The Springdale news., 1913-01-03
GOV..ELECT J. I. ROBINSON
 ADDRESSES STATE TEACHERS

the schools will require This, how ever, Is merely suggestive and by no means conclusive
 There Is neither necessity nor institutions by political influences. Their best interest requires that pol tics should be eliminated from them. The university, the agricul- tural schools and the normal must now make themselves felt in politics to secure far and necessary recogni- ton, and in turn, they are victimiz- ed by conflicting influences Who is content that present conditions shall continue, and that these great institutions, which are capable of accomplish 80 much for the state, shall be preyed upon by demagogues and political Charlatans?
 While instIitutions like the uni yersity, the normal and the agricul- tural schools are capable of seeur- ing recognition for the state. no greater or more powerful factor in true development exists than our rural schools. They invite and re quire our best attention, our most devoted service What tribute have not the common schools of Arkan- sas earned? Have they not been the very nursery of that which is com mendable in our history? How many men and women Of renown have re- ceived in them the inspiration which has prompted them to struggle and enabled them to triumph
 Rural Schools Progress.
 "A comparison of the country 5 ahools of Arkansas today and as they existed % years ago dfseloses wonderful and gratifying progress. Our present superintendent Of edu- cation. Mr. Cook. has done and is doing meritorious work He has gathered information and suggested legislation, which has resulted in tHe general improve Tt Of OUT rural schools Nevertheless the time has arrived when a complete survey of them should be made Ne shoa q know more of the value and condi- tion of school property; the number, age. habits and physical and moral characteristics of the pupils, the standards of morality and 5inteIli- geuee prevailing ill the various school districts throughout the state To accomplish this special author ity and provision must be made.
 Systematic and thorough adyan- cement in the rural schools cannot be had without it.
 sanitary buildings, constructed with special reference to fight. heat and ventilation, are of first impor- tanee
 The physical test required of those who attend poorly lighted, un- ventilated and cold or overhea' ed buildings is appalling
 Twenty years ago not one rural school building in % was comfort able Today probably one-half ot them submit the students to expos ure, impairment Of vision. colds and pneumonia
 Next in importance To sani- tary school buildings are higae1 salaries for the country teachers They are generally underpaid The salary scale has not corresponding t Iy increased with the cost of living 1 This tends to make the occupation of the rural teacher more and more mere stepping stone 10 other pur- suits and professions
 The element of self-sacritice ear perhaps never be safely eliminated from any pursuit or profession. Ffon the beginning of time men and ~o- men have yielded them selves tc the grip of the master and eompelE ing passion, the desire to do earn estly and well some particular thing Nevertheless. since teaching is from many standpoints the most import ant work in which one can engage 1t should Invite talent and stability of purpose by providing reasonable compensation.
 No higher use for public mon ies can be found than 10 apply them to the promotion of the cause ol general education
 The primary end Of our public school9 system is to make good citi- zens. hygiene, morality and patriot ism
 The one great defect in our pub lie school system. and indeed in any that has been devised. Is the tendency toward too much uniform ity.
 The theory that our common schools. high schools. colleges and