Year: 1870

and Self-educatlOn. l nave no neSl-
tency in saying-and l can do so
without the fear Of successful contra.
diction, because the conviction is
based upon facts-our Teachers, in
their scholastic attainments, will
compare favorably with the Teachers
of adjoining Counties.


Whilst we at all times en,leavor to
carry out the law, and issue Certifi-
Gates to none but those deserving, we
find that, to deal strictly, we would
be compelled to strike from the list
several who are over-cstimated by
their friends. In many instances,
Sub Directors employ Teachers with
out any regard to the grade of Ger
tificates; and others go still further,
and employ Teacher without hold
ing any Certificate, and to assist the
applicant, personally vouch for the
Teachers qualifications, and thus
virtually preclude the necessity of a
rigid and close examination, as its
object is already crippled if not
defeated. Time we hope will cure
us of this evil. 1t is becoming appar-
ent; and with the sense Of the disease
come apace efforts of recovery.


In but one case has the Board of
Directors seenht to dismissa Teacher
for alleged ainesmposeuey, ayAa tasi<
one, am glad to say, holds first
class Certificate from neighboring
Countyand Il second-class in our own.
The Board has undoubted authority
to dismiss Teachers who are incom-
petept; yet in all cases it should be
done cautiously, so as not needlcssly
to iniure Teachers reputation. No
personal animosity Of the patrons or
pupils should be suffered to influence
the Board in the investigation Of the
charge.


A synopsis of the happy results OF
our Office might be given, but we
content ourselves by saying that it is
an indispensable link in the chain OF
supervision, connecting the head OF
the System with the eXtremeties
lis incumbent is the leader Of the
educational forces of the County,
around whom school officers and the
friends of education can rally. And
as the fruits of such united influence,
the community becomes interested,
and the s. sustaining and powerful
influence of an enlightened public
opinion brought to the support OF
this public system Of education that
will make it impregnable. We do
not design to be the advocate Of the
office of County Superintendent;
enlightened public sentiment will
finally, and has already to consid-
erable extent, decided with. regard to
it. But we wish to enter our earnest
protest against those enemies OF the
office who use every effort to oppose
its operations and stay its effects, and
then say it does no good and ought
to be repealed. All we ashland we
ask it not for ourselves, but for the
cause and system Of Common Schools
is to be represented in II fair, honest
manner, and we are not afraid to
abide the result. TO fair expression
of public sentiment, and to the will
OF II majority of the people, we are
always willing to bow in humble
submission, but not to the personal
hostility, either to US or the office OF
County Superintendent, Of few
captious, fiult-finding croakers.


Our citizens generally feel proud
of their educational advantages.
The Pablic School is regarded as Il
powerful instrument in developing
the future destiny Of the County.
The arms of an intelligent commune
ty encircle it; the visilant guardian
ship Of an interested people is exer-
cised over it. All that we ask is u
candid and harmonious corporation
of officers, to correct defects and
inftise life and energy into system
whose object is to refine and qualify
men for the duty of life.


COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT.


Knoxville, Dec. IL, 1870.