The Saint Paul globe., 1900-06-05
DISCUSSION IS GUT OFT
PUBLIC SCHOOL UNION DODGED DE-
BATE ON SCHOOL sUPERIN-
TENDENCY
MR.. WHITE BLOCKED TALK
His Plea for Harmony Held Up IN
Expression of Views That
Promised to Stir
Things Up.

Extended discussion of the situation
with regard to the selection of a SUPER
intendent of city schools was barred from
a place ir the events Of the annual meet
Ing of the public school union, which was
held last night in the assembly hall of
the Central high school.
w. G. White was present, and while
there was we'll defined disposition OIL
the part Of number of the members of
the union to discuss recent events and
the school superintendency prospect, his
efforts in the interest Of harmony with
the school board" were sufficient to CO.
cree any disposition towards free ex-
preston Of the sentiment Of the men,
bers
Rev. Homer C. Ashcraft surprised the
members of the union in waiting until g.
proposition to adjourn had been made,
ard then suggesting that a little talk
concerning the superintendency prospect
would be enjoyable
There is a matter" said he. (which
1 think would properly form a topic of
discussion at this meeting l refer to
the selection of a superintendent Of
schools and some of the recent develop.
ments in this direction. I inquire, how
ever, if such a discussion would be
proNer?"
Mr. White was on the watch for some,
thing in this direction, evidently, and was
on his feet instantly. Il would suggest
Mr.. President said re- that, consider
ing the fact that we have always made
an effort to avoid friction with the school
board. 1,r
take any official action on the superinten-
dency matter. Harmony with that board
should be preserved
AT this point, several members OF the
union showed signs of restivcness and
there were expressions, half audible. in
favor Of the discussion proposed by Mr.
Ashcraft Addressing the chair he again
remarked:
L am aware that there are rigid upin-
IONS on this matter" said he in reply to
the objection 81 wished to ascertain
however. If there were any avenues
through which people generally could
voice protest. While I am not in favor
of causing friction. I think the matter
Is one of vital Importance, and personally
[ should be exceedingly glad OF an up-
portunity of hearing the situation talked
over"
Mr. White was about to frame another
objection VIXEN P. J. Smalley suavely
sn.o0thed down the ruff1ed feathers with
precise statement Of the unions pest
ton
''The matter which has been referred to
is one of Importance" said he, but In
a meeting such as this I hardly think an
open discussion would be proper We
have striven to maintain complete har-
mony between the school board and this
organization, and without doubt official
action from us would have the appear
ance of being directed as advice to that
body. 1 hardly think the meeting, as
a meeting of the school union, could
take Official action, or in any way dis
cuss the matter"
Mr.. Ashcraft listened with interest TO
the explanation of the reason why dis
cuSsion was denied, and contented him
self with the remark, 'In that case, I'm
all in. I'm DONE
In other respects the annual meeting
was cut-and-dried affair. p. j. Small
ley was chosen president for the com
ing year; Gustav WiIlius, vice president
east of Wabasha street; George L. Will
son, vice president west Of Wabasha
street; Mrs. A. L. Graves, vice president
for the West side; Mrs C. NJ Power,
secretary, and w. G.. White, treasurer.
number of annual reports were sub
nitted, that from the committee on san
itation stating that only slight improve
ment in the condition of school buildings
had been made during the year. The com
mittee was of the opinion that the actual
condition of the school property of the
city with respect to sanitation showed
no Improvement whatever over year
ago, from the fact that wear and tear
had neutralized the effect of what pet
terment had been accomplished.
y The treasurer's report showed cash on
hand S6250 with expenditures during the
wear amounting to $123.75.
Thomas Cochran made an informal re-
port for the committee on university ex-
tension, reviewing the work Of securing
the course of lectures given during the
winter by Rev. S. G. Smith and ProI'
Moulton.
The committee on ornamentation or
public school buildings were unable TO
report any work during the year, and
the secretary's report in addition to a
review of conditions and the work or
the year, made the suggestions that local
school unions make an especial effort to
secure the membership of all parents
whose children receive school privileges,
and have them represented at all general
meetings of the union. and that the union
hold at least three general meetings each
year
Reports We're received from the local
school unions, with the exception of those
of the Franklin, Van Buren, Cleveland,
Harrison, Humboldt and Hawthorne
schools