The herald., 1898-05-19
THE SAME OLD system
BOARD OF EDUCATION COULD
MOT AGREE -,
WEBB AND HIS HENCHMEN WIN
Three Distinct Purposes Prevailed,
and Neither Side Would Give in
to the Other

The Spencerian system Of penmanship
will continue to be used in the schools of
this city, for the board of education at
Its special meeting yesterday could not
agree upon any Of the systems before ii
for selection.
To hear consummate jawsmiths-men
who can talk much and say little-attend a
meeting of this erudite body when there
is something special before 1t for con-
sideration. The board was in session yes
terday about forty minutes, and during
that time all Of the members had a turn
to speak, not to say anything in particular
to elucldate the mooted matter of a sys-
tenn Of handwriting, but simply to go on
the minute book Of the secretary that they
preferred certain one.
Allegorically speaking, Mr.. Webb won
his point in this school board game of
checkers. He is a diplomatic politician
and he has a complete knowledge of the
science of the game. He knows when to
move and when to take the maximum
minutes for study. He seldom goes amiss
in his intention and purpose. His aim Is
as sure as genuine sharpshooter's. He
has the generalship to get men to follow
in his tracks and mimic his movements
and not desert him at critical stages of a
play. Despite the theory as advanced by
certain students that the human hetrays
his thoughts by his counenance and de-
meanor, this man does not, tor he does not
look the part he plays-which is good for
his purpose. Unlike most men, his fea-
lures do not change according to the re.
marks he is making. AS for the others,
they are frequently heard in debate and
advance their opinions with spirit.
The full membership was present when
the meeting was called to order. There
were some objections to certain portions
of the minutes as read by the secretary
but they were immaterial. The parings OF
the other meetings being disposed of, Mr.
Webb moved to table the motion of Mr.
Conrey to ballot for the system receiving
the largest number Of votes. The little
point was carried.
Mr.. Bragg moved that the matter be
taken from the table and acted upon
which was seconded by Mr.. McInerney.
Mr.. Brayly, however, moved that the Nat
ural system be adopted, and he received a
second In Mr.. Conrey. Mr.. McInerney
would not have it SO, and moved that vote
be taken on the adoption of the Califor-
Braly's motion.
Webb moved that the motion by Nc
Inerney be laid on the table. He moved az
a substitute motion or amendment that the
California system be not considered in this
competition at ALL
II desire q roll call on all these numer-
GUS motions" said Conrey. Whereupon
willy Webb said he had am explanation to
make, and took the fioor-fguratively. The
only objection to the California system
that he had, he said. was that 1t is the
highest in price, also that, while the books
are printed in San Francisco, booksellers
and stationers here are debarred from
selling them at the usual percentage.
The secretary here read communica.
ton from the II. s. Crocker company OF
San Francisco, the publishers OF the sys-
tenn then in dispute, saying that 1t was
at the option of the board to order the
books with or without lines. this point
having been at another meeting charged
against it. The letter was filed.
Webb said he asked Superintendent
Foshay If he would like to have the Cali
fornia system for the next four years, and,
according to Webb, Mr. Foshay said he
would rather have the system now in use.
All of which Webb considered a point In
his favor.
IT am glad" Conrey said at this. that
the man from tho Ninth Is this morning
disposed to believe the principals. think
we may yet have no trouble in getting the
Natural system" What delusion!
A vote was now taken on each of the
two systems in argument. The vote on the
Natural system resulted five to four
against 1t. with the following members
voting In favor Of 1t: Conrey. Davis, Braly
and Mathis. The vote on the California
system resulted seven to two against it.
with Messrs. Bragg and Mc1nerney alone
in favor Of 1t.
Webb. Poor and Bartlett voted against
both systems. And then there was a hasty
adjournment, In which quick movement
In the direction of the door was the chief
fopk