The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1921-01-13

! country schools, because experience
has proven that the teachers should be
chosen by a careful process of selec-
ton, taking into consideration only
qualifications, and this IAN best be
done by some representative board
selected for that purpose.
| therefore recommend to the legis-
lature that you submit a constitution
al amendment empowering the legis-
lature to provide suitable methods of
selection.
We have made much progress and
as a matter of fact during the past
two years the number of consolidated
schools in the state have been trebled,
the number of accredited high schools
has been more than doubled, as well as
having their efficiency raised and the
educational qualifications of our teach
CTS have been raised to a standard
that now compares favorably with any
state in the union. Night schools have
been instituted. There have been
nineteen agricultural high schools es-
tablished under state and federal aid
and sixteen home economic high
schools. The enrolment and attend
ance in our common schools have been
greatly increased and in many re-
spects South Dakota is now looked up
on as a leader along educational lines.
Urges State Aid
However, there is still much to be
done and in addition to the recommend
atoms made above | especially recon-
mend that the policy of state aid, as
instituted in the past, be continued in
the future. Let us bear in mind that
arsenals and forts bristling with guns,
standing armies and navies cannot
compare in strength with the citadels
and strongholds established through
education.
School At PIankintOn
In days gone by the meager resour-
Ces of the state making impesative an
economy of the most rigid nature, vas
the dominant factor in locating a boys
and girls training school on the same
premises, within a stones throw OF
each other. The principle is funda-
mentally wrong. 1t is not a desirable
question because its fallacies are self
evident. II there is advanced that rigid
supervisional care of the girls meets
the requirements of the situation, the
argument condemns itself because
rigid, supervisiOnal care means discip-
line %sayoring of the prison, curtail-
ment of personal liberty, limitation of
opportunity to enjoy the privileges OF
outdoor air and sunshine. 1t means,
in other words, placing chains about
these girls, causing revulsion and hat
red in their hearts and making impos-
slble a proper environment for the
growth aud development of their lives,
1t seemed at first glance feasible to
build cottages on the same property,
but if YOU give the matter your careful
investigation, | am sure you will come
to the conclusion that complete segre-
cation is necessary for the best inter
ests Of these unfortunate girls.
In recommending complete segrega,
zion for these boys and girls, IL is with
70 thought of making criticism of the
present management of that institu
ton, for | have only words OF praise
and recommendation for the superin
tendent. His heart and soul are in thu
work, and he is possessed of thos'
pCculiar and rare qualifications o
heart and mind that eminently fit hin
for the work.
1t is wrong, cruelty wicked, to hous'
these girls in what may be termed
prison dormitories. While we may no
DE versed in the intricate science o
caring for young people Of this type
yet common sense and u own instin
cts born of u love for children, i'm
mediately dictate that cottages SHOULD
be built, and in charge of each cottage
should be placed a big-hearted, gener
Gus matron in whose heart throbs {;
mothers love and whose personalit.
radiates warmth and kindness, whose
character commands the respect, ad
miration and love of each unfortunate
girl.
Additional facilities are needed fol
the segregation of boys of various ages
The very young boys, of tender years
should be entirely separated from thu
older boys and especially from boys o
vicious tendencies. The dormitorI
now occupied by the girls should b.
used as home for these young boys
for the time being, at least, SOLVING
this problem. However, cottages foj
the boys will eventually replace thu
present system.
A great majority of the members o.
this legislature were elected upon
platform that solemnly pledged then
10 take definite and decisive action II
this matter, and / recommend that yot
give it your prompt and careful con
sideration.