Crawford avalanche., 1900-03-29
Joshua Bakers Downfall.
BY Charles J. Adams.

the election of women TO the school
board. In the little Massachusetts hill
town where he lived he had ruled with
rod of iron, since the unlucky day
when he was sent to represent his
district in the legislature. That was
his introduction into public life, and 1t
created within him an Unsuitable ap-
petite for Office.
He had been, first selectman and
chairman of the school board for more
years than we younger people could
remember, and in both capacities rode
roughshod over his companions in Of
flee. There was n magnetic power
about the man, or he would not have
been reelected year after year. He
was an efficient and faithful public
servant, but association with him in
the administration of town affairs was
an unpleasant task, which few craved.
The novelty of placing women on the
school board strongly appealed to the
people of the town--we will call 1t
Ridgeyille. The first year the plan
was adopted, Mrs. Abel Ayres and
Miss Samantha Dock became Joshua
Bakers partners in office. The former
possessed q fine education and great
culture, but was totally lacking III
fighting ability. This deficiency was
more than made up, however, by Miss
Samantha, 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. 1t
came even sooner than was appre-
hended.
Joshua Baker frowncd and hemmed
and hawed when he read, one morn
ing a week later a note he had just
taken from the postoffice.
Dear Sir" it began. I'VE, the un-
dersigned, beg leave to inform you
that there will be u meeting of the
school board tomorrow evening, in the
selectmen's room, for organization and
the transaction of routine business"
And it was signed by Mrs. Abel Ayres
written in Miss Samanthas nervous
hand, and every letter breathed de-
fiance.
The postOffice was filled with idlers.
Joshua's face betrayed his vexation,
and i'm response to a query as to the
cause of it, he read the note aloud, in
n clear, deliberate voice which, never
theless, attempted no concealment of
his disgust That was his first mis-
take.
"Wall. I'll be blowedr' calculated
Silas Wiggans, the village blacksmith.
Pretty headstrong, aint they? Takin'
the reins right into their own hands,"
Indeed they are. sir But they will
find they can gain no advantage over
me by such "a course. | shall not at.
tend their meeting"
"Ye'd best not stay away" ventured
Mr.. Virgins, Otter n short pause.
They'd be electing one of themselves
chairman, and nobody knows what
other nonsense. Pears to me yed
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 hore violent
ly than before.
Il believe you are right, Mr.. Wig
gins" he said, at last "Yes, you are
certainly right. Ny obligations to the
public canHot 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 blunder
1t was customary In those days for the
meetings Of the school board TO be
open to the public, but the privilege
was seldom taken advantage OF. On
this occasion however, the selectmen's
room was crowded. Mrs. Abel and
Miss Samantha were at first surprised,
then vexed, VIXEN they understood that
Joshua had especially invited the
crowd to witness their defeat Saman-
tha's black eyes snapped dangerously.
1--WE may as well begin at once" she
said, as Joshua, the last of the three
entered the room. "We'll ballot fol
chairman first"
The committeewomen and the lone
committeeman seated themselves al
the long table and prepared their bal
lots. Samantha counted them, calmly
taking this responsibility upon herself
There was one vote for each of the
three members. Joshua's face was
study. He had never seriously doubt
ed tirat he would be elected at once n,
he had been for so many years. Th,
two women exchanged significan
glances.
The result was not changed by tin
second ballot, nor by the third. Final
ly, when, after the ninth ballot, Mis-
Samantha announced that still ther
was no election, she held up her ham
to stay Joshua, who was already pre-
pairing his next vote.
Zone moment Mr.. Baker" she sait
grimly. "I guess this has gone abou
far enough. We may as well under
stand eacn other right now. Neithe
Mrs. Ayres nor want to be chairman
We've been voting each for the othe
right along, and we can keep 1t up
spell longer IL need be. That show
that you have been voting for you
self"
"Yes, madam exclaimed the mo-
furious Joshua. II have been votin
for myself, and shall contiue to
30. because believe that I am the onl
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