420 ANNUAL, REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



Co., Ohio, centralization is no longer an experiment, but has come 

 to stay." He says, "In one of the centralized districts, which was 

 originally three districts, the roads are very bad, heavy grades and 

 sticky clay, yet but one trip was missed during the term of 1901, by 

 one wagon, and that on account of snow drifts." He further says, 

 "Previous to centralization there was an enrollment of 21 pupils in 

 the three districts, or an average of seven; at an annual cost per 

 capita of |45.00; while under centralization, there is an enrollment 

 of 35, and a per capita cost of |15.50. The distances in this township 

 ranged from two to four miles; and the average cost per wagon per 

 day was |1.30; and an average load of 15 pupils." 



Much more could be quoted from the reports of many different in- 

 vestigators, but we think this is sufficient to explode the oft advanced 

 arguments that centralization will increase educational expenses; 

 and that transportation is impractical on account of the condition of 

 cur country roads. The same arguments was heard in opposition to 

 Kural Free Mail Delivery, yet experience sliows it can be done. And 

 it is our honest conviction that centralization should have the most 

 careful consideration of everv citizen who has the best interests of 

 Ihe rural population at heart. Any thoughtful person can readily see 

 that by the consolidation of several schools into one central school, 

 that a better classitication of the pupils can be had, and two or three 

 teachers can thoroughly do the work of a half dozen under our pres- 

 ent system. And as a consequence, an increase of wages can be paid- 

 and better teachers secured. Then by centralization, and a better 

 classification, new and more important studies can be introduced, 

 and more attention paid to the common branches, which so many 

 have to make practical use of every day of their lives. What is more 

 humiliating than bad writing and incorrect spelling? And we are 

 able to conceal almost any other part of our incomplete education 

 better than these. If w'e have any communication with our fellow 

 men other than verbal, w^e must use our pen or our pencil; and in the 

 same connection the standard of our orthography is made public. 

 And it matters not liow^ neatly written an article or letter may be, 

 incorrect spelling will overshadow its beauty. And even though 

 every word be correctly spelled, a miserable scrawl will mystify our 

 proficiency in this line. And how many people there are who are not 

 capable of writing a real business-like letter. Chicago merchants 

 have complained that they cannot secure clerks w'ho can properly 

 write and spell a letter in the English language. And many hun- 

 dreds of young men and young ladies, when they have thought to 

 have completed their education, are not capable of writing an ex- 

 plicit, yet concise composition. 



Then if our boy expects to be a farmer he must have a knowledge 

 of the works of nature and its intimate relationship with his sur- 



