New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-11-23
AFFAIRS IN BROOKLYN.
RIDENOUR TO HAVE A TRIAL.
HE SPRUNG A SURPRISE ON THE BOARD
OF EDUCATION.

AN INJUNCTION STOOD IN THE WAY OF HIS DIS
MIssA1x-A LIVELY MEETING WHICH RESULT
ED IN H. w MAXWELL GIVING WAY.
The Board OF Education he'd long -drawn-sut
meeting Yesterday afternoon. general impression
prevailed before the meeting opened that the Board
would speedily dismiss Principal Ridenour. but
"a the meeting showed. the members not ready
70 finally expel the principal and they could not
have dismissed him yesterday II they had desired
10 do so Just as President Swanstrom was about
to call the meeting to order. an injunction
served upon him restraining the Board from dis
missing Mr. Ridenour the ground that he is
veteran of the Civil War, and could be
moved from his place without first being allowed
full trial Justice Bartlett signed the paper.
The serving of the injunction d big surprise
and spoiled any plans that Mr.. Ridenours opponents
may have made for the disposition OF the
After little discussion. however. It was decided
that the injunction could prevent discussion Of
the case. and the resolution previously introduced
by II. W. Maxwell. that Mr.. Ridenours usefulness
as an officer in the public schools was at an end
was brought up. Charles A. Buttrck opened the
discussion with n strong plea for the complete ac-
qIittal OF Mr.. Ridenour. A motion offered shortly
afterward by Peter II. McNulty that the principal
have proper trial by the Board in public, changed
the Of the discussion for the remainder OF the
afternoon Charles +. Robertson Immediately af-
terward introduced another resolution to the same
effect. Vigorous speeches in favor Of trial were
made by James j. klrwin. Mrs. +. +. PettngiA
James s. Brouck. John w. Weber. William j.
Lynch Peter II. McNulty Mrs. j. NJ. Powell and
others. Mr.. K.rwin told OF the testimony OF Mr..
Ridenour's nelghbors his high reputa tion. and
spoke OF his high standing in Grand Army cir
cles Mrs Pettingii said that Il the duty Of
the Board to vote for fun and free investigate
IN justice Mr.. Ridenour himself. 10 the teachers
OF the school, TO the children, their parents and the
public in general Mr.. Lynch said that he thought
Teachers Committee. because defendant should
BE- allowed time to prepare his case. m
The main argument OF Mr. Maxwells friends
could not be answered by mis- enemies. who opposed
the motion merely on the ground that trlal was
not desirable from the point Of view OF the gen
eral public. When Mr.. Maxwell said that the ques-
public. and not o. Mr.. Ridenours fate. Mr.. Nc
Nulty characterized his statement as one OF the
most remarkable ne had eyer heard TO MI; Max
IN the schools OF Brooklyn demanded his expulsion
Mt. McNulty ferce.y retorted:
For the sake OF all the children In the State OF
nnt we sfT prove lin suity yF''' - 'e''
A motion to lay the table the motion OF Mr.
he announcement OF this vote. Mr.. Maxwell who
had been leading the opposition 10 Mr.. Ridenour
and 10 the opentrial scheme. said that he was sat,
isfed that the action OF the Board would In any
be for the Interests OF public education in
Brooklyn. and moved that Mr.. McNuity's motion
be passed unanimously
THIS surrender by Principal Ridenour's chief OPP
ponent turned the discussion into another line. and
from that time until the meeting was adjourned al
numerous confusing motions and amendments which
t tom by vote OF of Of "f to % '"e
The local committee OF Public School No. ~
charge William p. Ridenour. principal OF Public
School No Is. with gross misconduct. and move that
these charges be referred TO the Corporation Coun
tions and that Mr. Ridenour be granted a trial by
the full Board. with counsel