The Portland daily press., 1883-05-05

ed to present specifications; Mr. Harper pre-
sented two-in substance, that DIR. Rounds
erred In judgment and lacked ability in the
selection of teachers-in that he employed Miss
Munger and his daughter Agnes as teachers in
the school, both OF whom, they state, are lnef-
fcient teachsrs Miss Munger has previously
taught three years in the Millbury, Mass, high
school; is graduate Of the Pennington Nor
NAL School
She has also been an assistant in the Insti-
tate OF Technology, and is considered fine
teacher. Miss Rounds is also a graduate Of
this school, Soon after her graduation she
was appointed to a position in the Normal
School in Washington, ID. G., which position
she retained with honor to herself TIL called
here to the position Of teacher in the Model
School; she has also the reputation of being an
excellent teacher.
This last was decided to be public hearing
in Normal Hall; the other three to be conduct
ed privately, and Mr.. Rounds should appear
without counsel. At this point the board ad-
iourned.
This morning they again met in. secret ses-
sion, and on being called to order the follow
ing letter with the printed charges and official
notice Of hearing attached, from Mr.. Rounds
was read
To the B9drd Of Normal School Trustees
Some time since the secretary was pleased to
give me notice that the charges then upon
your table signed by Messrs. Harper and Phil
brock and Miss Perley, three OF my assistant
teachers, had been withdrawn in the early
part OF the month; and subsequently In reply
TO letter of my counsel (Messrs. Barker, Vose
and Barker added further that after notifying
those teache rs Of the time and object OF this
meeting he was Informed BY them that their
changes were Internationally withdrawn and
they did not intend to renew them. Acting
under the advice Of sconnsel / have assumed
such to be the fact and governed myself ac-
cordingly. am now notified by the board
that those teachers refuse TO prosecute their
charges, though still asserting they are true.
And am informed that il is proposed that the
board assume the prosecution Of those charges,
and am requested to submit TO an investiga
tion before il and by it without the assistance
OF counsel. ] find further that one Of the
members of your board, who is to sit in judg-
iuent in this matter (Air. Philbrook) is the
father OF one Of the assistant teachers whose
name is signed to the charges. An old legal
maxim, as old as the common law, 10 Memo
debet esse jttIe1 IN pTopriG sud cdusd"; and the
statute OF this State has defined the limit OF
relationship either by consanguinity or affini-
ty, to wit: second cousins, inclusive, within
which the interest will disqualify, in cases
where disinterest is required
Now, / beg leave to inform your board that
although you propose TO assume the role Of
prosecutors / am ready and willing to proceed
with the investigation Of the charges specified
in the way and manner you may deem proper,
reserying the right OF necessary delay TO pro-
cure Witnesses If in my defence it shall seem
advisable; provided can be permitted to ap
pear before you with counsel and respectfully
protesting against the propriety as well as the
right OF Mr.. Philbrook to act in the investiga-
ton, for the reasons above named.
Yours respectfully,
@. G. ROUNDS.
Pennington, May 8, 1883.
All the teachers then appeared before the
board and were informed of the manner the
investigation would be conducted. The board
adhered to their previous action and refused to
allow DIR. Rounds TO appear with counsel, but
Mr.. Philbrook withdrew from the sessions, as re-
quested. The board then adjourned without
transacting further business.
At the afternoon session Section No. l was
considered. Mr. Harper appeared first before
the board, followed by Miss Perley. The testi
mony OF these two consumed the afternoon
session. In the evening Mr.. Philbrock testi-
titled and was cross-examined, occupying the
whole ey ening.