The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-05-25
NORHICH IN 4 FERMENT.
school Committeeman TaIeoit and his hoard
formalIy Voted Out Of Omee.


Norwich, Conn, May 2I.-The west side
district Of this city. the homo OF Mrs Kate
Cobb and Wesley Bishop. is divided by a
school ieud. The west side. or West Chelsea
School District. is the second largest division in
tho city. numbering over 900 pupils on its
school register It has been under tho direc-
ton OF n so-callcd Board OF Education. consist
ing OF Messrs. Charles II. Tacott 7. W. Bruce.
F. J. O'Connor. l.. W. Dudley. Daniel II. Per-
kins. ]. T. Murphy. A. W. Davis, c. J. Winters
all men OF influence and responsibility.
Mr.. c. II. Tacolt, the Chairman OF the Board
is in many respects a remarkable man. He is
about IS years OF age, q bachelor. and has
amused a small fortune; He was made Chair
Board rehelled he packed caucus expelled
the ,unruly member. and substituted pliable
that was satisfactory. He. put rings in their
nOses and led them over the nccks OF the dis
lrict u any one disputed hi, nower he replied
ing to do about IL
..Jnbcz S. Lathrop was the principal Of tho
High street (west sidel grammar achool a
handsome four-story brick structure. until last
spring. NJ which time he was elected 10 the
state Legislature. Mr. Lathrop Is n fine teacher
beloved by his pupils. Mr.. Talcott had long
viewed the popularity Il Mr.. Lathrop with dis-
trust. and coveted his position but had hitherto
been Withheld from Installing himself princi-
pal by his foar 81 taxing too far the patience
OF the district. lie had contented himself with
sneering at the reputation and management Of
Mr.. LHthrop, with charges Of eNtravagant OK
penditures and assertions that he could get n
teacher who would fog education into the
went away TO tho Legislature Mr.. Talcott at
once assumed the charge Of tho school and
voted himself snlary Of 800 n month for fog
Ging, education into the pupils. Order was his
wachword., He calmed the wonted hum aud
activity Of the school room with counter irri-
tants and disciplinary anodynes. Tho silence
ol monastery reigncd; The perfect decqrum
Mr.. Talcots pupils unused 90 his vigorous
discipline abandoned the school In groups. and
when Mr.. LNthrop returned home and resumed
his position the senior department had been re-
duced from SS TO less than 10 pupils Mr.. Tai
colts mode OF logging instruction into children
was further shown TO be Intellectual and unpop-
ular by the grand public reception and festival
given 10y the pupils in the school house 10 Mr..
Lnthrop on his return. AnRered by this mani
iestaton Of disapproyal Of his course. Talcott
summoned his Board. and by one grand sweep
discharged nearly all the teachers In the entire
district, from Mr.. Lathrop to tho lowest subor-
climate in the primary departments. Heat once
employed set OF inNOrites, who were other un-
known or known 10 be incapable, 10 supply tho
places OF instructors who had taught in tho dis
trct for years.
OF the district A hurried warning was sent by
few fearless leaders TO all the voters in the dis
trct. The Meeting appointed a special com-
mittee to supplant the old Board OF Education
and discharge all the duties formerly vested in
that body, The last resolution in the draft Is
very explicit;
Rs,,oed That the Board OF Education and the hostile
members thereof above referred TO be- aud they hereby
are ordered aud directed TO desst from In any way m
special Committee and obey The dlreeuo1s OF the dis
the West Chelsea school District
The, next move OF Mr. Talcott and his friends.
who thus far have been susp clously passive
and silent is awaited with anxiety He Is not
the man to submit without struggle.