The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1897-08-05
Che 8u5sier 8anner
W. Il. scanland, Editor and Proprietor.
BENTON, LOUISIANA,
,:::::::::::::::::August 5, 1897.
BENTON, La, AUG. 3, 1897.

uau DeeH SeIecteu as principal OF tue
Benton High School for the ensuing
term, &c This is certainly revela-
ton to large majority of the
patrons, and must be mistake, as
they thought they had chosen Prof.
,. +. Huddle to fill the position, as
will be shown by the numerously
signed petition herewith presented
you for publication.
You will observe that of possible
number Of about ITO scholars proper
ly belonging to this school, we have
enrolled upon this list, in favor of
Prof. Huddle, 76 subscribed by IS
patrons. In addition to this numL err,
there are three patrons representing
seven pupils, who favor Prof. Hud-
die over Mr.. Hensley, but have
private reasons for not signing this
petition. This would really give us
strength OF 81 scholars and 80
patrons Then, there are about three
patrons, with FIVE or six children, who
have taken a neutral stand, but really
prefer professional teacher to any
Other profes ional man-especially
minister of the Gospel. This will
make SIS that the Hensley supporters
have no right to claim, lie wing them
only about Is pupils really support
ing their cause.
Therefore,, We feel, Mr.. Editor,
that the Bossier School Board will
not ignore such strong appeal from
such overwhelming number of people
appearing upon our list who are in
terested in the public school at this
place, but will award the school to
the majority-especially such large
and undisputed one, expressed in
such undoubted manner.
It may be proper to state why we
oppose the Rev. Mr. Hensley. Our
main contention against him is that
he is minister of the Gospel aud a
strict sectarian, which, of course, he
has a right to be. We are opposed,
on general principles, to such minis
ters, of whatever persuasion, teach
ing public schools to which people Of
all denominations have a right to
send their children under the law
This sentiment you will find lodged
in the minds of majority of tie co.
pie of any community you may go in.
1t is true, that many of the oppo-
nents have other valid objections to
MIR. Hensley not necessary to men
ton here, but the one mentioned is
tenable, legitimate and sufficient.
We hold that sectarian religion and
public schools should not mix any
more than State and church do, as
public schools are part of State
Therefore, public schools, where all
denominations have right to attend
should not be presided over by Or
dalned ministers of any creed, for the
reason that it will cause dissatisfac-
ton among other religionists.-
Again, we believe it would be a dan
gerous precedent for the future well
fare of public schools to open the
doors to ministers of the church by
allowing one minister to take charge
OF such school, because ministers of
all other denominations would have a
right to ask the same favor. A Cath
Ole Priest or Rabbi would have the
same right to claim it as would any
protestant minister, for all of these
different creeds have children in pub
lie schools.
This objection is not the lack of
respect for Mr.. Hensley, or a rever-
ence for his calling. As a minister
Of the Presbyterian church we highly
respect him and wish him success in
that line.
A person brought up in certain be-
lief, as MIR. Hensley has, he necessar-
lily becomes doctrinaire in his pro.
fession; and being strict orthodox