The Nevada Democrat., 1859-04-20
To the Public.

In the last number OF the Nevada Journal, ap-
pears a long communication signed ]. Stratton,
Teacher. in which he makes several false state
ments as TO my course in regard to the employ
ment of teachers for the public school. He
upon which he would take charge Ofthe school,
that expressed my appreciation and agreed to
vote for him. This is not true. / never told
Mr.. Stration that would vote for him. did
tell him that the difference Of $25 month
more than we had been in the habit of paying,
would with me, be no objection to employing
him. So far as general qualifications we're con-
cerned, l was satisfied that Mr. Stratton and
Mr.. Jennings were competent to teach the
school, and the principal object Of the examdn-
alton was to ascertain their method Of teaching.
But when Mr.. Stratton stated his terms to the
Trustees, bis demands were deemed so unreas-
enable that they could not give their consent
to employ him. The use of the billie was by
no means the principle objection to Mr.. Stratton.
He was determined to have charge of both
schools, If he took the engagement, and the
Trustees did not choose to put him in there
Will hutuOElty " w ouOshSA sS"NuS''
We wished the schools to be kept separate. In
another part Of the communication, Mr.. STRAIT
ton says:
81 will state that both before and after the examina-
tion II such might call palpabe farce, Mr. Role
the Saturday following he frankly told me- in the pres
ence of Others his only for voting against me
was the Bible question. He said unhesatingy that both
he and Mr. Anderson would have voted for me- i'll would
give up the Bible"
This is wilful perversion of the truth. A
few days after the examination" / met Mr..
Stratton on the street and he asked me the
reason why he was not employed. told him
there were several, and mentioned two or three.
He then said Dr. Overton had told him be was
rejected because be insisted on using the bible.
l remarked that that was only one Of the objec-
tons. never eaid that either Mr.. Anderson
or myself would have voted for him had be
given up the bible.
If the public schools are to be given up en-
tirely to the whims and caprices of the teach
ers, then the Office and duties of District Trus-
tees might as we'll be abolished. In my opin-
ion it is the duty of the School Superintendenis
land not that Of the teachers-to prescribe
what books shall be used in the public schools.
These schools are supported by the public mon
ey, from taxes levied upon all classes, and they
should be conducted in such manner as to
give all religious denominations, sects and
creeds an equal benefit. AS long as am a
member Of the Board of School Trustees, shall
not consent to have the management of the
public schools dragged in the mire of religious
intolerance, or be made the vehicle for propa-
eating the peculiar tenets of any one religious
sect. If the people of Nevada are not satisfied
with my course as School Trustee, should ad-
wise them to meet on the first Saturday In
April. 1860, and elect some man in my place,
who will carry out their wishes Heretofore,
the people have failed to attend at the times
and places appointed, to elect Trustees and the
position has twice beeTurged upon me against
my wishes by the School Superintendent. For
myself, have no objection to the introduction
of the bible in the public shools, provided all
religions sects can agree as to what version
shall be- used but while have public duty
10 perform, l shall endeavor to discharge it in
such o manner as not to outrage the religious
sentiments, or even prejudces, of any class Of
citizens. l. j. ROLFE.
Nevada, April 10th 1859.