Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1897-10-30
A REJoINDER.
Mr.. RussIer Replies to IA Patron
in the Statesman.
10 The Editor Of Inc Herald.

IN the Statesman.
TO the Editor Of the Herald.
There appeared an article in a re-
cent issue of the Statesman, which in
detail is untrue and misleading, de-
serving of rebuke by all persons in
terested in the progress, welfare and
advancement of free education
School patron says the peoples
money has been wasted in a shameful
manner. Is it shame or disgrace to
have elegant, modern school build
ings, well ventilated, with plenty of
light and comfort, or would it be bet
ter to recede to the little. old, log
school buildings of half century
past? Which is a waste OF time,
health and money?
This esteemed patron further says
Messrs. Russler and Oliver awarded
the contract for the new school house
to bidder several hundred dollars
higher than the lowest bidder, be-
cause he was a Republican. Well,
we are pleased to know Mr. Tebo's
politics is Republican. It's a great
pity they are not more numerous, to
assist in setting the wheels of prog
ress in motion. They are the people
who have progressive ideas. But it
was not Mr.. Tebo's Republicanism
that secured him the contract. 1t
was his honor and ability as a con-
tractor, whose buildings were never
crushed in by weight of snow or lev
eled to the ground by the northern
blasts, but stand the tempests and a
thorough inspection in every respect.
All honor to Mr.. Tebo as a mechanic.
The writer will stand by him always
in the right and will be just as quick
to denounce him in the wrong.
Further, this school patron asserts
that Russler and Oliver have been the
tools of scheming politicians to be
willingly used for any purpose that
might serve the party. This asser-
ton is false, to say the least, aud
would only enter into the minds of
persons used in that capacity.
Again, patron says the handsome
new school building is a gross extrav-
agance, and could have been avoided
for ten years by repairs to the old
building. These remarks show how
little patron knows about the condi-
ton of the old, dingy, tunble-down
building, also, how little he cared for
the health, comfort and education of
the little ones in the Fifth ward, who
were crowded, three in seat, with no
ventilation. During a visit to this
school building by State Superinten-
dent Trotter, he remarked, "Do you
smell that sickeniug odor caused by
no ventilation? What shame it is
that those little children should be
compelled to remain in such place
Yet school patron says it would do
for ten years. Suppose half of the
inmates contract disease aud die.
What do5s patron care? Possibly he
is more of patron than a ax-payer
Those persons generally squeal the
most.
In conclusion, if patron understands
subtraction, he can readily see as the
Board of Education did, all five of the
members-two is in the minority and
cannot control-that money expended
in repairs was worse than money
wasted. Now, Mr.. Patron, really,
how much has this Board of Educa-
ton robbed you and really are you in
shape to be robbed of anything?
Your entire article is intended as po-
litical capital, not that you believe
what you have written, but that it !
might capture the unwary and cause
them to change their votes. But you
cannot scare the people, neither can
you coerce them at the coming cleo
ton. They will vote as they please
and just as they ought to vote.
A. I. RUssLER.
PILES PERMANENTLY CURED