The New York herald., 1879-08-08
SUPERINTENDENT KIDDLE.


THE spIRITUALIsT's SUCCESSOR NOT YET NAMED
BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATIoN-A SENTIMENT
IN FAVOR or REMUNERATION.
As the 1st of September draws people inter
ested in the public schools beginning to wonder
who will succeed Mr. Henry Kiddle city superin-
tendent. 1t will be remembered that Mr.. Riddles
book on spiritualism published during the spring
excited strong feeling against him. at least
against the idea Of who held such views
as expressed in his book. retaining the office of
Superintendent of Public Schools. AS he
saw how the majority OF the Board of Education
stood toward him Mr.. Kddle handed in his resigna-
ton to take effect the 1st of September. 'as
thereafter his successor should be appointed"
At the last meeting Of the Board the
question OF nominating successor to Mr..
Kiddle was raised. but was laid over. the
time to attend to the matter In the meantime
nothing has boon DONE. Three gentlemen. we'll
known in educational circles. have been mentioned
as probable candidates-namey, President Hunter.
Of the Normal College; Commissions Stephen A.
School Muntep o ha he
isled to remain where he is. and that he would not
accept the office if it were offered him. Commits
sioner Walker is lawyer with lucrative practice,
which he would not sacrifice FOR salary OF $4,000
year. Mr. Babcock says that IT he were nominated
he would gladly be candidate for the office. he
thinks it one of great honor and dignity. Although
engaged at present in mercantile pursuits he
day schools. and for the past five years
has been principal of the Evening High School.
HAS HE CHANGED HIS VIEWS!
In conversation with several Commissioners yes
terday HERALD reporter discovered that there
strong feeling for the reinstating of Mr. Kiddle.
1t has been proposed by Mr.. Perkins and other
frenus of the Superintendent to hold private meet
ings in his interest. from which members OF the
press shall be excluded, they think the papers
were in the main responsible for Mr.. Kddles resg-
nation. While some OF the Commissioners said that
thsy 9 would iG gladly sotH tor % his as they
could we'll fill his place. others thought that 1t
would be very detrimental to the public school
system to retain man who had publicly expressed
such violent spritualistc views. Mr. Riddles friends
claim that he has thought better OF his new found
belief. and is not soc firmly convinced OF the
presence of spirits, he was at first. Others,
again. claim that he has said that he would not
ceive the reappointment; that he proposed ending
his days as lecturer and writer the subject Of
Spritualism, and that he had already made several
engagements to lecture during the coming winter.
President Hunter told the HERALD reporter that he
thought Mr.. Riddles resignation had been made in
thorough earnest and that he would not care to be
reelected. "Mr. Kiddle has beon admitted to the
Bar said he. and he could easily return his old
profession" President Hunter seemed to think Mr..
Babcock was the most likely candidate for the offce
There is some feeling, said he. "for Riddles reap
poinment. but there are only about fve members of
the Board. who favor it. don't think he has the
slightest chance. The general feeling seemed to be
that nothing would or could be done before the Sd
Of September, when the Board holds its first meet
ing after tho summer vacation. At the last meeting
of the Board Commissioner Walker gave notice that
he would bring the subject up for action but it may
be laid over. As will be seen by the wording of Mr..
Riddles resignation ho holds his Office until his sue
cessor is appointed.
President Wood heads the anti -Kddle faction and
Commissioner Wickham il the leader of the Kiddle-
ties. In conversation with HERALD reporter Pres
ident Wood said he did not think Mr.. Kddle any
less Spiritualist than he at first, and that
while he appreciated his labors superintendent he
thought the Board would not be doing right in re,
tanning him in Office particularly as he had said that
he should take every opportunity to propagate his
peculiar views. The president considers Mr. Babcock
u man in every way qualified for the position, and
said it not the first time his name had been
toned in that connection.