Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1881-12-04
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1881.
THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE
SCHOOLS.

We read with profound regret, the
report in the city papers of yester-
day morning, of the proceedings of
the city council in the election of q
member of the board of education to
succeed Mr.. Washburn. We have
10 criticism to pronounce upon the
gentleman selected. BE is gentle
man of education and devoted
friend of education. Mr.. Wash
burn WIS not only friend of the
city schools, but he showed an &C
tive intelligent interest in their wei
fare. In his official capacity as a
member of the board he was efficient,
impartial, firm, and in all his acts
manifested q disposition to do what
ever was necessary to the success of
the schools. We mean no disparage-
ment to other members of the board
when we say that no man has acon-
tributed more to the success of the
schools, than Mr.. Washburn.
But the change made is not what
we object TO 80 much as the spirit of
the discussion in which preceded ii,
A disposition was manifested, it ap-
pears to us, to antagoDize the board
OF education without cause. Several
years ago, the management of the
city schools was taken out of the
hands of the city council and given
to a board of education. This was
the act of the city council itself.
Time and experience have demonstra-
ted that it was wise act. The
object was to place the schools
above and beyond everything that
could SAVIOR OF politics. Under this
management the schools have made
wonderful progress. They have grown
and improved until to-day they stand
prominently out as the pride and the
glory of the city. No man who has
a particle OF regard for the welfare
of Knoxville would interfere with or
throw an obstruction in the way of
their efficiency. We do not presume
that the members of the city coun-
ell who made the attack on the board
of education are enemies to the
schools, and yet if that body should
act as foreshadowed by this discus
sion, it could but result IN their in-
jury.
The charge was made that the
board of education has been COM
pensating Mr.. Washburn, as it's sec
rotary and treasurer, contrary to
law. We understand that he did re-
ceive one hundred dollars for his
services, which is very small
sum for the services performed. We
also learn that this has been practi-
cal for years. The members of the
board are well known in this COM
munitv. Their character is not that
of lawbreakers, and they would not
take dollar which does not belong
to them. Their services are gratmt-
GUS and we believe they would dc
nothing which in their opinion is not
for the good of the schools. Com
plant was that at the last commence
ment of the city schools the board
of aldermen had been ''snubhad.'
We have made inquiry about this
and according to our information il
is very small thing about which to
make public complaint.
Oar conception Of the powers and
duties of the board OF educa
tio1l is, that it is to have
the management OF the schools
without distinction from every quar-
ter. It's members should treat res
pectfuily any suggestions from mem
bers of the council, or from any othe
source. But the board OF educatio.
has high duty to peri m. 1t is no
a ,,opc;op lDyraou fo hActavv favor
upon personal, political or sectaria1
fayorites Teachers are to be select
ed from no other consideration thai
their capacity and efficiency as teach
ers, and the board of education ar
10 be the sole judges of this. When
ever the boards act from other con
sidefations the schools will 90 dow