^ Recent Histo ry 



present are books, and a defined course of instruction. The Govern- 

 ment will give the tuition. Parents must pay for the books which 

 their children need. People never properly value that which costs 

 them nothing. We must not pauperise the people. My idea is 

 that as soon as the prescribed course is laid down and a list of the 

 books required given, the Government might arrange for the 

 establishment of a book depository in Monrovia with agencies 

 throughout the country. The owner or manager ought to be 

 guaranteed against eventual loss. We ought not to sacrifice the 



96. HON. MRS. BARCLAY, WIFE OF THE PRESIDENT, AND THE PUPILS 

 OF A GIRLS' SCHOOL 



future of our children to the necessities of the present adult genera- 

 tion. The education of the youth of the country should in no way 

 be connected with its political parties. Our public schools system 

 will never amount to very much as long as the Superintendents and 

 Commissioners of Education are for the most part political appoint- 

 ments. For the party system is necessarily applied, and controls in 

 the main the appointment of the teachers. We need efficient, zealous, 

 and punctual teachers. There is need for careful selection. Many 

 otherwise capable persons cannot impart instruction to others. They 



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