ART. ] PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 71

each pupil to pay in advance for the use of the same, unless ex-
empted therefrom; to exercise a general supervision over the
schools, visiting them at least once each term; to have the care
and custody of all school houses, school furniture and apparatus,
and school house sites; purchase fuel and provide for all inci-
dental expenses, keep school houses and enclosures in repair,
have shade trees planted, advise concerning the discipline and
management and course of instruction pursued, require exami-
nation of the pupils in any or all branches of study, and to use
their influence and exertions to increase the usefulness and ele-
vate the standard of the schools, and convince the people of the
inestimable value of sound education.

28. They shall cause instruction to be given in each school
district for at least six months in each year, and if the State and
county appropriations fail to prolong the school session, then to
allow the use of the school house and furniture for subscription
schools under their direction.

29. Every district commissioner shall have power to take
affidavits and administer oaths in all matters pertaining to pub-
lic schools, but without charge or fee, and under the direction of
the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to take and re-
port to him the testimony in any case of appeal.

30. They shall examine any charge affecting the moral char-
acter of any teacher within their district, first giving the teacher
reasonable notice of the charge, and an opportunity to defend
himself therefrom; and if the charge be sustained, shall annul
the teacher's certificates, by whomsoever granted, and declare
him unfit to teach; and if the teacher hold a certificate of the
State Superintendent, or a diploma of the State Normal School,
shall notify the superintendent forthwith of such annulment;
provided, always, that the teachers shall have the right of appeal
to the board of school commissioners.

31. It shall be the duty of each district commissioner to col-
lect from each teacher, and report in tabular form the condition
of the schools in his district, at each quarterly meeting of the