other officers are.

highways see that

They are to repair and keep in order the persons assessed to work on the highways perform their duties, cause the destruction of noxious weeds in the highways, and as fence viewers settle disputes respecting partition fences. They are paid one dollar per day. Term,

one year.

Drain Commissioner supervises the construction of all drains or changes those already made. He is elected for two years.

Vacancies filled by

His pay is fixed by the township board and cannot exceed three dollars per day. Term, two years. township board.

Justices of the Peace.-[See note, ART. VI., SEC. 18, p. 27.] Constables. Constables perform the same duties for justice courts that the sheriff does for circuit courts. He can serve a writ in any township. It is his duty to arrest a known felon, and all persons committing breaches of peace in his presence. Not more than four in any township can be chosen. They are paid by fees. Term, one year.

Township Board.--The supervisor, the two justices whose terms of office soonest expire, and the township clerk constitute the township board. Any three of them constitute a quorum. They audit and settle claims against the township. They may vote funds to defray the ordinary township expenses when the township meeting neglects to do so. They fill vacancies in township offices.

Pound Master.-In some townships a person is chosen to impound stray domestic animals found running in the high

ways.

CHAPTER V.

CITIES AND VILLAGES.

City Officers.-The officers elected in a city are of two classes, (1) city officers, (2) ward officers. The city officers are mayor, clerk, treasurer, collector, assessor, street commissioner, marshal, justices. The ward officers are supervisor, constable, and two aldermen. These officers are elected in March, or April, usually, and for one year, with the exception of aldermen, who are elected for two years. The duties of these officers are so nearly similar to those of the corresponding officers in the county or township that it will not be necessary to give them here. The mayor is the chief executive and receives a salary of from one to fifty dollars per year. The collector collects the taxes. The marshal is chief of police. The aldermen constitute the common council or legislative body of the city. There are other officers usually chosen in cities, such as city surveyor, attorney, chief of fire department, but as the charters of cities vary so much, it is best to base the study of this part of the subject on the charter of the nearest neighboring city.

Village Officers.-The village officers usually chosen are president, clerk, treasurer, street commissioner, assessor, constables, trustees. The trustees are elected for two years, three each year; the other village officers for one year. The powers and duties of these officers correspond to the duties of similar officers in the city. The legislative power is vested in the council. The election is usually held in March.*

*Let each school make a special study of the charter of the nearest village.

CHAPTER VI.

THE SCHOOL SYSTEM.

The State has endeavored to make its system an organic whole, beginning with the primary schools and ending with the State University. The State Normal School, Agricultural College, and Mining School, are collatteral branches designed for special purposes.

Public School Funds.-The public schools derive their support from: (1) Interest on the primary school fund; (2) one mill tax; (3) district taxes; (4) surplus of dog tax above $100; (5) fines for breaches of the penal laws.

The Primary School Fund is derived from the sale of the school lands, one-half of receipts for sale of State swamp lands, and for surplus of specific taxes remaining after the interest on the State debt and on the educational fund has been paid.

The One Mill Tax is a tax of one mill on the dollar for school purposes. The other divisions require no explanation. The Superintendent of Public Instruction is at the head of the school system. For his duties see CHAP. II.

The State Board of Education examines teachers for State certificates,* makes lists of books for township libraries, and is the managing board of the State Normal School. (P. 70.) The County Board of School Examiners consists of three members, two of whom are chosen for two years by the county board of supervisors on the second Monday of October, one examiner being elected each year. The remaining member is known as County School Commissioner, and is elected

*The faculty of the State University was by a law passed in 1891 authorized to grant State certificates to graduates of the school who had taken the courses in teaching.

for a term of two years by the people at the April election of every odd year. The board examines candidates for teachers' certificates in the respective counties. Members of the board receive four dollars per day when performing the duties of their office.*

County School Commissioner.-It is the duty of this officer to conduct the examination for teachers, and together with the other members of the board inspect the examination papers of candidates. He must visit each school in his county at least once each year. He receives a salary fixed by the board of supervisors, but which cannot be less than $500 per annum where there are 50 schools under his supervision, $1,000, for 100 schools; $1,200, for 125 schools; and not more than $1,500 in any case. One or more assistant visitors may be appointed by the Secretary, if the work requires it. Ninety dollars per year may be expended for assistant visitors, at the discretion of the Commissioners.

The School District is the smallest division of the educational system. The annual meeting is held the first Monday in September of each year. At these meetings, the school taxes are voted, the length of time school is to be taught determined, members of the district board elected, and any other district business that may come before the meeting attended to. Every qualified voter who has taxable property and has resided in the school district three months preceding the school meeting is qualified to vote on all questions. Women can vote at school meetings, and, if taxpayers, are eligible to office.

*Further information concerning examinations and certificates can be obtained from the school laws, a copy of which is in the hands of every school director.

When the raising of money by taxation is not in question, all citizens who are 21 years of age, and are the parents or legal guardians of any children included in the school census of the district, and who have resided in the district three months, can vote.

The District Officers* are the moderator, the director, and the assessor. They constitute the district board and have the general charge of the school. They hire teachers, prescribe text-books, and apply the money of the district. They are elected for three years, one being elected each year. The Moderator presides at all district meetings and is chairman of the district board. The Assessor acts as treasurer; he pays out money only on orders of the director, countersigned by the moderator. The Director is clerk of the district board and of district meetings. He gives notice of school meetings, keeps the school house in repair (or should), and makes the required reports.

Graded Schools.-When a district contains more than 100 school children, the voters of such district, if they so desire, may elect five trustees and establish a graded school. The annual meeting of the graded schools may be held on the second Monday in July. The trustees are chosen for three years, and, as a board, have about the same duties to perform as are performed by the district board just described.

CHAPTER VII.-MISCELLANEOUS.

STATE INSTITUTIONS.

The State institutions may be classified as Educational, Charitable, Reformatory, and Penal.

The Educational institutions may be briefly described as follows:

* District boards may now arrange for kindergarten instruction for children between the ages of 4 and 7 years. (Act 119, 1891.)