The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1876-03-24


which bonds possess little or no value
A CHANCE FOR EDMUNDS.
The excitement and dissatisfaction among
the reputable class of our citizens, consequent
upon the appointment of Edmunds, the colored
teacher, to the chair Of Mathematics in the
Boys Central High School, is doutless familia,
to all our readers. The appointment was
made in direct violation of the expressed
wishes of those most concerned, and was
generally regarded as an evidence on the part
Of their determination to make the best Of
their power and appoint just such men as they
thought proper, from among their own race
aud color, if possible, in defiance Of all right
and justice, and to practically enforce their
ideas in reference to mixed schools.
They certainly knew how Objectionable it
would be to the boys Of the school for this
man Edmunds to preside over one of the most
important departments Of the school, bat the
wishes of the people were Of no consequence
to these sable and sapient sages, who were in
the majority, and they insisted on the exer-
else Of their power, and Edmunds was duly
installed as Professor of Mathematics in the
Boys Central High School
Ever since his appointment expressions of
dissatisfaction have been frequent and posi-
tive, both among the pupils and their parents.
but the ears Of the colored majority would not
hear aught against their friend Edmunds,
and, if we may be pardoned for vulgar ex-
preston, all most deeply concerned and dis.
satisfied have been compelled to "grin and
bear it."
Now, however, an opportunity has arisen
for the School Board to adjust the matter in
a manner which should be satisfactory to all
parties, and which will be splendid chance
for the learned Edmunds to display his abili-
ties and his qualifications as an instructor Of
youth.
Four of the largest colored schools in the
city have been consolidated, and will hereaf.
ter be under one roof and one corps of teach
ers. The McDonogh School in The Sixth
District, in one Of the largest and most ele-
giant school buildings in the city, has been
chosen for the consolidated school, and it
only remains now for the board to make sat
isfactory arrangements in reference to prin-
cipal for the new school.
A white lady was first chosen, but the ma
jority on the board were not satisfied, and her
place was made vacant. We understand that
Efforts are being made to secure the situation
for colored lady, who is said to be capable
Of filing it In this emergency the question
naturally suggests itself: Why not appoint
Edmunds to the position? It is claimed that
ae is q colored man of high scholastic attain
nents and great ability as teacher; what
better opportunity could arise for the colored
majority on the School Board to evidence
heir great appreciation Of his capability than
s afforded them by this consolidation.
The new school will need principal who
8 highly educated, and being strictly COL
red school, it is eminentiy fit and proper
hat, if a capable colored man can be found
? fill the position, he should be appointed.
Why not promote Edmunds from the subor-
Innate position he now occupies against the
ill OF the people, to higher one, which he
hight fill without objection to the white peo-
lie, and possibly with credit to himself and
is race? If the colored members OF the
chool Board are honest in their expressions
belief in his ability, and are not altogether
ctuated by desire to enforce unpopular
,easures, they must see the eminent proprie-
: of sending their protege to fill the new and
onorable position now vacant in the newly
onselidated school.
They have disclaimed any desire to engen-
er i'll feeling between the two races and
ave asserted that in the appointment Of Ed
funds they were actuated simply by desire
} conscientiously discharge their duty and
assert their privileges under the law.
If this be really true, they have now the
nance to take advantage Of their rights and
perform their duty in manner which
lould satisfy them, while it will be entirely
.tisfactory to all concerned. If, however,
ley fail to take advantage of this opportu.
ty, the belief must obtain credence that
icy only desire to claim the privileges &C.
'rded them by the law, when they can by SO
,ing annoy and taunt the white people of the
ty and State. ,
The white representation on the Board
rongly favor the appointment Of Ednunds.
ID it now remains to be seen whether the
lored majority are prepared to do right {
ENGINE HOUSES.
By city ordinance No. 3433, adopted March /
Al e