Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1878-12-31
For the SPECTATOR
A COMMUNICATION.

EDS. SPECTATOR 1T seems strange,
Mr.. Editor, to some of your county
readers, that, in the face of the endorse
ment given Mr.. M. w. Quarles for the
office of County Superintendent of
Schools, a portion of the Press of the
city of Staunton should attempt to pal
late the atr0cious action of the State
Board in presenting to the Senate for
confirmation the name of any other
person. In view of your comments up
on the election of Charles Grattan, al
low one of your old friends and an old
friend of the Captain, to state few
facts. We ask this in justice to Mr.
Quarles, and because, otherwise, yeur
readers might remain ignorant of the
fact that Mr.. Quarles was, beyond any
question, indisputably entitled to the
position.
We essay, briefly, to give expression to
the views of q county teacher touching
this matter. Against the incumbent,
as a gentleman, we have nothing in the
world to say. We do say, however,
most emphatioally that, seeing the off,
cial endorsement, the recommendations,
evidences of qualification, cumulative
and overwhelming, presented to the
State Board of Education by Mr..
Quarles, that the appointment of any
other man was to ignore the wishes of
the people of the county, q palpable
reflection upon the gentlemen IN this
county who have the school interests in
their keeping and gross injustice to
Mr.. Quarles himself.
Let me mention that Jour Of the six
County Supervisors, in a meeting in
which the subject was maturely consid-
erod and in which the claims of the
various candidates were presented, re-
commended Mr.. Quarles and one re-
commended Mr.. Grattan.
Furthermore, at meeting of the
County School Board of Trustees, Mr..
Quarles was unqualifiedly endorsed
It lie true, as averred, that at this meet
ing 81! of the members were not pres
ent, but subsequently seventeen opt Of the
eighteen members of this Board recon-
mended one man Mr.. Quarles) as
against Capt. Grattan.
In addition to these facts, Mr.. Quarles
went before that State Board endorsed
most heartily and emphatically by Capt.
Grattan's predecessors in office, promi-
nenl citizens throughout the county,
among whom were number of teach
ers with intellectual attachments and
educational experience.
These facts no man need attempt to
nalliate nor deny. But, no, while the
people Of the county, as shown by the
action of their representatives, wanted
one man to discharge the duties of an
important Office, and one in which they
are vitality interested, Gov. Holiday
wanted another man, and despite their
election he has that man.
Gov. Holiday, after the endorsement
aud recommendations Ct the different
applicants had been presented to the
Board, seeing that the testimonials thus
far presented were overwhelmingly in
Mr.. Quarles's favor, wrote letter to
Capt. Grattan, saying substantially, and
| know whereof I speak my dear
sir: Couldn't you get some of the Coun
ty School Trustees to recommend you ?
These testimonials have to be filed for
future reference" But then the Capt.
failed to get the required testimonials,
but did get some of the Stanton School
Board and several Stdunton citizens to
recommend him. And with these evi.
denees of fitness evidences from men
who have nothing to do with the schools
of the county, the Governor put in the
Captain takes,a man from one school
jurisdiction (Staunton) and constrains
the people Of another (the county, to
accept him.
An Executive who, in the face of the
claims as presented by Mr.. Quarles,
wonld disregard whatever the
personal grounds confronting him
prostitutes the high trust given him by
the people.
A judge who, when cause has been
closed, seeks, SUB rosa, further evidence
for his favorite, isn't AN upright judge"
by jug full.
Let these facts be carried home to the
people, Mr. Editor, and then, if the
present incumbent feeis himself called
upon to come into the county to tutor
the experienced teachers of the county,
let him come. l repeat it, sir, let him
come. BAKER.