The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-12-10

tack upon me before the board this state
ment would have been unnecessary.
| appreciate the interest taken by the
public In this matter. The public Is inter-
ested not only in the right that every
teacher has to defend himself or herself
against charges involving his or her con-
duct, but also in the moral fitness of teach
crs employed in our public schools. The
certificates of teachers formulated by law
and the department of public instruction
compel superintendcnts to certify not Cnly
to the mental but also to the moral quail
iications of teachers, and super!ntendents
in general regard moral fitness superior to
all other qualifications. our moral stand
ards must be maintained; intellect must
ence of good character is more lasting
and essential than the rules of all the
books published. Further, 1t is the duty
of superintendent to See that the teach
ers under his supervision conduct them
selves IN snch manner as to be above
public criticism. l have done my duty in
this case as | see 1t in law and light of
conscience.
But in all this where have offended
If ! am the prosecutor of Mrs. Booth it
will appear in the testimony taken at the
investigation. In fact, all her charges re-
lating to my official work can be found
in that testimony. and | desire that the
evidence taken at the investigation may
be considered a part of my statement and
a part of my defense
My complete justification is in the pub
lication of the testimony In the case.
know that much of II Is unfit for pubica-
lol. put whether lit or unit, Mrs. Booths
own admissions and Mr.. McGinley's tes-
timony will fully vindicate my official ac-
EVERY MEMRER PRESENT
Nheh PRESIDENT Schriefer called the
iheetlhS 10 order every member was
present. Ex-Judge H. A. Knapp, the
boards solicitor was there. as was Jo-
seph OBrien. the legal representative
of superintendent Howell and AttOr-
hey IRA II. Burns. who was mentioned
as representing Mrs. Booth and Attor-
ney Nj. A. McGinley. Mr.. McGinley,
too. was present near Mr.. Burns, but
took no part in the proceedings.
Fully hundred persons. few or none
OF them directly Interested in the case.
packed themselves into the meagre
space reserved for spectators and stood
IN ana about the two entrances to the
chamber which. If cleared of its fur
niture would hardly seat seventy-tive
persons. Not word or act that took
place escaped them, and when it was
all over al $50 o'clock they departed re-
luctantly but with the satisfaction of
having witnessed lively entertainment.
The board vas not long in getting
uoWt W DusIheSS. fTeSlutnt SCnflelef,
who was apparently Ill at ease and con-
scious of the responsibility that would
rest upon him. announced briefly the
purpose of the special session and re-
qresled Controller Casey to notify Su-
perintendent Howell that the board
would hear his statement The super
intendent came Immediately from his
office across the corridor. holding in his
hand the statement of which the above
is copy. 1t was typewritten.
ent Howell made no attempt at uratorv
re spoNc W urn ai.o uellperate way.
"hu a'pea'cu perfectly at ease pausihS
oiiIs d IL" 'iiiies 10 "iiiphasi2e q W"rd or
Sci,'eiice.
o'Is u.oii one paSsase might ne be
s@aiu @ W NaEe iaid particular stress ana
that was III reia'ioh 10 making as
part OF MS statement the testimony
nearu at lhe secret session OF the
Iish an" framing school committee.
re seemed 10 deliVer that paragraph
rested the strength Of the case. and.