The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1900-01-31
GOT THEIR BUMPS
Insurgent Candidates for School Di.
rector Turned Down by a Big
MAJORITY.
HorAsLE sTALwARr y1eroRY.


1t did not require the gift Of prophecy
to foretell the result Of Introducing fac
tional politics into the public schools Of
this county. The storm that had been
brewing for several years past In aud
around Somerset reached its climax Sat
nrday W hen Jonas NJ. Cook and Or. H. :.
kimmeil. two Of cur most eminent and
popular citizens, were defeated by Har-
vey NJ. Berkeley and Robert r. Roberts,
likewise eminent and popular citizens. for
the Office OF school director. The major
ity for Berkley and Roberts is most fist-
tsring recognition Of their position in the
| community.
A similar result was accomplished by
the Repu blicsu voters of Somerset town.
ship at their primary held the preceding
Saturday when two school directors who
have been swaysd by factional feeling in
their official duties were supplanted by
Stalwarf Republicans.
For number OF years past the Insur-
gents have bad full control Of the school
affairs in both of the districts mentioned,
and that their management has not met
with popular approval has now been so
emphaticalIy emphasized that none viii
gainssy the meaning of the primaries just
held
The result Of the primaries in Somerset
township and Somerset borough, as we
interpret it. is significant warning from
a majority of the Republican voters Of the
two districts that they are unwilling to
uhnoff L,prrar 80 he ~, r,ractf.s, 49, bas 81,
tanned OF selecting teachers solely on SC
count of their political alliances, and re-
gardless of their mental endowments and
scholastic attainments. Il il fair notice
that the applications of refined. cultured
and well qualified teachers shall have
proper consideration. Il is fair notice
that efficient and satisfactory teachers
shall not be displaced because they a:e
unable 70 control votes. II is fair notice
that minor positions. such as school-jan
torship. shall not be bartered away for
political purposes, bnt that faithful and
competent servants shall be rewarded
Il is fair notice that certificates shall not
be issued to disqualified teachers for po-
litical purposes, and it Is fair notice that
the people are Thoroughly aroused to their
interests and the Interests of their child
ren aud mean 10 make an earnest effort
10 restore our schools to the elevated level
from which they have been systematic
ally declining during the past few years.
While the result of the primaries must
be regarded as a victory in the cause Of
good schools and pure politics, it is none
the less pronounced triumph for Stall
wart Repu blicanisu1, and a stern chastise-
ment Of the Insurgent, or disorganizing
element Of the party.
The Insurgents held numerous eau
cusses during the week preceding the bor-
ough primary, at which various would
be leaders asserted that this and that can
didate could not De defeated; that his or
their popularity would win great major
ity Of the votes of their fellow citizens.
Committees were appointed to wait upon
a number of prominent citizens for the
purpose Of assuring them that if they
would permit the use of their names As
candidates the success Of the Insurgent
slate would be insured in advance. Those
who were approached ia this way had
doubtless heard the many expressions Of
condemnation evoked by recent actions
OF the school board and town council. and
it may be that they were fearful Of trying
their sprinting abilities against the Stall
wart candidates for councilman.
Saturday afternoon il was asserted :hst
the Insurgents had decided not 10 put Up
candidates for burgess and councilmen
in order that they might concentrate all
Of their strength on their candidates for
school director. and. judging from the
great variance between the votes received
by Messrs. Cook and KimmelI. it is quite
evident that such an effort was made.
The battle between the eontending fac
tions was one of the most spirited wit
messed here in recent years. Citizens who,
as rule. heretofore refrained from taking
part in contests for municipal offices,
hustled from the time the polls opened at
o'clock until they closed at o'clock in
the evening. They worked not only for
q change in the management Of our pub
lie schools, and against presenting fran
chises Of our streets TO unknown promot-
ers Of street railway enterprises. bat for
majority rule, and their efforts were sue
cessful.
The contest for street commissioner and
tax collector was Of friendly character.
Following IS the ticket and the result OF
the voting:
Burgess, w. II. Welhey, 2sI (; Council,
Frank X. Sanner, -, Jacob B. Winters,
80; School Director, Harvey ". Berk-
ley, 26, r. r. Roberts. 30. Jonas NJ.
Cook, I75, II. 5. Kimmel, II3; Collector,
jacob +. Pile. ISs. Chambers huston, I73.
Street Commissioner. II. q. Cunningham,
lS7; John Zufall, l52; Judge. A. Fl. Hus-
ton, BIS; Inspector, Thomas Jones, 80
Auditor, VI. E. Craver, 800.
Sudden Death Of wm Dicksy.