and upon this it is to be settled by the con-
vention. Can we obtain a first-class man,
such as the gentleman has spoken of, for
$2,000, and will that man when obtained,
take the $2,000 as a perfect wind-fall in his
line, and a God-send to him.? I know many
such men; yes, sir; and of the very highest
grade of qualifications, of the very highest
standing for moral character, and everything
of the sort, who are this day receiving less
than half that sum; and many of whom
would enter with all possible and imaginable
zeal into this calling, and think themselves
blessed indeed with a salary of $2,000.
If we cannot get such an individual for the
sum of $2,000, which is a very handsome
salary, then make it $3,000. I like generos-
ity. I like a free giver. But I must remem-
ber the adage—be just before you are gen-
erous. Our State is now heavily taxed. In
all human probability we shall have much
heavier burdens imposed upon her; and I
ask whether you are just in fixing the salary
at $3,000, when men equally capable can be
obtained for $2,000. I like to see men paid
for their work. I like to be paid for mine.
But I am here representing my people in this
matter; and I say if I can get a man quali-
fied in every respect for $2,000, who will
take $2,000 as a God-send" to him, why should
I pay $3,000, under the present circumstances,
when every grade and condition of society is
groaning under the weight of taxation,
which the emergencies of this war, as well
as our financial condition have imposed upon
the people? I am willing to give $2,000,
and I am sure my friend will agree with me
that if we can get a first-class man who will
be glad to have it at $2,000, we ought to
get him at that, I think the amendment
moved by the gentleman from Caroline (Mr.
Todd,) ought to be adopted in justice to the
people of the State, and I hope it will be
adopted by this convention.
Mr, DANIEL. I shall move this amend-
ment, to strike out "exclusive" in the fifth
line, and to insert "inclusive," so as to pay
the salary of $3,000, inclusive of office and
travelling expenses. I think the great dan-
ger will be in allowing him to fix his own
travelling expenses, and his own office ex-
penses, and especially the office expenses. It
will be in his power to create an office such
as may not be necessary, and to employ as
many clerks as he pleases; and you give
him clear discretion as to his travelling ex-
penses. I say it is better to fix the salary
absolutely and make him pay these outlays;
to give him no discretion in this respect
Estimate what is fairly the worth of his la-
bors, what is fair for his travelling and office
expenses; and put that sum in his salary,
and let that be the end of it. Let us know,
and let the State know exactly what we are
to pay for these services, I hold that $3,090
a year is amply sufficient to pay for all the |
travelling and office expenses of this superin-
tendent; and therefore at the proper time 1
will move to let the amount remain at $3,000,
but to include in that all expenses.
Mr. RIDGELY. I hope that amendment will
not prevail. I consider now that the con-
vention is engaged in one of the most impor-
tant subjects that will probably occupy its
attention in the inauguration of a system of
public education in the State. Much depends
in the future success of such a system, upon
the proper inauguration of this institution.
1 cannot agree with the gentleman from How-
ard county (Mr. Sands) that he can go abroad
in the community and gather up hundreds
and thousands of men qualified for such an
office as this.
Mr. SANDS (in his seat.) I said a score.
Mr. RIDGELY continued: Nor do I believe
that the class, of men, or the sphere in which
he proposes to find this numerous class of
individuals, is the proper sphere into which
we should look for men possessed of qualifi-
cations for such a place, if I wanted a
teacher competent to impart knowledge, 1
would go to that sphere of my fellow citizens,
and look among the school masters. But 1
am not in pursuit of a person designed to fill
any such vocation. The office of superin-
tendent of public education, is an office of a
very different character. Teachers are gen-
erally disqualified for any other office except
that of teaching. Nor does it follow that a
man because he has learned, is qualified to
impart that learning. The qualification of
a teacher is a peculiar one and a rare one.
Comparatively speaking, there are but few
who have the faculty of successfully impart-
ing knowledge, however they may possess
that knowledge themselves.
But we are not called upon here to inaugu-
rate a system of public education, but to pro-
vide for it by the appointment of a general
superintendent. This requires eminent admin-
istrative abilities, a man who possesses within
himself business habits, business qualifica-
tions) a capacity to administer alarge and ex-
tensive system of public education, such as
may be devised by the legislature, a system of
education which embraces the whole State,
every county in the State and the city of Bal-
timore. I take it for granted that for such a
position talents of a peculiar character are re-
quired, business talents and large experience,
independent of mere fitness by way of learn-
ing. I regard that fitness as decidedly sub-
ordinate to the more eminent and superior fit-
ness which such an officer would require in the
possession of administrative talents.
1 bold tills officer to be second in importance
to no officer in this government, I care
not whom you name, whether the governor
or your State, the judges of your courts, or
any other officer. He has the disbursement,
under his immediate direction, of very large
sums of public money. He has, In co-opera- |
