New Mexico state record. (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1914-19??, 1916-12-01

plished much Our state superinten
dent has been untiring in his effort
to build a system that would be
complished few could equal undel
the conditions that confronted him
The presidents of our higher insti
tutions have covered the state in ar
effort to increase their studen
bodies. We have profited by theil
acquaintance and suggestion, but ne
one with authority and qualification.
has been able to see our work and
to pass judgment on our plans ant
methods. Even our county super.
ntendents have been compelled
through lack of clerical assistance
to be office girls rather than super
vising experts.
Is it at all strange that we have
under these conditions been work
ing at cross purposes, or at least not
With concerted efforts?
Some have suggested that some
thing is wrong and that we ought
to employ experts from outside the
state to survey and to tell us what
is wrong
Organization Bad.
Do we need a corps of experts to
tell us that our organ zatiOn is bad,
or that We have too little organiza-
ton, to call it by that name, to tell
us that we are short one rura, school
inspector, one high school inspector,
tWenty-six Office assistants for coun-
ty superintendcnts, statistician
for our state department, several
travelling libraries for our rural
schools, and sundry other things
easily determined when the above
enumerated shortage is supplied?
Do not misunderstood me. | am
not so egotistical or blind as to believe
that a survey would not reveal many
conditions that should be improved.
My plea is to improve the conditions
that we are unanimously agreed
should be improved, then let us sur
vey and improve again. Institutions,
cities and counties, not caring to
wait for state survey can easily
attend to their immediate needs and
be rechecked when the state is ready.
As a class, we have been accused
of having little practical sense, no
business ability, and our Judgment
has been seriously questioned. In
my opinion there is no better way of
proving the accusations than to go
before the state legislature, asking
for an appropriation to conduct
survey, the purpose of which is to
reveal conditions already known, not
only to the educators but to the lay
men. 1t is time for us to place our
selves in the position of the man
who appeared before a J. P. court
on the charge of stealing. When
asked by the court for the name of
his attorney, he answered, "I need
no lawyer. I expect to tell the
truth" Bury our pride, admit our
weakness, and ask the legislature to
give us the help necessary to face
every educational force in the same
direction, and to bring our state edu-
system to its highest pos
'ible effiency.'
But you say our voice will not
De heard, while that of an expert
will, Let me remind you that we
we're given a director of industrial
work, county high schools, and the
county unit taxation law without the
I'D of outside experts. Let me also
-emind you that teachers holding
permits have been practically elimi-
rated, consolidation of school dis
riots perfected and splendid school
erected without outside
ldvice. Keep in mind also, that the
recognized ability of the county sup
caused both republicans
md democrats to forget politics, so
ar as the county superintendent was
in the county of Bernali-
10, one of the most populous of
his state, county in which every
advantage was sought by
10Th parties.
People Not Indifferent.
Do these things indicate indiffer-
nee on the part Of the people of
Jew Mexico to the educational
eeds? I believe not. On the con-
rary, | believe we have but to point
mt our lack of equipment and all
arries will be removed by an en-
ghtened public sentiment.
Shall we unite our efforts for the
ommon good or shall we be indif-
erent to the needs of the whole sys-
EN- and pursue our pet schemes for
ersonal g1orification. The opportu-
ity to make a united efficient sys-
EN- is crest high. Our policy will be
cad in the results attained.
Regardless of what we do as a
ody, however, the schools under Our
care will continue to be