Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1874-01-03

Our Public SchOOls.--Wc have
carefully followed the discussion of our
county school management in the Cum
berland papers. Without assuming to
pass judgment upon the merits of this de-
bate, We may say the result is far from
satisfactory solution of the mootcd qucs-
lions. In view of their importance, the
reasons for thorough. investigation are
numerous and seem to he required by the
gravity of the charges and the interests of
the public The accusations include a Sc
rics Of malfcasanccs running through pc
ROD of several years embracing maladmin
istration, Interpretations, and completely
in system of speculation not in confor-
nifty with the spirit and intent Of the Trust
contidcd to the School Board Emanating
from different quarters with some unanim-
ity and persistcncy ofpurpOsc, these char
gcs are evidently wcll-grounded, else their
authors have gone to considerable pains to
fabricatc malicious complaints, affecting
alike the official standing and private in
tegrty Of the persons assailcd.
On the other hand the defence has shown
an intolerance ofcritcism, to say nothing
OF its vituperative impaticncc which in
mont similar cases shadows corruption.
We had rather Investigation had been
calmly and assurcdly invited than virtually
cut OF by I'D captandum intimidation and
thus compel the public to accept their ugly
IL. 81, ,,c ;,tr
ton to The records Of a Star Chamber
Under the circumstances, therefore, it
would seem not only a matter of propricty
but of necessity that the properly constitu-
ted authorities at once, or as early as prac-
ticablc, institute thorough and impartial
inquest And we want no white washed
report, but the naked truth, no matter who
falls If there are Boss TwEEDs among
us, let them be brought alike to the bars
OF justice and popular opinion. BY the
same rule, let us measure the validity of
the charges preferred, no matter how it
affects the integrity or responsibility Of the
accusers.
1t would seem however, that the parties
thus arlaigned, if guitless, should demand
it as measure of justice to themselves
But if they do not and will not, IN tie name
Of tie people, let us have it anyhow. The
public has an uncXccptionablc right to
know if they are guilty, and they have an
equal right to vindication if they are inno-
cent
A weightier reason for examination into
the affairs of the School Board exists in
the fact that in no department of our sys-
tenn can we as lily afford the faint of cor
ruptiOn as in that of education. An "Au-
kean stable may be kept with more pro-
rsaety, and less peril to our future, any
where else. In its intent our educational
system is of the highest order of secular
bcncfccncc, and its operations are justly
esteemed as atfording the most liberal pro-
vision for the hest needs OF our people
without regard to class or condition.
Hence, every mind rcvolts at charges &C.
fccting it as an arena for peculation, and
auch should always imperatively lead to-
the fullest inquiry by competent tribunals
In the case before us the charges have
hccn boldly made in the most public man.
ncr possible and similarly denied through
tho same mediums. But where are the
proofs-thc Indispensable vouchers? The
public has not seen them; and as it is not
satisfied, let this thing be probcd to its bot
tom by the proper authorities at whatever
risk of reputation and honor incurred.
This is the era of investigations-the sift-
ing epoch; as such it becomes every con-
scrvator of law, order, and public honesty,
10 demand a rigid inquisition and clean
report.
.hao NJ