The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-08-30
JOHN E. RAY ELECTED
PRINCIPAL OF The INSTITUTION
FOR THE DEAF, DUMB AND
BLIND.
To Succeed Mr.. f. r. PIace--A North
Carolinian Who in His Special Field
Has Achieved Eminent success
Abroad

Has Achieved Eminent Success
Abroad.
The News and Observer informed the
public yesterday morning that Mr.. +:
II. Place had resigned as principal OF
the State institution for the Deaf, the
Dumb and the Blind, located in this
city. After his resignation was ac-
Icepted, the Board elected as principal
Mr.. John E.Ray,who is at present prln-
cipal of a similar institution at Dan
Iville, Ky. His selection was not unanl-
nous, and he had previously informed
members of the Board that he would
not accept the position unless he was
unanimously elected. While the vote
was not unanimous, yet the Board
unanimously voted to do everything IN
Its power to make his administration
successful in case he accepted. Mr..
Rays many friends throughout the
State are very anxious that he should
return to North aCrolina and enter
the institution where he has given eX-
cellent service in the past. 1t is hard
ly necessary to say anything in these
columns concerning Mr.. Ray, he is so
widely known; in fact, there is not
a county in the State with which he
is not well acquainted. He has lad
many valuable years of experience
since he left North Carolina and has
displayed excellent executive ability.
He brought the institution in Colorado,
which he had charge of for several
years, up to a high degree of efficiency,
and made it one of the very best in
the entire country. He is a man of
genial spirit, of the highest Christian
character, and he makes a fine impress
sion before an audience.
He is also an expert teacher, and
it is believed that no one could come
here and unite the Board, which has
disagreed upon the question of a
principal, so thoroughly as Mr.. Ray. In
his case there cannot possibly arise
any question of ineligibility. He is
also a North carolinian by birth and
education-a man whom it is believed
all classes will be glad to welcome to
the State.
1t is we'll known that there has
been for some months considerable
quiet friction in the Board. Mr..
Young failed of reelection in June,
and Mr.. Place was made principal.
Now Mr.. Place is thrown out by the
recent opinion of the Attorney-Gen-
eral. The public has become tired of
the situation, but is breathing a sigh
of relief in the hope that Mr.. Ray will
promptly accept. u is nearly time for
the institution to open and it is be-
lieved his coming will prove the happy
solution of a much vexed problem.
Mr.. Ray is native of Wake county,
and was born ten miles west of Raj
eigh, some forty years ago. He gradu-
ated from Wake Forest and later be-
came a teacher in the D., D. and II.
Institution here. He was soon after
elected secretary of the State Baptist
Sunday School Board and later, secre-
tary of the Baptist State Board of
Missions. He retired from this work
to accept the place of principal of the
Institution for the Deaf and Blind of
Colorado, which he resigned to accept
his present position in Kentucky.
Mr.. Ray has a deep affection for his
native State and has often expressed
a desire to, at some time, again make
his residence here.
1t is earnestly hoped by his many
friends here that Mr.. Ray viii accept
the position.