At the request of the Atlantic News-Telegraph, I herewith submit, in brief, a statistical report of the conditions of the public schools of Cass County, Iowa.

In the turmoil and strife of our existence, we should not overlook the important factor that goes to make it possible for one to meet the existing conditions, for as Aristotle says, "All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind, have been convinced that the fate of empire[s] depends on the education of youth."

That the young may have the proper and necessary advantages of an education is a matter, that sometimes I fear is overlooked to a certain extent by many in their strife for a livelihood. It is our bounden duty to look after the development of the minds of our children, that they may be broadened and strengthened, laying a strong foundation to build upon that they may the better withstand conditions that are sure to be met and to overcome the many difficulities layed across their pathway of life so that they may grow and develop into strong manhood and womanhood, fully prepared to take charge of the affairs of life, the world may be the better for their having lived in it; yet on the other hand we should not overlook the character that is to be developed.

True character is a noble characteristic of one's self. The world most needs and craves good true men and women. "No other art requires higher skill or deeper insight than the art of forming character. It is the certificate of arts."

The condition of the schools of this county are growing stronger and stronger. Those in charge of the various schools are alive to their needs. The requirements of the teacher are more strenuous, that they may be the better prepared to perform their duty towards the education of the child and the proper development of the mind of the youth.

That this may be done and to give encouragement to the teachers and that they may put forth every effort, their salaries have been slowly increasing as the years come and go. In 1903 the average monthly salary of the male teacher was $51.71 and the female teachers $34.67, since which time the salaries have been increasing so that during the year 1911 the average monthly salary, for men, was $82.38 and the women $45.17.

While the salaries have been increasing, it must not be overlooked, however, that the amount paid a particular teacher, should and ought to be in accordance to his or her ability to earn that which is due him or her. Because on teacher is receiving a larger salary than another is no disparagement, but on the other hand should be the means of inciting a teacher to do better work and secure better results in accordance with their ability, for merit alone should be the criterion, in the consideration of fixing salaries, that justice may be done to those who are giving their lives to the education of the youth.

The average attendance of the children in this county, between 5 and 21, has somewhat fallen off during the last several years. Some years the attendance has been greater than others. In 1903 the attendance was, boys 3316; girls, 3271, which in 1911 the attendance was, boys 2945 and girls 2867.

That I may be more fully advised and come in closer touch with the schools of this county, I have visited many of the teachers, while at work in their school rooms. In 1906 I visited 139; in 1907, 146; in 1908, 139; in 1909, 148; in 1910, 176; in 1911, 190.

The various boards of directors of the county are alive to their duties and are doing all in their power to make the schools a success, although they are busy men.

Dated April 27th, 1912.

BERTHA A. JOHNSON.

County Superintendent of Cass County, Iowa.