The age-herald., 1898-03-13
HUNTER REPLIES
 TO THE CHARGES Superintendent Of Education for Mont gOmery County Wants Investigation. SAYS II WILL ACQUIT HIM Did Not Attempt to Increase Enumeration : by Illegal Measures. CHARGED FOR VACCINATING PUPILS But Says He Did It at the Request of the Prin- cipaIs of Schools-Dd Not Forge
 the Name of M. 1.
 Dean.
FOR vACCINATING PUPILS
Special to The Age-Herald.


 Montgomery, Ala, March Every na- turally considerable interest has been manifested here in the sensational charges made by the grand jury last week against Dr. J. J. Hunter Montgomery countys su- perintendent of education The Age-Her aids correspondent called on pr. Hunter today and solicited an interview regard ing the charges. He promptly replied that he desired the fullest investigation and felt confident an investigation would acquit him.
 How about the charge of false enumera- tion?' was asked
 That cannot be true, for I have never reported any enumeration to the superin- tendent of education. It is true that an increased enumeration, in my opinion should be had in this county, for we are receiving appropriations on a basis of 31 per cent. of population, while Dallas, Lowndes and other counties have an ap- propriation on a basis of from 38 to A per cent. of population. I have several times alluded to this difference in the matter of appropriation, but have never attempted to increase the enumeration for Montgomery county by illegal measures. My only de- sire has been to give the children of this county what they were justly entitled to.
 Charged for Vaccination
 "As to the second charge it Is true did receive from Stefney, Freeman and T N. Lewis a certain amount for vaccinating scholars in their schools; at their instance and at their request. The settlement was made upon their order voluntarily given and payable to me, as in the case of any other physician for professional services rendered. The work was done in my ca pacity as physician and not under the color of my office. The smallpox was prev alent in the county, and 1t was important in order to stop the ravages of the dis ease, that vaccination should be general and effectual The pupils in the city schools had been vaccinated and a similar necessity existed as to the county schools to prevent them from being closed. In other instances similar orders were given to the >other practitioners upon me and were paid by me. In the Freeman and Lewis schools, the matter was urgent and required prompt attention. I, therefore vaccinated the pupils in the absence of some other doctor. Was this wrong? Shall be prohibited from practicing my pro- fession because 1 am county superintend- ent?
 "The third charge Is vague and gener- al in it's terms, and upon it's face evidently is untrue.
 "As to the fourth charge, admit that I did pay C. H. Boyd his salary as teacher
 
 have a written contract. Certainly this cannot be illegal or even irregular Mr. Boyd had rendered the services performed the labor and the money was due. Is it an offense that Montgomery county should pay an honest debt, past due, for services honestly rendered, because the contract happened not to be in writing?
 Paid an Honest Debt
 s"As to an offer of increase in salary of H. c. Russell, teacher, if said Russell would act in his (my) interest this ac- cusation is absolutely false. The utter ab- surdity of the proposition is apparent for MT. Russell could not have aided in any way had he been ever so disposed.
 'The fifth charge that I forged the name of M. L. Dean to the notice of ap- pointment of Mrs. Bettis, a teacher. in township 16, range 20, is likewise untrue Mrs. Bettis was duly and legally selected and appointed as a teacher. She accept ed the position, went by railway to Sco- tia, where she was-met by the Township Trustee, MT. M. l.. Dean, and was by him regularly installed as a teacher at Waughs, where she is now, and has continually been ever since said school was opened. I am glad to know that she has given great to her patrons.
 "A fair trial before the tribunal author ized by law will vndicate my position, as well as the honesty of my purposes and conduct.'