Durant weekly news. (Durant, Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 190?-1944, 1916-06-02

close the pupils. Nothing could be
further from the wishes Of the citi
zenship Of the State.
Every state school in this common
wealth is in existence to furnish edu-
cational facilities for all the young
folk within the borders of Oklahoma
The residents of McCurtaln County
have the right to send their children
to the for Northwest Normal school
at Alva. Of they choose to send their
boys and girls so far from home.
Those farmers of Harmon County
who wish to send their boys to the
A. and NJ. College at saltwater may
do so. although there is a State agri-
cultural school at Lawton. but two
counties removed from Harmon
County
SO, when sober thought is resorted
to. there should come tot he citizens
of Oklahoma the knowledge that the
State schools built within walking
distance of their homes are not plos-
ed there merely to serve the commun-
tiles in which the school buildings
stand. They were located for other
reasons, usually on account of a fav-
orable school sentiment, becausegood
water was present. for the addei
reason that nature had co-operated in
extending an invitation, and also
perhaps. on account of attractive
transportation facilities being in evil
dence.
In a recent interview. Governor
Robert l.. Williams was quoted as
follows:
"My purpose Is to put the State ed
ucational institutions upon high
basis; every head or member who
seeks to hold office by political arti-
flee or intrigue shall be driven out
and only men wha stand on their
merit shall remain. / will not be in
timidated by false charges. These
matters wilr be settled by a board
regularly constituted by law. My OBJ
ject is that these State institutions
shall be run on merit and without
partisanship."
1t is known that the members Of
the State Board of Education are in
sympathy with the statement of the
Governor.
AS an illustration that the admin
istration of our State schools is free
from political domination, the rec
ords will be quite the best evidence.
Let us refer to them.
The new head of the school for
deaf at Sulphur was selected from
Dakota. Could he have had any po
litical influence in this State? AS
suredly not. He was selected for
merit alone
When a vacancy occurred more
than a year ago at the school of
mines, head for that institution was
chosen from the Federal service.
Merit was the element which placed
him in the position.
About the same time the board
at the Southwestern Normal school.
The former president was not re-
tired to make room for person high
in political favor. His successor was
chosen for efficiency. And, the edu-
Gator who was removed was not drop
ped from the servise of the State, but
was unanimously selected to be on in
structor at Oklahoma's greatest uni
versity.
About a year ago dissentions pre-
vailed at the Southeastern Normal
school, The president of the school
was asked to resign. No politics en-
tered into the action of the board.
His successor was chosen from an-
other State, and all know that as
such resident he had no political in
fluence in Oklahoma. He could not
even vote.
Recently the State board deemed it
wise to make a change in the East
Central normal. Nor were spoils OF a
political nature considered. The
board believed change would add to
the efficiency of the school. The new
head comes from another State. He
is without political influence in Okla
homa He could not even deliver his
own ballot to any faction who might
wish it, Hence, there could be no
political aspect to his selection.
Not many weeks ago the president
of the Northwestern normal was
asked to resign. Immediately idle