The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-12-21
Facts in Case Of Mr.. San
fOrd'S Discharge.
Ordered by a Vote of 3 to 2
in Executive Committee.
Mr. Dorchester Not Only Has a Job
But Three Assistants.

! City Hall and outside among the teachers
and officers Of the school department rel
ative TO the new order of things in the
pu olic schools made possible by tho gen.
eral Assembly, but relative to the srbi-
trary action of tho executive committee
in removing an official without notice
there Ia an unanimimity of dissent, as IL
| indicated by numerous uttersnces. The
school committee organized and the sub
committees were appointed on Tuesday,
Dece'nb ber 1. On Wednesday, Decem Der 2,
the executive committee met for the first
time under its newly acquired power
aud authority TO discharge pybody they
chose without notice to the employe or
action by the full committee. They pro-
ceeded directly to business as 1t sppears,
to the exercise OF this especial function OF
discharge and appointment.
The action by which Superintendent Of
Supplies Waiter Ii. Sanford was removed
for tho sole purpose of making q place
for School Committeeman Hoffman 5.
Dorchester, was taken at a secret session
OF the executive committee on December
2, and was carried by majority OF one.
After the transaction OF some routine
business President Barney OF the school
committee and chairman of its execu-
tive committee made the remark that the
Office of superintendent OF supplies was
to be filled. Colonel Hunter Z. White
sa,d that they already had a superiIten-
dent and the only thing TO do was to re-
elect him.
Chairman Barney hesitated and did not
call for the formality of vote and then
Colonel White asked what tie trouble
was. He told the chairman that IL ne
had anything on HE mind to make q
statement and rot beat around the
bush.
mir. Barney accepted the challenge and
sprung his surprise by stating that in his
capacity as chairman be would nominate
Mir. Hoffman s. Dorchester The vote
stood to 2: for Dorchester. Chairman
Barney, MIR Alfred Metcaif and Mr.. Henry
V. A. Joslin; for Sanford-Colonel Hun
ter &. White and Mr.. Joseph o. San
Sonci.
An hour later and without the slightest
warning, Mr.. Sanford received tina fol-
lowing communication:
Provideuce, r. l., Dec. 2, 1896.
Mr.. Walter IL. Sanford,
DEAR SIR-It becomes my duty to
notify you that at a meeting held this
day, the executive committee has elected
M. Hoffman S. Dorchester. as supply
clerk tine position neretofore filed by
yourselD the appointment to take effect
Immediately. Very Truly
HENRY b. Rose, Secretary.
This was followed by protests from city
councilmen and school committeeman
and on the sth OF Decem Der the execu-
tive committee held another meeting to
elect book keepsr OF the school de
pertment. The name Of Mr.. Sanford
was offered and there was a tie vote,
Mr.. San Souci and Col. White voting
in the Affirmative and Mr.. Joslin
and Mr.. Mctca;f in the negative. Chair
man Barney broke the tie by voting for
Mr.. Sanford in accordance with q
promise, which ii is alleged he had made.
Mr.Sanford prom pity declined to serve.
Then there was more objection to the
removal of Sanford without cause and
particular stress was laid on the fact that
he had been dismissed without any no.
tice Whatever. THIS criticism had its
effect az shown by a second cormuuica-
tion from Colon el Rose which is as fol-
10 ws:
Providence. X. l., Dec. II, 1896.
Mr.. Walter Ii. Sanford,
DEAR SIR hereby inform you that
as you declined the position Of hook keep
er for the school Departmental which po-
sition you were elected by the executive
committee on December 8, that the said !
committee voted to continue you 40 clerk
In the supply department. for the month
OF Decem bsr, 1896, at the same rate per
annum, $500, that YOU received In your
former position in the pu plic school de- |
partment Of the city Of Providence.
HENRY b. ROSE, Secretary.
Tho friends OF Mr.. Sanford ascribe HE |
dismissal to two causes. First the anxiety |
of President Barney to give to bis friend |
Committeeman Dorchester a place with q
salary and secondly to the personal wishes |
of superintendent Tarbell Two years
ago this month when the work of the |
supply department was increased the sal |
ary OF Ar. sanford was raised by unani- |
nous vote OF the school committee and !
Superintendent Tar bell is not supposed to
have been consulted In the matter. lie
said nothing ut the time, but two years
liter, and after the tnding OF a job for
sir. Dorchester, Superintendent Tar
bell IL reported to have made known
to Mr.. Sanford that the only thing |
he over nsd against Lin was the raise of |
the salary " ithout his sanction.
Mr.. sanford had served the school
department for IL years and there never
wcs charge of inefiiceney or any other
caure for removal and he is emphaticslly
endorsed by Mayor McGuinness and Pres
lden, Kendrick OF the Common Council
who for sevorsl years was chairman OF
the committe on educsiion.
With the exception of two months in
the wear. September and February, Mr..
sanford performed the duties OF bis Office
..ffho.t aoafaf,nre na.ing 1