The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-07-06
SCHOOL BOARD SURPRISE
HENRY Russo ELECTED PRESIDENT
AND NJ. j. BURNS TREASURER.
The Old Crowd That Controlled At
fairs in the Saddle Again-Mr.
Baker and the Caucus.

Henry Russo is the new president of the
Indianapolis School Board. The commits
sioner from the Fourth district has been
the chief officer of the board since last
night, when the newly-elected members
came in. With the new arrangement of
things Miss Emma B. RidenOur, who has
been a long and faithful servant of the
board in the capacity of assistant secre-
tary, steps out of office.
The new members of the board met at s
o'clock to reorganize. Albert Baker, from
the Eleventh district succeeded Commits
sioner McNeely, wig was elected year ago
to fill out the unexpred term of Commits
sioner Appel, who resigned after moving
away. DIR. Allison Maxwell succeeded +.
II. Blackledge, of the First district, and
Edward j. Robson took the desk of Com
missioner Hendrickson, from the Tenth dis
trict. Mr.. Scott succeeded himself in the
Second district. 1t was too hot for much
formality and the new board at once pro-
ceeded to the election of officers without
speechmaking. A president, secretary, as
sistant secretary and treasurer were to be
elected.
There were no nominations for any of the
offices, and the secret ballot prevailed.
Henry Russo was elected to the office of
president to succeed William Scott on the
second ballot. This final ballot brought
him seven votes. On the first ballot Mr.
Russo received four votes, Mr.. Scott three
DIR. Maxwell one, Mr. Vonnegut one, ana
two blanks were cast. On the second ballot
the votes were again scattered, but Mr.
Russo received one more than enough TO
elect him. There considerable Specula-
ton among some of the members as to now
the coup was executed. 1t was understood
haf
the other side. There is also a Well-denned
rumor that Mr.. Baker, the republican
member from the Eleventh district, refused
to go into a Republican caucus, ana thus
the story is told.
There was a spirited contest for the office
of treasurer of the board 1t required SIX
ballots to elect Michael j. Burns, assistant
street commissioner, to this important
place Mr.. Burns represents the Fifth dis
trict On the first ballot Burns got three
votes, but he became popular anc received
nine votes on the last ballot. Commissioners
Rhine, Maxwell and Sloan were represented
in the vote for treasurer, Mr. Sloan re-
ceiving four votes on the first ballot. But
one ballot was taken in the election OF a
secretary. Herman E. Rhine receiving six
votes was declared elected. Commissioner
Scott received two and Commissioner Max
well three votes.
Frank Reissner was elected to the assist
ant SecretaryShip on the hrSt ballot lie
received six votes and Miss R1denOur nVe.
Reissner already holds the position of as
sistant 5 lerintendent of buildings and
that place Immediately after his election
it was voted to fix his salary at $1,000 for
the first wear. Miss RidenOur has been re-
ceiving a salary of 81, 800, but began at $500
in 1884 She has been connected with the
board since 1882, when she was appointed
an assistant IN the office OF superintendent
Tarbel.
Charles w. Smith, of the law firm of
Duncan, Smith & Hornbrook, was chosen
attorney for the board. Four ballots We're
cast, Mr.. Smith receiving six votes on the
last ballot Charles Martindale two, W, T.
missioner Blackledge two.
Mr.. Robson, one of the new members OF
the board did not vote for Russo for presl-
dent He voted for Miss Ridenour for as
sistant secretary. There is considerable
speculation as to how some. Of the new
members voted. The result of the election
was to practically overthrow the men who
rescued the board from the old clique Of a
few years ago. Mr.. Russo was identified
with that old clique. Mr. Baker was one
of the men elected because it was believed
he was opposed to the old clique methods.