The Coconino sun., 1922-12-01
PR0CLAIMS AMERICAN
 EDUCATION WEEK

The foundation of democracy is an enlightened citizenship. Without it, popular government falls into the hands of the demagogue, or succumbs to the selfish ambitions of autocracy. National education, on a basis which affords to each child equality of op- portunity in preparation for the du- ties and responsibilities of life, is of such outstanding importance that we can well afford to devote to the pro- motion and furtherance of the cause of education that consideration which is to be given through observance of American Education week.
 Of special importance to us as cit- izens of Arizona are the problems of illiteracy, the proper Americanization of our alien population, and prepara- tion of our boys and girls for citizen ship. Statistics show that Arizona has a very high proportion of adult illit- crates, fact explained by our large Indian and alien population. Among the native-born American population the problem of illiteracy is much less acute, yet it's eradication demands and should receive the attention of all our citizens. Americanization of those who have come to us from foreign lands or those of foreign extraction who have not been afforded the op- portunity to fit themselves for citizen- ship will do much to inculcate the spirit of true patriotism, and will stimulate and quicken appreciation of the necessity for insuring equality of educational opportunity insofar as it may be possible.
 There can be no progress education ally without appreciation by our peo- pie of the dignity of teaching, as a profession, and the enlistment of many of our brightest minds in the work of fitting future generations for their responsibilities. If our educa- tional system is to succeed it must be able to attract men and women, who, although they should be fired by the high ideal of service, are worthy of their hire. If the disparity between their reward and that which they can obtain in the business world is too great, the primal law of self-preServa- tion overbalances the idealism of ser vice, and the citizenship of the future is left to those less able to prepare it for the battles of life.
 In the light of these automatic facts it is particularly fitting that time and effort be devoted to the serious study of educational problems, looking to- ward their solution in the interest of our future citizenship.
 Now, therefore, I, Thomas E. Camp bell, governor of the state of Arizona, in compliance with the request of the president of the United States, with which I heartily concur, do hereby set aside and designate the week of De- cember 8 to 9, 1922, for special ob- servance as American Education week. And 1 do especially urge our citizens during the period named to give spec ial and thoughtful attention to the problems of Americanization, Hitter acy and Equality of Educational Op- portunity, to the end that there may be a revival of interest in our public schools and a more general apprecia- tion of the valuable contribution which the teacher makes to the welfare of the republic.
 In Witness Whereof, I have hereun- to set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State to be affixed. Done at Phoenix, the capital, this 18th day of November, 1922.
 THOMAS E. CAMPBELL, (Great SeaD Governor. Attest:
 ERNEST R. HALL,
 Secretary of State.