Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-05-11
THE SCHOOL QUESTION.
Communication from a "ChiIdIess Gsn-
tIeman of Considerable Wealth." and .
few Words In Reply.

To the Editor of the Rennebee Journal.
The editorial comments in the Journal of Thurs
day upon the action OF portion Of those who took
part in the adjourned meeting of the Village
School District. on the Sth inst seems to call for
some notice. Without referring to what purports
TO be report of the proceedings Of the meeting
referred to- contained in Another column of the
same paper, save to characterize il as manifestly
one sided and calculated, if not designed, to con-
vey false impression of the position Of those who
| are in favor Of an economical admin i,tration Of
the affairs of the District, wish to PROFOUND the
following questions:
lst. You say Thirty nine persons, twenty five
Of whom are chIldless, and nearly all of whom are
men Of considerable wealth. attempted
at an adjourned meeting yesterday to overthrow
all that had been done 10 the previous aud regular
meeting" In what way did the thirty nine per-
sons, twenty-five of whom are childess, and
nearly all OF whom are men of considerable
wealth. transcend their legitimate right
and duty in speaking and voting in favor
of reducing the large and to them nnn-cs-
sary expenditures for school purposes Is it a
crime disqualification to he "childless" to he
in "the possession of considerable wealth :" Is
i, in the interest of safe soupd public policy
that the men who pay the larger portion of the
taxes of the district should be excluded from
voice or vote in regard to the proper disposition
of the money which they contribute to the public
| treasury Or in so doing. are they to be stigma
TIED in public journal IS engaged in the work
of practically aboshing" this or that branch of
our educational system 2 Is the right and prvi-
lege Of thus taking part in these meetings to be
restricted to those only who pay no taxes, who
do little or nothing towards contributing TO the
support of schools or any other public object
Because an individual is a large taxpayer does
that fact therefore make ii improper for him 10
Ell his personal influence 10 the direction of econ
omy and rctrenchment Is he to be permitted only
to speak and vote in favor of an eItrsvsgant and
wasteful adm Bstration of affairs. and to remain
u. IL ~
those who have little OF no property interests at
stake hold the purse strings OF the immunity and
appropriate what aud as much they choose of
that which does not belong to them 7 Is the propo-
sition for Q moderate reduction of the salaries Of
teachers from the inflated figures of five or ten
wears ago, in the face Of sn almost universal re-
ducton of compensation in every branch of Ia
Dor, professional and unprofesslona, and 10 the
face also OF constantly increasing burden of
taxaton-fairly open to the charge made by you
Of an attempt to "cripple the efficacy of the
schools" Does it legitimstely follow that those
who are not "childless," or not possessed of con-
siderable wealth., are alone competent or entitled
to assume the direction OF our educational affairs
and to expend money with lavish hand which
the wealthy and chdess man has been able to
accumulate through long career of honorable toll
and prudent living Is it not fair to presume, q.
least, tina, he is equally capable of participating
with advantage 10 the affairs Of the District;
"a Again you say These gentlemen Che
cover that their action of yesterday will have
about as much effect upon the schools the
ton of the Directors as the blasts of the east
wind" Has it come then to this, that the voters
and taxpayers of thi. District, called together in
= legal manner to express their wishes and de-
sires, and having done 50 by a fair and decisive
vote, are to be insolenlly told that those wishes
aud desires must be disreg and defied BY
the men they have chosen to do their will Will
these gentlemen of culture and intelligence of
whom the board of Directors Is admittedly com
posed, obey the dictstion OF the editor of the
journal, as to what they shall do OF leave I'M
done, rather than the formally aud properly ex-
pressed will and wishes of the voters of the Dis
trict Is the editor of the journal the recognized
organ and tficis mouth piece Of the Directors OF
the Village District, and in his assertion does he
spe ak by their authority and desire Because, in
the exercise Of their undoubted rights Is citizens
snd voters they have chosen TO convey in becom-
ing form TO the Directors, certain instructions in
regard to the performance OF their duties, are
they to be met with the accusation Of bull doing
and intimidation" Finally to sum up IN one
brief and comprehensive question, have the voters
and tax payers of the District any rights
which the Directors and the editor of tue Joul pa
are bound to respecti H.