1707

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ing, after the experience 6f one year, have my hearty appro-
bation, for these among other reasons. . First, because it is
a general law for the whole State. Second, because it pro-
Tides for a State, a County, a district,' and an individual
school supervision. Third, because it removes, as far as it
possible in this County, the whole matter of school adminis-
tration from the domain of politics. Fourth, because it
provides a uniform series of Text Books throughout the
State. Fifth, because it secures schools by the State levy to
all parts of the State, for at least one-half of the year, even
to those Counties which have been heretofore unable or un-
willing to support public free schools. Sixth, because it
makes provision for the education of professional teachers
by the establishment of a normal school, the formation of
Teachers' Institutes, and the organization of Teachers' Asso-
ciations. Seventh, because it provides for a system of gradu-
ated schools for the State from the lowest primary to
the highest university, and professional school.

The objections which are made to the law are mostly the
result of a misapprehension of its provisions, ignorance of
the details of its administration, or unreasonable prejudice.
The objections may thus be stated. 1st. The system is an
expensive one to the State at large, and to the several Coun-
ties. That it costs something to the State cannot be gain-
said, but the question immediately occurs, are not the bene-
fits accruing more than a compensation for the cost ? This
is for every candid mind to answer. With no records of the
expenses of the schools under the County system, it is im-
possible to know with absolute precision the difference of the
cost of the two systems, but from such information as can
be gathered, I am justified in saying that for this County at
least, the new system is one of economy and saving. 2nd.
The school officers receive exorbitant salaries for small ser-
vice. As the amount of these salaries are enormously exagi-
gerated in the minds of the people, there is no wonder that
such an objection should suggest itself. But a knowledge of
the truth would show that no men doing so much work for
the State are so inadequately paid. 3d. That the people
are debarred from the privilege of electing their school
officers, and through them the teachers. As this is an ob-
jection that needs but fee stated, to bring its own answer I
shall not essay any reply. 4th. That books are issued to
the children at prices above what they can be sold by private
dealers. As no parent is obliged to buy of the County
Board, and as no County Board is obliged to buy of the
State Board, this objection could have little force, even if it
had truth for a foundation; but the truth is, the books are
sold to the children at fully 15 per cent, below the retail
prices of the dealers, and the small advance which is charged
above the wholesale prices is barely sufficient to pay the