The Alaska daily empire., 1923-04-21
SNODCRASS AIRS BOARD TROUBLES
 BEFORE SENATE !: !!
Explains Why Introduced FL ] ective Measure-Resents
 Too Much Pressure.
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 nature of these was not explained, whether there was anything partisan or political in them. but the Sena- tor declared, Partisan politics charges are unfounded."
 He assorted that all the bitterness of the factionail fights in the Juneau school was forced into the issue. without explaining how that affected the Commissioner of Education.
 Referring again to the wires re- eeived relative to the appointment of Commissioner, he said those in the department could bring all kinds of pressure to bear on the board ito coerce it" and that the home people accuse one of playing dirty politics" :"
 Aver Opposes Bill
 1 MT. Aver said he has the original I opinion Mir. Snodgrass admitted to having had month ago. He is op- posed to making the office of Com missioner of Education a political football Mir Snodgrass' own state ment of the situation, he continued, convinced him that 1t would be an unwise thing to make the office elec- tive. Mir. Brown, senior Senator from ! the Second, took the opposite view, saving that two years ago as a mem Der of the House he advocated max ing all Territorial offices elective and inc could subscribe to no other view now.
 Senator Chamberlin stood firmly against the bill, saying that it is necessary to keep the office out of politics and the only way it can be done is to have it filled by the Board of Education. The Board, he added, is not properly constituted, as it should be a continuing body with experienced members on it at all times. He pointed out that many states. formerly having elective Com issioners, have lately abolished the system and adopted the appointiye policy as the measure by which in creased school efficiency can be ob- tained. He pointed out that the sec ton of the bill covering qualifica- tions were identical with a similar section of the bill which Mir. Snod' grass opposed and helped defeat re gently, the only other section of which provided for a raise in the Commissioners salary, which he ad- mitted he originally favored.
 MT. Snodgrass said in explanation his attitude on the other bill resulted from the fact it would have wiped out all applicants for the position ex- cept Mr. Henderson, none of the others having the qualifications sought to be imposed. It was very trying situation, he said, the qualifi- cations suggested being all right, but the bill was not timely.
 MT. Dunn said he was undecided about the elective provisions but that he didn't know but that his mind was made up on the bill.
 Dimond Amendment Defeated
 MT Dimond attempted to amend the bill by striking out the provi- sion for electing the Commissioner, He said on principle it was hard to argue against filling offices by popu- lar vote, but that the one office to be excepted from the rule is that of Commissioner of Education. He pointed out that the entire school system takes that into consideration, that the school board is kept out of partisan politics in it's elections, that superintendents and teachers are not elected by popular vote. but are appointed by boards elected by the people just as the Territorial Board of Education is elected.
 Possession of the office under the elective system, he said, would give any candidate an almost insuperable advantage by making it possible for him to cover the Territory from end to end campaigning as he in- spected schools while an opposing candidate. even if be were better qualified, could not do so except by expending as large sum as he would receive during an entire term if he were successful.
 1t is undeniably true. he explained, lndt tne Dodru oi Euueadoh couiu examine the credentials Of ail ap- plicants to determine their relative qualifications. This, he added, would not be possible for all the people. Mr. Aver, supporting the amend ment, called attention to the fact that the supporters of the present bin, and likewise packers of the Ter