The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1896-04-30
USED IN UNFAIR MANNER.

We regret to learn that the files Of the
HERALD are being used as munition against
our townsman, Prof J. W. Cooper, who is
seeking election as County Superintendent of
public instruction., and especially that an
article published ON the 25th Of last June is
being used in a surreptitious and unfair
manner. We are informed that to attain the
end desired only part Of thcartice referred
to has been used and that part which clearly
cxculpatcs Prof. Cooper, and in fairness
should be read is studiousy concealed. At
the time stated the HERALD felt duty bound
to publicly call attention to apparent retro
gression on the part of the High school
graduates. The showing made by several
graduates of '05 at the Normal school exami-
nations was criticised freely; and, taking
part of the article as we have been informed
it is being used against Prof. Cooper in his
campaign one is led to the conclusion that
that gentleman and his associates in the
faculty were responsible for the condition Of
affairs. But right here, we wish to state that
it was not intended for a moment that Prof,
Cooper, or any of the faculty should be
considered as within the scope of the
criticism. As proof of this we quote the
following from the latter part of the same
article;
1T is hoped the standard of our High
school will he maintained and that the School
Board will Iigidly enforce the resolution it
recently adopted. At the same time parents
of the pupils should at all times give un-
yielding support to the High school faculty.
If this is done the results will be more in
keeping with the expectations. If the pupils
once get the impression that they will be
allowed TO graduate regardless of qualifications
they cannot reach the standard that will
enable them to stand the test before the
Normal school boards. 1t is no breach of
confidence to state that it had been repeatedly
remarked that the class of '95 would
graduate, regardless Of qualifications. The
pupils heard this and ioolshly built upon it,
disrcgarding the warnings of friends, hence
The result
Had the parties using the article acted fair
in the matter and used it as a whole, and moi
in the abstract to convey an impression never
intended, this statement would not he neces
sary, as the quotation is sufficiently clear Il
show the cause and responsibility for tn
criticism,
Briefly, the truth Of the matter is tina
people Of influence behind the graduate
assumed position over which the faculty {
the High school had no control, and throug
them the graduates received the coniiden'
that they would graduate, regardless of the
standing at the final examination. IT WI
this state Of affairs that caused the Scho
Board to fix standard by resolution al
declare thatall rules bearing upon it wou
b. rigidly adhered to.
The HERALD and Prof Cooper have be-
placed in a false light by the unfair use
which the article has been put in the cal
paign for the county superintendency.
no time has the HERALD attempted, or f
called upon to criticise Prof. Cooper. 1t
always given considerable attention to
public schools of Shenandoah and is 60
petent to give an opinion ON Prof. Coope
service of three years in the High school.
can say without qualification that he
been a model citizen and his integrity a
general reputation stands unimpeache'
indeed, unquestioned. As to his intellect
and professional qualifications we youchs
the same endorsement, and can say with'
fear Of contradiction that should IN
Cooper fail To secure the county superintei
ency lac viii be gladly retained as prinei
of the High slhool Of this borough.