Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-04-15
MS. Thomnson,n Case.

~ inc LultOE ol tue 1euBeIs
One Of the papers on Tuesday, in re-
porting the proceedings of the School
Board Monday night, said Mr.. Wiggin
moved a reconsideration OF my case at
my solicitation. This is a mistake.
Some Of my friends might have done 80,
but | certainly did not. In regard to the
Chelsea school, l perfer to remain out of
the public schools than to 90 there, for
that is one Of the poorest in the city, as
it has been sadly neglected by having
incompetent inexperienced teachers
during the past year. This being so
near the close of the term | could expect
to do but very little with such a school.
Gen. Smiths refusing to vote upon the
question was but another display of his
wonderful sagacity. However, he need
not have been so very particular, for |
am aware that he has used all his in.
huence against me, and it would have
been just as we'll for him to have ex-
pressed the same by his vote.
The charges which Mr.. Barnum pre-
ferred against me were not sustained by
the evidence. The charge of not being
in harmony with the principal and
teachers Of the colored schools was man
aged very successfully by Barnum in the
following manner: &c wrote a letter to
the Board, accusing me Of being the
cause Of all the trouble and disorder in
the Clay street school. This letter was
secretly circulated and signed by four
white and three oolored teachers. Two
Of these colored teachers | have nerer
taught with in the same school. Then
how can they say | was the cause of the
trouble in Clay street, In the South
street school over two years ago / had
trouble with one OF the teachers. who is
at present engaged in Clay street; and
this was forced upon me BY her unbe-
coming conduct in the presence of my
pupils.
The class Of white teachers we have
in the eolored public schools are ready
and willing at all times to sign a paper
against any colored teacher who mani.
tests a spirit Of independence. The two
colored teachers that / referred to above
are very much afraid to displease Bar
nun, for they know that it was through
that they obtained situations in the pub.
lie schools several years ago. So they
are compelled TO do what Barnum orders
on pain of his d~ispleasure. These wo.
men know, if they we're called upon to.
day, they could not pass the required
examination. / dislike very much tc
say this, but il persons will allow them.
selves to be used as dupes they deserve
10 be exposed.
This letter was not under the sanction
of an oath. What character is safe
What reputation is worth a cent If ex
posed to such secret, unsworn testimony
Who would feel that he had been treated
justly if condemned by such evidence
There is a white woman in Clay street
who has done more 10 create disorder anC
trouble than all the rest combined. From
her dictatorial manner ever the children
are saying that Clay street has two
principals. She has slandered me
TO visitors, teachers and pupils ia
a shameful manner. ] spoke &c
Mr.. Barnum at one time of hel
and was informed by him that he could
do nothing with her Said he, you
must fight it out" This was excellent
advice to come IRON a principal, surely.
complained to Mr.. Picket about hel
conduct. He said l could not tell him
: any more than he knew concerning THU
woman. After talking some time in re.
gard to her strange actions, be remarked
she is very peculiar. vary no.pl;ar ,
This was all the satisfaction / received
from him. / at last have come to thu
conclusion, from her actions, that she il
devoid Of good principles, or that she h
OF an cratic disposition. 1t would con.
sumo too much time for me 10 relate The