The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1933-02-15
REPLIES TO INSPECTOR
Underwood, N. D.,
Jan. Is, 1888.


Underwood, N. D.,
Jan. Is, 1888.
Editor, Tribune:
In the paper Of Jan. l6 Is a lengthy
letter written by one who signs her
self q Rural School Inspector" In
which Is given some remarkable views
on our rural school system and state
institutions.
It certainly Is interesting to note
the many things that our tax money
must be used for, and doubly inter-
esting to one who can't help but woxl-
der for what purpose the enabling
act" and the constitution" provided
sources OF revenue" for the upkeep
Of all the institutions provided by
them.
II the writer of said letter will con-
suit the enabling act she will find
that the following number of acres Of
land was set aside for the upkeep of
the institutions named: University
and School Of mines, 10000; agricul-
tural college, 10000; training school,
10000; deaf school, 10000; state nor
mails, two in number, $4,000; capitol
building, $4,000; and for "such other
educational and charitable institu-
lions as said state shall determine"
10000; a total of 100000 acres, the
income from which was deemed suf-
ficient for the upkeep of said insti-
tutions for all time.
What has become Of the land thus set
aside? Has it vanished into thin air
AS have the million of dollars col
lected since we have been state?
Why the weeping over the necessity
for caring for the unfortunates, when
there have been provisions made for
their care in the above manner?
Do you suppose that there is no one
in the state except a few super-edu-
Gators, who know Of the conditions
existing in some of our rural districts
and why those conditions exist?
How the eagle eye of the E. A.,
who saw fit to add to the state ex-
penses by having the office of Rural
Inspector of Schools" created, could
possibly overlook school in the re-
hottest district and not force that dis
trict to buy the full quota of books,
and compel the directors to remodel
the school building according to speci-
fications, and buy the required equip
ment in order that the school could
be standardized is an unsolvable myS-
terry to me!
Too bad that book agents can't be
strangled-isn't it? Yes indeed, when
those agents are for the most part,
working for the book companies
which. by law. are entitled to the
privilege of enriching themselves by
charging two prices for books and
equipment, for the sale of which they
depend upon said agents and rural
school inspectors to inveigle the di-
rectors of school districts into stand
ardizing their schools so said district
can receive few dollars state aid.
When the state was organized the
constitution provided that depart
ment of public instruction be created
and a head for same be elected by
the people of the state. It also gave
the people the privilege of building
school houses in which all necessary
elementary subjects may be taught
and provided a fund for helping the
districts finance their schools ano
prohibiting the legisture from passing
any local or special laws providing
for the management Of common
schools" and the assessment or COL
lection Of taxes!"
There was nothing said about any
organization assuming control OF oul
schools and debating everything
from the kind of building to be
erected to the kind Of water con-
tainer provided for use in said build.
ing. vet some unseen force has sue.
ceeded in having such laws passed
Now there Is great pressure being
brought to bear on our legislature tt
enact new laws which, If passed, viii
not only change our system OF taxa
ton which might be benefit-bu
; urging the changing Of the constitu'
, ton that will not only take away thu
little power now In the hands of thu
, people, but place 1t in the hands o.
those who have already assumed con-
troll, even under the present system
of electing our school superintendent
, and other school officers.
. Did you notice how neatly tn
. writer inserted the plea for giving tn
. Organized Pedagogues" the privilege
! of appointing the board Of commits
sioners' who will select the commits
sioner of education?' When sh
, lamented the fact that our electet
county superintendent didn't dar
{ protest against conditions for fear
, losing their Jobs? In heavens name
i Why shouldn't any superintendent
lose his job II he assumes control o
the schools in opposition to tn
|, wishes or financial ability of citizen
I of the school districts? Why shouldn'
s he?
Don't we know that the inspector
Of schools were appointed to com
shopping into our rural schools to Sc
il the superintendent had checked "
I to see that the proper amount Of tn
districts money had been squaund
ered?
:. Our "fine free schools" would b
!. much finer and also more free II tn
: above named inspectors and thei
bosses had kept their noses out Of on
rural schools and did not compel tn
districts to buy 50 many useless thing
In order that they might have tn
: schools placed on the list Of stand
Y ardized schools
It Is not q very excellent exampl
: Of the intelligence Of, or need for. In
spectors who come into q school WheI
there Is everything needed-and q X
Of things not needed-and order til
teacher to buy q tea kettle 50 til
children could pour the water int
the wash dish, when there was al
ready . pitcher and fountain !
:. the school housel
This Is an actual fact, and, wins
Is more ridiculous stu, each chill
furnished his own supply Of water b
taking it from home in pail, canteel
or water bottlet That Is how bad
, we. need ipxpectQrS!
It Is an insult to the intelligeue
: Of those Of US who have spent OF
. lives and most Of our possessions