Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1880-06-11

made proper by the presence of Mr.. McDon-
aid, and because it is to be assumed that he
is candidate for reelection. 1t was pub
lie investigation relative to the public school
system, and the Board had right to go on
irrespective of persons.
Mr.. Tracy replied that Mr.. Mcdonald had
not offered as a candidate, and when election
came on the Board might criticise and ex-
anime into the qualification of candidates
but not now.
Mr.. Hinkson here offered the letter in evil
dence, and also another piece of Ms. written
by Mr.. Mcdonald.
MIR. Hornblower, on q question of privi-
lege said he had not spoken to Mr. McDon-
aid or any one for or against him since the in
vestigation had opened, and always turned a
deaf ear to all talk about, for or against him,
reserving his Judgment and trying to act fair
ly and in judicial capacity.
The letters offered by Mr. Hinkson were
passed around, and read as follows
SACRAMENTO GRAN. SCHOOL,
March 2lst 1876
Prof o NJ Adams-Dear Sir Ii you can get time
to do SO would be much Obliged indeed TO have
you prepare set Of questions in Arithmetic and
Grammar to give to our lst Grade, as kind of test.
The Examination in Grammar will be next week
and in arithmetic the following week
Very respectfully
A. H. MCDONALD
GRAMMAR SCHOOL, May oath, 1875
Add C. Hinkson, City Superintendent: Please
send for the use vi the Grammar School Teachers
keys doz steel rings. They are in danger OF
All MCDONALD Priu.
Mr. johnson objected to the letter. First,
it is dated in 1876; second, it is not germane
to the issue. Objection sustained.
Mr.. Hinkson asked the Board to ask Mr..
Mcdonald il he was candidate for re-elec-
ton.
COMPLICATIONS.
Mr.. johnson said it was a matter of almost
lie and death TO MIR. Mcdonald, and involved
his twenty-four years OF teaching. To some
it is spite work to the attorneys matter Of
money. He protested against the question.
Mr. McClatchy said it Mr.. Mcdonald is a
candidate he wanted to go on, to ascertain
his competency. Ii he is not candidate
that ends Il. The question was to him enc Of
information. Should he vote for Mr. Nc
Donald or net? That's all there is in it.
Mr.. Hinkson said there was no spite work
in it. Teachers do lot own the schools. Is it
Just to impgte uuflir motives TO people who
are acting from the kurest motives and Ia the
interest of their children? 1t IS not persecu-
ton; it is investigation on charges laid by
children to their parents q hundred times over
about teacher. II Mr.. Mcdonald is not
candidate, why trife with the public? Il has
right to know who are to come before the
Board, to enter their protest or their indorse-
ment in time.
Mr. Hornblower said he wanted only JUS
tice DONE Mr.. Mcdonald asked that his
class be re-examined. The President called
meeting regarding it. Mr.. Mcdonald at
that meeting was charged as incompetent in
arithmetic. As 30 that the Board ought to 90
on. Mr.. Hancock's charges had only been
fled, not accepted
Mr.. Hancock asked the Board if ii pro-
posed to ignore the charge as to Mr. McDon-
AIDS competency in grammar.
APPROACHING \ FOCUS.
Mr.. Tracy said he had made all the exam
ination he desired, and had made up his mind
how to vote for teachers, and as to him the
investigation had as well close
Mr.. McClatchy-So have /.
Mr.. Hornblower-So have T.
Mr. Grifiitts-So have ].
The Chair declined to ask Mr.. Mcdonald
if he was a candidate, and the Chair on vote
was sustained in holding such question in
proper.
Mr. Hinkson said he had never been in
such fix. He didn't know where he stood
He was utterly lost.
Mr.. Johnson-Have you any more testi-
nony to offer.
Mr. Hiakson-Tm blessed if know where
[ am.
The Chair said the charge as to arithmetic
was still before tho Board
MIR. Hinkson said he declined to proceed
in behalf OF his clients until it was settled
whether Mir. Mcdonald is or is not q caudi-
date To Mr.. Tracy)-You can do nothing
at its close, If the investigation goes on to
legitimate ending, unless MIR. Mcdonald is a
candidate.
Mr. Trncy-Exactly, and so we had better
stop now.
Mr. McClatchy VI do not think Mr..
Mcdonald ought 70 say now it he is or is not
n candidate. Ii | stood in his place | would
want to know how the Investigation comes
cut first.
Mr.. Johnson-My client will shiIk no In
vestigation at a proper time, in proper way.
and with proper testimony, taken in proper
way--not as it has been done here.
ALL N \ TAXGLE.
Mr.. Tracy-The result OF any investigation
would not Of necessity govern the Board In
its election Of teachers.
Mr. Jobnson-Certainly not have cb-
jected to all this because this is not proper
way-by such testimony-to test any mans
qualifications.
Mir. McClatchy-Have board of experts,
then.
MT. nave UllS DuL L OpH .
object to the Board Such testimony as has
been given here tonight is fair to no one
not TO the Board, not to the public, not to
1Ir. Mcdonald, not to the schools. As to
arithmetic, on which, it IL charged, the class
failed, sir. Mcdonald courted investigation.
As to the other matters, at the proper place
and time he had bis answer to make.
Mrs. Hartley said she had been instru-
mental in originating the investigation, and
in bringing mothers of the city to act in the
matter. Ii Mr.. Mcdonald is candidate,
then the investigation should 80 on. Ii not,
it is ended I'LL he becomes q candidate, and
whea he is 50 announced, She, in behalf OF
many mothers, asked ~ lie heard as to his
qualifications for reelection. Mr. Mcdonald
was entitled to an opportunity to vindicate
himself, and she wanted him TO have it fully.
She aud others wanted to hear his testimony
she was not biased. but wanted fair, open
expression Of the public sentiment concerning
Nj. Mcdonald as an instructor.
Mr. Horn5lower said mass OF testimony
had been given To the world against a man
for years at the head OF the department of
the Sacramento schools. If he is in error
here and there as to arithmetic, let it be re-
inembered that in this day, when iufdelity is
rampant, he is q moral Christian gentleman,
whose example to the children compensates
for any Inaccuracies that may possibly he
found in his methods of teaching The press
had sent the testimony broadcast, to be
thrown up to Mr.. Mcdonald wherever he
may go. Now" said the speaker, deal
fairly and honestly. and give him full oppor-
tunify to vind;cate his reputation. APP
plause. don't believe so very many parents
are engaged in the prosecution. They are
not ali in it, and | know it. lApplanse. |
This man IS not dog-he is man. Give
him a fair show [Applause.
CONCLUSION.
Mr. McClatchy explained that lie did not
want to sha. ont Mr. McDonald's defense,
but to hear it when the right time came.
Mr. Sheehan spoke at length. He claimed
for tie matter full Investigation. 1t is due
Mr. Mcdonald, due to the public 1t is
charged that for years he has been incom.