The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-19
CHAIRMAN WALKER MAKES STATEMENT
 ON EDUCATIONAL
 SYSTEM OF STATE
tContinued from Page one)

policies outlined by the distinguished state superintendent of education, 1t was because those policies violated what l conceived to be some of the Fundamental principles of our govern ment.
 In his eager enthusiasm to serve the youth of the state he fell into the error, not uncommon, of one devoted 10 a great cause who in his overshad- owing desire to achieve one paramount end may overlook some Fundamental principle of administration.
 We must keep sacred the tenets and teachings of that immortal statesman who gave form and life to all that is excellent and lasting in our system of democracy; that educational philos- opher who shaped an ideal education al system. This ideal has not yet been attained, but those states approaching most nearly the scheme of Thomas Jefferson may we'll be used as models by those who have not yet caught the vision of the sage of Monticello.
 Education Necessary
 Tn the words of that courageous southerner, the knightly Ben H. Hill Of Georgia. Who saves his country saves himself, saves all things and all things saved bless him; who lets his country die, dies himself, ignobly and eAA ShiitSo uy lIS curse
 Tn this crisis of Alabama's educa- tional history we must save the state :: to save the state we must save the youth and to save the youth We must provide an adequate system of public education for all our children.
 our present educational system in spite of certain obvious excellencies, Is nothing more nor less than patch work kind of Joseph's coat of many colors.
 Although not directly charged with the particular responsibility of shap- Ing our educational legislation. I have given to this all important question all the thought and study that my time and strength would allow I have care- fully inspected the existing and pro- posed laws as well as their operation In practice from the elementary grades to the state university, and as I see It not only is legislation now neces- sary but that legislation must be far reaching in its scope and purpose.
 But we must not overinstitutional- ize our system; We must recognize the neglected units of elementary and sec- ondary education and make for them ample provision, both as to mainten- ance and supervision.
 T wish now and here to declare most emphatically that favor the proper sup rort of our State university, our Poly technie institute, our Technical Institute for Girls, our normal schools, our agri- cultural schools, our county high schools, as well as the public schools Each of these units has its own peculiar mis- sion, and there should be no overlapping, nor duplication of service.
 Needs of Alabama Among Alabama's educational needs, the first 1note is for expert county super the first note is for expert county super intendent, professionally trained, and a teacher Of successful experience But the right of the people to elect such officer, as well as the trustees of the rural schools should remain inviolate.
 The state should have no favored sec- ton, and therefore to establish the same types of schools and maintain the same degree of efficiency throughout Alabama We should have state board of educa- tion. This board should be separate and charged with the specific duty of stand ard1zing all schools except those operating under special charters
 Tt Is generally conceded that much of the lnefficiency in our rural elementary schools Is due to the lack of trained teachers We can and must make the necessary provision for the training of these potent factors of our civilization. To secure the largest returns in our rural communities the consolidation of two or more weak school districts may fre- quently become necessary, and to make real and lasting progress we must pro- vide for such consolidation. Coordinate With this forward step we should provide Tor the real, effective and practical teach ing Of agriculture and kindred questions.
 There are other matters of educational interest which should probably claim our attention, but they are unquestionably of secondary importance to these which I have enumerated and covered by the seven bills will today introduce in this house.
 Tn attaining these necessary and great ly desired ends we must do no violence to the fundamental principles of government, nor should we materially deviate from the well-beaten paths.
 The right of the people to choose those that are to serve them will be preserved and all of our institutions strengthen d If we remain true to the teachings of the founder of the system of universal educa- ton. that stalwart American. whose gen. jus and patriotism stand unparalleled in the history of man."
 
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