The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-06-30

schools of San Francisco. There are three
normal schools in California, namely, at San
Jose, Chico and Los Angeles, with an attend
ance of 1881 pupils, expecting to become
teachers in our public schools. 1t is an undls-
puted fact that for want of opportunity TO
teach in our public schools, many OF these
young men and women graduates, some OF
whom are native sons and daughters, are
forced into inferior vocations. To my knowl-
edge there are capable and deserving gradu-
Rtes of the University OF California, holding
teachers certificates, who have been driven
into menial occupations because the publc
schools were already filed with teachers,
many of whom are recent immigrants to Cali
fornia from Eastern and European countries.
The influence necessary to secure positions as
teachers in our spublic schools unfortunately
does not at present always depend upon merit,
ability or capacity. Viewed from this stand
point, therefore, this provision of the charter
Is based upon the most patriotic motives OF
self-pEeSerYation.
AS to the second objection that this pro-
vision of the charter is sectional because 1t
Will exclude persons from becoming teachers
who are not educated in our public school sys-
TEN, / have been informed by the trainers OF
the charter that no such illiberal spirit was
contemplated or intended. In truth, the many
broad and liberal provisions throughout
the charter bearing upon religiuos free
dom and tolerance warrants the belief
that no sectional feeling animated any OF
its trainers Article VII, chapter 4, section
Superintendent of Schools to see that no re-
ligious or sectarian books or teachings are al
lowed in the schools" Article XII on the civil
service, section z, says; mo question in any
examination shall relate. to political or re-
| ligious opinions or affiliations"
If the foregoing explanations are not en-
| ttrely convincing the Women's Liberal League
should remember that the same power that
authorized the creation of the charter also
| provides for its amendment. Section g. Article
XI, of the constitution of California says:
'The charter, SO ratified, may be amended at
intervals OF not less than two years, at gen
eral or special election, by at least three-ffths
of the qualified electors voting therest, end
| approved by the Legislature, as herein pro-
vided for the approval of the charter" In
other words, every two years the people, by
three-ffths vote, may amend the charter In
| the same manner as they made 1t. The only
| difference is the requirement OF tnree-hfths
instead OF one-half of the votes polled, which
in an election of 10000 voters would make
1000 instead OF 10000. Finally the charter
| itself, at any time after its adoption, may be
entirely supplanted in the same manner and
| by the same vote as 1t was created and passed.
| In conclusion, cannot refrain from appeal
| ing to the Women's Liberal Leagne, as we'll as
| TO every fair-minded lady in San Francisco, to
study the new charter in all its parts. NO Or
| ganic law ever devised has been absolutely
perfect. No human work is infallible. The
| constitution OF the United States has been
| amended fifteen distinct times. The constltu-
ton OF California, only lS years OF age, has
been changed by vote of the people in more
| than a score OF Us provisions.
six new amendments to the constitution OF
California will be voted upon at the next cleo
ton. 1t would, indeed, be sad common tary
upon the wisdom and intelligence of those
who expect soon to become enfranchised to
discard the entire char ter with its manifold
recognized blessing because 1t contains one OBJ
jectionable clause. If such course were gen
orally pursued progress in the science of gov
eminent would be wholly arrested.
i The new charter is by no means perfect
But, taken as whole, it Is careful, liberal
and effective exposition of modern municipal
law. Nearly alltts important provisions are
extracted from the successful charters of the
| nr0QrpSSivp
estly advocate Its adoption because l sincerely
believe 1t Will restore confidence and pros
Derity TO San Francisco. To the generous PEG
pie OF California am forever indebted for ar
/ education, begun thirty-two years ago in the
primary schools of San Francisco and com
pleted twenty years ago in the University o
California. 1t would be gross ingratitude Oh
my part to FAIL at this critical moment, Il
contribute my humble efforts toward the adop
ton of charter fraught with such auspiciou
results to the welfare of San Francisco.