The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1899-07-11

that the teacher never in any way mfStreated
them, that he never refused to aid them in
any way he could, and that he was as kind to
them as they desired any teacher to be.
Why, then, did they commit this misde-
meanor with which they are charged? And
for which they would not make proper amends
and which has caused their father to rise up
in opposition to their teacher?
Considering the statements above, taken
from the testimony Of the boys, we must con-
clude tnat the teachers disposition towards
them could not prompt them to dothis wrong
They had no reason for wronging a teacher
whom they acknowledged to be kind in his
treatment of them.
They simply sought to subvert the authority
Of the school in order that they, themselves,
might have privileges which had not been
afforded to privileges which would ruin
any school, and which have ruined dozens.
When the boys committed this act, the
teacher. seeing the influence for evil it would
have the school, demanded that they
should apologize for their misconduct. This,
as has been said, they refused to do, and for
this reason they were suspended.
Now, readers, we ask, is it right to uphold
their misconduct? We know.that the action
was wrong; we know that it was detriment
to the school; We know that the teacher was
not in the least to blame, and we positively
assert if these boys are encouraged in such
action, it tends to the ruination Of our school,
and to positive injury to the character of our
children.
Are we to submit to such a condition. Is 1t
not the duty of the sub-directOrs to support
| the teacher in what is right, and If they do
| not support him, can they expect him to teach
| a successful school? We, as sub-directors,
supported our teacher because he did what
| was, and is, right in our school.
The father of these boys Influenced the
| board of education to refuse to confirm the
| election of this teacher by us. and, by SO do
| ing the father and the board Of education
| are encouraging in these boys, and in all
others of the school, a disposition of lawless-
| ness, such as is not far from crime, and we
| the patrons, must suffer it without hope oi
remedy. Is it sensible? Is it reasonable2 Is
! it just? You may say it is law. Is it2
Next, we desire to consider the duty of sub
f, directors. What is it? Is it to secure and
elect teacher? No, the township board of ed
ucation does that Is it to support the teach
er and help him to succeed in his school? No
the board of education will not allow that L
it their duly to see that the school is properly
cared for and properly conducted? No, the
| BOYS are to do that
Readers, will you please explain the duty
of sub-directors? Are their wishes to be re-
spected or are they simply to exist as an In
strument Of the board?
Next, we desire to ask what should be con
sidered in electing teacher.
Should we respect and consider the wishes
of the majority Of the good, sensible patrons
of the district, or should we, in electing
teacher, crafty the revengful desires of OBJ
stinate, thoughtless, unreasonable and unjus
patrons, whose boys were denied the right t.
| run the school?"
Their wishes were gratified and ours wer
disrespected. Is this reasonable action OF
the part of the board Of education? No, it
preposterously absurd; it is an unexample
injustice; it is dangerously detrimental to tn
welfare of our schools and our children.
We claim that the board of education dit
} not understand the condition Of affairs, or, j
it did understand thoroughly the condition,
acted entirely without reason or judgement
and with absolute disregard to justice an
| right.
We were right in re-electing the teache
| whom we presented to the township board G
education for confirmation, we are right i
supporting him and the principle he uphold
| dHu WO, uoSCouOr WIFI tuC SoOu pCOplC VI I'll
district, shall continue to support him to tn
: utter disregard Of all other applicants.
Here, we interpret the law: Whenever th
township board of education will positivel
not allow the sub-directors to elect a teache
then the said board Of education, on the pie
that the sub-directors failed to elect teache
, shall elect a teacher for such district an
compel such district to accept him, and er
dure, uncomplainingly, the consequences
When this condition of affairs exists !
America, this land of Democratic rule, it
an opportune time for another Boston :. c
Party GEORGE HARTLEY,
ALFRED KERR,
Sub-DirectOr