New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-05-03
COMMENTS on MIR. RIDDLES ACTION.


GENERAL EXPRESSION or ESTEEM FOR THE
mAY, MINGLED WITH REGRET AT HIS ACTION
DIVERSE OPINIONS on THE NECESSITY OF THE
rPERiSIEyDENTs RESIGNATION OF HIS POSI-
TIOS.
AT the Hall of the Board of Education the
news Of the publication OF boON spirtualism By
Superintendent Riddle created some quiet speculation
and conversation. The report that he would resign
that the publication o! such book by him should be
good cause for his resignation generally dis
credited The fact that Mr.. Kiddle held such views
could not interfere his Official usefulness it was
not likely that he would about among tho children
ecturng TO them Sprtualism. In tact, his position
brought him very little In direct contact with the
children.
Thomas F. Harrison. tho first assistant superintend-
ent. found at his office, and said that he had
discussed the matter with than two persons He
could see why Mr.. Riddle should resign
merely because he had written a book which showed
he believed in spiritualism; and he would deem it
public calamity II man who had done much for
tue development OF the school system should feel HIM
self called to resign for any such Surely"
said Mr. Harrison, warmly " there fools enough
,n New-York who think because q man has opinions of
that kind he should be prosecuted out of his place
him 10 resign"
Henry p West Com missioner OF Schools said that he
had known Mr.. Kiddle Tor hteen years that was a
very abe. weread and thong ltfu man. and doubtless
But some Of his best friends annoyed his making
them public IN the way be had and felt some
uneaslness about the result, Mr.. West could
not say how il would affect Mr.. Riddles
position as Superintendent, but believed that he
was mau who would sacrifice oGlos any timo for the
cake his opinions He supposed the verdict OF public
sentiment on the subject would be that Mr. Riddles
was mental deluslon. There could be no question:
however as his sanity. Hs doubtless believed every
thing he said and knew what he was about. Mr. West
could not say how Mr. Kddles book would afeo, his
standing among strict rclig iOus people.
Williams Dowd, president OF the Bank Of North Amer
lea prominent in the financial affairs OF the Board of
Education said regard the whole subject OF Spirit
ualism as a blasted humbug No one can regret more
than do that M Kiddle has taken up with such n
fusion. have always stood By him. and have been his
firm friend. think it would be great misfortune to
have the " the school, this city pointed
out Ne great spirtuallst. IL certainly shakes con-
adence in mans judgment TO find him believing snch
folly Then there Is such bosh in this book Mr.. Kid
Ole, la communicating with the Board. always uses
vigorous English. and he has q good style. But sup
pose the spirIIs are responsible for what ID here
printed"
WHAT PRESIDENT WOOD SAYS.
"ft very sad and serious thing 10 contemplate"
said wism Wood President of the Board OF Education
last evening" when speaking OF Superintendent Kiddss
recent declarations OF belief II believe IL is hsllucl-
NATION and deluson. and with man having so great
influence for good evil 10 becomes What
action the Board may take In the premises the
ing next Wednesday IL Il difficult TO say IL on
April H. the Saturday following the last meeting
that | had tho fret intimation OF the publ,ca- |
ton Of the book; and not than one or |
two knew OF 1t until the Advertisement |
appeared and II was not until they read lHB TRIBUNE
OF to-day that they gwoke To the actual slate OF affairs
How 1t secs Mr. Kddlc's Official position nobody can
say at preseni but his individual capacity Ia just as
sharp. clear and ineiSive 40 ever did all could 10