The Holt County sentinel., 1918-08-30

Following are two letters 10 be read
by the county superintendent to the
teachers at the meeting August 20:
To the Teachers Of the United
States: There are before us as
people now just two tasks Of supreme
importance: To win the war for free
dom and democracy. and to prepare
ourselves and our children for life in
the new world which the war Is bring
ing in. Both these tasks must be per-
formed with singlcNess Of purpose
and wholc-hearted devotion to the pub.
lie welfare, and no sacrifice, however
great, must be allowed 10 stand in the
way Of the first great task. which Is
10 be accomplished by the hundreds Of
thousands OF men in the army and
navy across the seas and on the seas,
assisted by the millions of men and
women who produce munitions Of war,
ships for transportation and food, and
the scores Of millions VINO give or
loan their money TO pay the costs. The
second OF these great tasks IN to be
accomplished by the great army Of
hundreds OF thousands Of teachers In
our schools. assisted By school officer,
parents and people who pay taxes for
the support Of the schools.
The fight against militaristic auto
crazy and the fight against illiteracy,
ignorance and incompetence are both
impossible In any high degree Till both
battles are won. As the soldier and sail
or are expected to do their full duty
unflinchingly. whatever may be the
cost, so the teacher and the school Of
A.As saI a. Al vx Ia Ak..as
posts and do their duty fully and I'M
hesitatingly In the face Of all tempta-
tons, unless called definitely by their
country for other service.
As the people are paying the cost Of
the war without question except Us TO
how much II needed 10 assure victory,
so should they pay the cost Of the
schools without question except as 10
how much Is needed 10 assure the full
est measure Of preparation for life,
inductry. efficiency and good citizen
ship In the new world Of freedom and
democracy for which they are fighting
Let US all work, each In his own
sphere and ut his own task, with pat
riotic devotion and no thought Of sell
fish or personal interest. Let us oil,
teachers, parents and taxpayers, work
together to the end that no boy or girl
may be without full opportunity FOR
that Kind and degree Of education nee
essary for industrial and political Of.
ficiency and for intelligent, joyous liv-
ing. Yours sincerely,
Commissioner Of Education.
L al am pleased to know that despite
the unusual burdens imposed upon our
people by the war they have maintain.
ed their schools and other agencies OF
education SO nearly at their normal Of.
fciency. That this shall be continued
throughout the war and that, insofar
rs the draft law will permit, there
should be no falling of In elementary
schools, high schools or colleges is q
matter Of the very greatest import.
ance, affecting both our strength In
war and our national welfare and eff
ficieney when the war Is over. So Ions
as the war continues there will be con.
slant need Of very large numbers Of
men and women of the highest and
most thorough training for war ser.
vice In many lines. After the wal
there will be urgent need not only fol
trained leadership in all lines Of indus.
trial, commercial, social and civic life
but for = very high average Of intelli.
all the people. ! would therefore urge
that the people continue to give gen