Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-06-12
THE MADISON SCHOOL.
A Statement OF the Commissioners Side by
MIR Maxwell.

To the Editor of the Register.
Sir:-Since Prof. a. NJ. Stevenson
has. through his friends, asked that
the Commissioners make public their
reasons for their opinion of him and
his methods, there can be no reason
for longer Withholding them.
After being elected and qualified as
Commissioner. in 1892, l had frequent
talks with Prof. Stevenson in reference
TO the teachers, their qualifications and
work in Madison school. He freely
admitted on numerous occasions that
there was something wrong with the
school. and which was clearly indicated
ir the results.
There was some discord among the
teachers; but he claimed that he did
not know who was responsible, or at
fault, yet admitted that it existed.
Prof. Stevenson has not been liberal
with information, which Principal
should give his commissioners, freely
and frankly at all times. The action
of the Commissioners in dismissing Miss
Julia Wiley was based on information
as to her qualifications to longer con-
tinue in the position occupied by her,
gathered from other reliable and COM
petent sources, as well as from Prof.
Stevenson, who, upon several occa-
sions, stated TO me that "he would give
almost anything if Miss Wiley would
resign and get out of the school" that
"he would give $50 out Of his own
pocket if some one would come along
and marry her" He termed her his
"scoding teacher" Said she was a
"rut" teacher, not progressive, and be-
hind the times.
There is 10 mistaking the meaning
of these expressions yet 1t appears that
after the Commissioners declined @ re-
appoint Miss Wiley, he expressed sur
prise at their action to all with whom
he talked on the matter, saying that
he did not know why the action was
taken, that he deemed Miss Wiley a
good teacher, in fact, one Of his best.
| was informed by several parties
that Prof. Stevenson was making this
and similar statements to Miss Wiley's
friends Meeting him, l so informed
he was not acting in good faith. He
thereupOn denied having made such
statements to any one, and assured me
that he had no desire other than to
stand with the Commissioners, and
urged me not to countenance any re-
ports that might be accredited as COM
ing from him, as they were absolutely
false.
At the meeting Of Che Commissioners
with Principal Stevenson in June, 1896,
when they informed him of their APP
poiltments and assignments, instruct
ing him to notify each teacher Of their
appointment and have them sign the
agreement required by the Board OF Ed
ucation in the respective blanks provid-
ed for the purpose, he there gave express
sion to this statement: Commission
ers. you would have pleased me better
had you let both Miss Wiley and Miss
Reeves 60" This was in the presence
of the three Commissioners. Is there
any possibility Of misunderstanding
this language?
Prof. Stevenson's desire that Miss
Reeves be dismissed originated in this
way. just UtLOlt lllC OBChihS VI
school, in the fall Of 1895. the Commits
sioners met with the teachers, and in
formed them that better results were
expected from their work, urged them
TO work together harmoniously, and
eradicate the discord then existing,
otherwise it would be necessary to APP
ply remedial measures. They made
plain to the teachers that the Principal
was at the head of the school and their
duty was to be governed by his direc-
ton. and that, if any should feel that
they were unfairly dealt with and not
in accordance with the requirements of
the rules and regulations of the Board
of Education. they had right TO appeal
TO the Commissioners, and such appeal
would be fairly and impartially dealt
with.
During the year, this teacher called
upon the Commissioners individually,
and exhibited the division of classes in
the Grammar Department, and com
planned that she felt that she was un-
Justly burdened and had asked the
Principal three times for rellef. n
careful examination of the matter led
me TO believe that her complaint was
lust. | called on Prof. Stevenson the
next day, and went over the matter
with him. and he informed me that the
statements and representations, made
by the teacher, were correct, and he
agreed that she was burdened and
should have relief, but that he had not
been able to see how he could arrange
otherwise.
| told Prof. Stevenson that had only
called to make inquiry regarding the
matter. and was not there TO authorize
or direct any change, as | had not had
anv conversation with the other Com
missioners. Prof Stevenson then call
ed upon one or both of the other Com
missioners. and finding them agreeing
in views on the matter, he then called
upon me. and stated that | need not
worry further about the matter, as ne
had given the relief asked for by the
teacher. and that everything was now
perfectly satisfactory.
This act of the teacher, simply ask
ing that Justice be done, made plain
to the Principal the cause OF all tric-
tion discord and the shortcomings OF
Madison school, The fact that she
dared ask for fair treatment seems to
have shown clearly, to his mind, where
all the trouble had existed for years,
therefore he recommended her dlsmls-
sal.
Again referring to the matter Of dis
missal of Miss Wiley, | would say that,
upon the evening of the meeting of the
Board of Education in July, 1896, Mr..
stevenson called upon me. and begged
that I would not use what he had said
10 me. in reference to her, at the Board
,,,ootino renlied that | could not