OF schools in politics, Governor Colds
borough has this to say:
Il do not see any particular need
for legislation at this session changing
the manner Of constituting the various
school boards throughout the counties,
| particularly along the lines suggested
by the Balls bill and the Lee bill,
which differ only in form and not in
substance.
at is true that frequently remark
ed on the stump last fall that politics
played not only an important, ut per
nieious part in the conduct Of the
schools in various counties Of the state
and that would do anything in my
power, as Governor, to eradicate this
evil. The passage of either of these
two bills would result in preventing
my keeping the promise made by me
to the people. The purpose these
bills could serve would be to retain the
schools in statu quo, not only with
reference 70 the sgperiatend-nts in the
various counties, but also the present
method of purchasing books and sup
Plies, which has been the source OF
much criticism and discomfort through
out the state.
at might be admitted that in some
of the counties, and perhaps many Of
them, the superintendents are efficient,
and, irrespective of their political af-
tiliation, ahodld not be disturbed. And
in cases Of this kind | do not think
that any Of my appoiutees will make
an effort to either supplant them or
embatrass them in the performance of
their duties, but will render all the as
sistance and encouragement that they
can. Aud only such counties as now
use their schools as a political adjunct
to their parties and organizations need
have any fear that their policies will be
disturbed while they are recognized as
modern and efficient. or be alarmed
that the interests of the pupils and
patrons will be at all jeopardized by
the appointments that | have made.
at is not true that during the adj
ministration of former Governor
Lowndes there were wholesale changes
msde in the observation-disclosures Of the
school boards, as stated by Senator
ee, and might cite the case of the
present superintendent Of education,
DR.. Stephens, who was retained as ex-
aminer and superintendent in Caroline
county by the Republican School
Board at that time. Many other in
stances Of the sort can be cited, and,
if l mistake not, it was the Lowndes
administration that provided for mi
nority representation upon school
boards as Well as upon other boards of
TIE state
1.-THE only purpose | have to serve
is to see that politics shall not play any
part i'll the employment of teachers, or
the purchasing Of books and supplies,
and in order to do this have selected
men in whom | personally have conf
dence, and who, believe firmly, will
carry out to the letter the policies for
which stood prior to the election. and
if my friend the Senator, can forget
his establishment and chagrin at the
fact that have selected Republicans
to do this, and will open his eyes and
get a little broader vision Of the stu
alton, cannot believe that he would
be so active in trying to tie my hands
and prevent me redeeming pledges so
made.
1.-THE people of Maryland will charge
me with the conduct % the schools for
the next two years, and | do not de-
sire to be robbed OF the ability aud
power to filth that obligation. express
ed OF implied. which / undertook dur
ing the campaign. 2