Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1889-12-13
THE PEOPLE ARE FOOTING THE BILLS.

We are really sorry, as will be our tax
payers, and our people generally, that the
school board should have reached the con-
clusion that the towers on the new school
buildings must be omitted and that the
architects should be instructed to so alter
their designs. The characteristic perspect-
i've of city consist of its towers, steeples,
domes, spires and other mangificent struc-
lures. A public building can hardly be
called such much less recognized as such
in the absence of these features of taste.
Perhaps if the members of that board had
done less running around the country the
domes and towers would not now have to
be sacrificed on our public school build
ings. In fact we guess that it is true that
the direct result of that running about
other representatives Of interested
outside parties, called for such alterations
as will accommodate some fellows patent,
which alterations are to consume the
money intended for the most pleasing and
attractive features of the buildings. And
then the unseemly hints and quasi-accusa-
tions and covert digs INDUCED in by MEM
bers against other mem ers, and in their
public meetings, growing out of the dis
cussions of these matters. What do these
gentlemen suppose the people for whom
they are trying to act think Of some of
these things? Are they aware that some
of the discussions and inuendos INDUCED
in at their public meetings seem frivolous
and boyish, if not dishonest? Has it
come to that, or is it coming to this. that
the people who have elected, as they sup
posed, representative men Of character to
take charge of a most important trust, and
to transact the business of the same in
an honorable and dIgnifed way, under
the seal of solemn oath. must
be, nevertheless watched and even criti-
cised in the public prints. Are not these
gentlemen afraid that strict report of all
their doings. discussions and filings as pub
lie officials would prove unpleasant read
ing ten or twenty years hence? Compe-
tency, allied with experience, in a school
board becomes of great value and moment
to parents, to scholars and to teachers, and
as a rule, good and experienced members
of school boards of cities ought to be sell
dom changed. but reelected and re-elect-
ed; but. as measured by the record of the
past few months, would that board be as
tonished if some of their number were let
down and out by their constituents at the
earliest opportunity without even a chance
to apologize?
The EAGLE knows that the people have
had enough of that foundation fight and
heating apparatus squabble; enough
of rowing committees and of
roaming the country over, look
ing for impossible superintendents
and new tangled furnaces; enough of al
tering apparatus, of plans and of adding
of appurtenances, and professorship to the
public school system which are of ques-
tionable utility, outside of purely art
schools or universities; and enough of cut
ting off of towers and enough of indul-
gence in unseemly discussions. charges
and counter charges at their public meet
ings. All of the criticisms and objections
are not out of harmony with the intelii-
gence, character and public standing of a
majoritory of the men composing that
board, and they can neither justly as a
body, or individually afford to have them
made or to permit the occasion of their
making.