65

REPORTS OF THE PRESIDENTS OF THE BOUNDS OF SCHOOL,
COMMISSIONERS.

These reports are given in full as presented to the State
Board of Education, that the citizens of each county may
know the views of their principal School ofiicer, and that the
Legislature may have practical knowledge of the working of
the School system in all sections of the State. They relate
the hindrances which in some localities check the progress of
education, and the successful efforts made in other places for
the benefit of the young.

A careful perusal of these reports will leave upon every
mind a conviction that much earnest and intelligent work is
being done, notwithstanding the many disadvantages and
obstacles which interpose.

More might have been written concerning the dilapidated
condition of School houses, the need of furniture and out-
buildings, the importance of having School lots enclosed,
but enough is said to satisfy the most skeptical that these
important subjects demand attention and prompt remedy

No persons in the State are more competent to speak of the
Schools and their wants, than the gentlemen who discharge
the important duties of County Superintendents, and are
required to visit each School and test the qualifications of
every teacher. If information of practical value he sought,
it ought to be from those who are acquainted witli the detail
of the daily work of the Schools.

CONCLUSION.

Having thus piescnted the history of the work accomplish-
ed during the first year, of the Uniform System of Free Public
Schools, I venture the liberty to appeal to the Honorable
Senators and Delegates, to take these Schools in charge as
the most important interest of the State. Let it be our hon-
est pfide that every child from the Alleganies to the Atlantic
has the opportunities of education longer and better than the
children of any other State. Maryland can have in this im-
portant work a leading place, and be a light not only to her
sisters of the South, but to those Northern States which have
not yet embraced the true principles of Free Education.
Already is her School Law sought by those who wish to per-
fect their own systems.

Amended from time to time, as experience may suggest,
the law will become thoroughly adapted to our wants. While
uniformity is maintained, there will continue to be such dis-
cretion Vested in each County Board, aa will enable it to
make the system conform to local necessities. Undisturbed
by political agitation., exercising a liberal policy with refer-
ence to all denominations, striving to select teachers suited
5