Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1900-03-23
Joshua Bakers Downfall
By Charles j. Adams.

JOSHUA BAKERS downfall began
q with the election of women to the
school board. In the little Massachu-
sets hill town where he lived he had
ruled with rod of iron, since the I'M
lucky day when he was sent to repre-
sent his district in the legislature.
That was his introduction into public
life, and it created within him an in
satiable appetite for Office.
He had been first selectman and
chairman of the school board for more
years than we younger people could re-
member, and in both capacities rode
roughshod over his companions in Of
fee. There was a magnetic power
about the man, or he would not have
an efficient and faithful public servant.
but association with him in the admin
istration of town affairs was an un-
pleasant task, which few craved.
The novelty of placing women on the
school board strongly appealed to the
people of the town-we will call ir
Ridgeville. The first year the plan was
adopted, Mrs. Abel Ayres and Miss
Samantha Dock became Joshua Bak-
er's partners in Office. The former pos
sessed fine education and great cul-
ture, but was totally lacking in fight
ing ability. This deficiency was more
than made up, however, by Miss Sa-
mantha, who had very determined
mind of her own, and enjoyed nothing
better than a tilt with her neighbors.
When the result of the election was
known, everybody realized that war
was inevitable, and its beginning was
awaited with keen expectancy. It
came even sooner than was appre-
hended.
Joshua Baker frowned and hemmed
and hawed when he read, one morning
a week later, note he had just taken
from the post Office.
Dear Sir" it began. 1--WE, the under
signed, beg leave to inform you that
there will be meeting of the schoo!
board tomorrow evening, in the Sc
1ectmen's room, for organization and
the transaction of routine business"
And it was signed by Mrs. Abel Ayres
and Miss Samantha Dock. 1t was writ
ten in Miss Samantha's nervous hand.
and every letter breathed defiance.
The post office was filed with idlers.
Joshua's face betrayed his vexation,
and in response to n query as to the
cause of it, he read the note aloud, in
a clear, deliberate voice which. never
theless, attempted no concealment OF
his disgust. That was his first mis-
take.
oval. I'll be blowed!" calculated
Silas Virgins, the village blacksmith.
pretty headstrong, amt they? TAX
in the reins right into their own
hands,
Indeed they are. Mr.. Virgins" re-
piled Joshua. Indeed they are, sir.
But they will find they can gain no ad
vantage over me by such course. I
shall not attend the meeting"
eyed best not stay away" ventured
Mr.. Virgins. after a short pause.
They'd be electing one of themselves
chairman, and nobody knows what
other nonsense. Pears to me ye'd
ought to be there. for the safety of the
public. if for no other reason"
This was new thought to Joshua.
He hemmed and frowned more violent
" than before.
''I believe you are right, Mr.. Wig
gins" he said, at last. Eyes. you are
certainly right. My obligations to the
public cannot be laid aside. l will at
tend the meeting and" raising his
voice. my good friends, invite you all
to be present"
That was Joshua's second biunder.
It was customary in those days for the
meetings of the school board to be open
to the public. but the privilege was sell
dom taken advantage of. On this occa-
sion, however, the selectmen's room
was crowded. Mrs. Abel and Miss Sa-
mantha were at first surprised. then
yexed. when they understood that
Joshua had especially invited the
crowd to witness their defeat. Saman-
tha's black eyes snapped dangerously.
Eve may as we'll begin at once" she
said, as Joshua, the last of the three,
entered the room. We'll ballot for
chairman first"
The committeewomen and the lone
committeeman seated themselves at
the long table and prepared their bal
lots. Samantha counted them, calmly
taking this responsibility upon herself.
There was enc vote for each of the
three members. Joshua's face was a
study. He had never seriously doubted
that he would be elected at once. as he
had been for so many years. The two
women exchanged significant chances.
The result was not changed by the
second ballot. nor by the third. Final
~, when. after the ninth ballot. Miss
Samantha announced that still there
was no election, she held up her hand
to stay Joshua. who was already pre-
pairing his next vote.