1654

102

CONCLUSION.

I have now given, in as brief a manner as the attempt al-
lowed, a connected, and, I hope, intelligible view of the rise,
progress and present state of our Schools. In reviewing the
results of the past year, I think we are entitled to claim for
tie New System, decided improvement, if not complete suc-
cess. I read it in the greater zeal, competence and faith-
fulness of the teachers; in the greater interest and industry
of the pupils, and last, but not least, in the increased and
increasing patronage of the Schools. It is evidently taking
root in the affections of the people, and we are beginning to
realize the truth of my prediction of December last, ' that
with a better comprehension of the law, and the practical
exemplification of its benefits, our noble educational system
will win its way to public favor, and our people rise to the
full measure of their duty in sustaining it.'

Before closing, permit me to acknowledge my obligation
to my colleagues, for their ready and efficient aid they have
always rendered me in the discharge of my official duties.;
and in their name and my own, to thank the teachers gen-
erally, for their cordial co-operation with the Board, in all
measures calculated to advance the interests of the Schools.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

JNO. R. QUINAN,
* President B. S. Commissioners, Calvert Co.

CARROLL COUNTY.

Uniontoton, Carroll Co., Md.
DR. VAN BOKKELEN,

State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Sir :

The Public School System is working its way but slowly
into popular favor in this County, not that the people gener-
ally are so much opposed to the system itself, as to the man-
ner in which we are compelled to conduct it. Quite a num-
ber of our people it is true are decidedly opposed to the en-
tire system of taxation for school purposes, yet I believe,
that a respectable majority would be found willing to sustain
it. But there are other causes which are operating very seri-
ously to prevent the complete success of this excellent system
ef Public Instruction, in Carroll County. The great diffi-
culty against which we have to contend, and which produces
so much embarrassment in conducting our schools, is the
want of competent teachers; some of the schools cannot be
supplied, while others are indifferently taught. This defi-
ciency in the supply of teachers is not occasioned by insuffi-;