New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-05-20
THE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT.


A close vote is expected today in the Board
of Education upon the proposition to elect Mr..
JASPER City Superintendent Of Schools for the
first six years term under the new law One
of the Commissioners is in Europe OF the TWEEN
" who presumably will attend today's meeting
# is known that seven are firmly opposed to the
choice of Mr.. Jasper. that six are as firmly com
mittcd TO his support and that six of the remain
ing seven were originally inclined in his favor
II has been hoped that as many of these last
as would be necessary to prevent hasty action
would finally join the opposition. and of this
there seemed yesterday TO be rather brighter
prospect than for several days before. We sim
cerely trust that the most sanguine expectation
may be justified.
AS we have already said more than once, we
have no feeling of hostility TO Mr.. Jasper. We
think that under IN extremely faulty system
imposing conditions which could not be avoided
and to which perhaps no man could have risen
superior Mr. Jasper has uniformly done great
amount of essential work in faithful and in
telligent manner For the performance of such
duties as he has done well, In the main. here
tofore we should be glad to see him retained;
and that, as we understand the matter, Is the
feeling of most, if not ALL OF those who are OPP
posed to his elevation If, however, he snail be
elected to-day TO the office which has the same
title as that which he now occupies, but which
in reality ought to be. and may be, very differ
ent thing. his election will not represent the
deliberate and impartial belief of a majority of
the Board Of Education that he Is thoroughly
qualified for that office 1t will mean merely
that q majority was made up Of those who are
personally devoted to his fortunes, Of those who
<l,at hn
harsh to replace him. and of those who are be-
lieved to be willing to see the new system dis
credited from the outset. 1t Is perfectly certain
that majority so obtained would not reflect
the intelligent judgment and the disinterested
wishes OF that great body Of citizens, Loyalty
devoted to the welfare Of the schools, by whose
cooperation the new law was finally passed.
after protracted struggle against strong po
tica influence and many shrewdly contrived
obstacles
1t Is extremely significant that those members
| of the Board Of Education who were most con-
slant and energetic in their endeavors TO bring
| in a new era of school administration through
| the operation Of an enlightened law are the
members who are now unwilling to make Mr..
Jasper the head of the school establishment.
TO those other members who, though incning
| III Mt. Jasper y luNOT TttsoHs NHNH We VIZ
not think we'll founded, are yet believed TO be
| sincerely DESTROYS Of making the new system a
success an appeal may be hopefully made. even
at this late day. They must be aware that Mr..
Jasper's training has not been such as to fit
| him for the larger and higher work which City
! Superintendent OF New-YOrk Schools ought TO
| perform and under the new law can perform,
! If he Is intrinscally qualified for that important
! post They must be aware also that, In the
| judgment of nearly all OF those in and out Of
school circles who have assisted In procuring
the change of system, Mr.. Jasper Is untitled to
| make the new system successful in the highest
degree and that his election would be generally
regarded as a practical Endorsement Of the old
order. We beg these men to remember that
their fellowcltzens are keenly interested in
this matter and that having won a notable vic
tory they are extremely anxious TO gather the
fruits of It, Consideration for Mr.. Jasper 8
| feelings indicates an amiable temper but such
a disposition ought not to govern their action in
a matter Of such gravity. They hold sacred
| trust for the people AID they are bound by
| every consideration Of honor to discharge 1t with
absolute mpartiality as respects individuals.
An election of City Superintendent is the most
| important task which they can be called on to
perform in their official capacity. We concede
that the result Of to-day's meeting is uncertain,
but we are hopeful that it will be such as to
! strengthen public confidence in the Board Of
| Education.