The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1900-03-30

COODENOUl'H VIEW
Principal Of School No. 10
Tells What He Thinks
of Murphy Bill.
MAY OVERsTEp THEMSELVES
Does Not Approve of House
to House Canvassing by
Teachers.

81 am glad to see the teachers more con-
tented" said Principal Goodenough TINS
morning when seen by a News" repre-
sentative on the subject of the Teachers
Salary Bill. ''I know of two or three
cases where teachers were preparing TO
take positions in New York but are now
satisfied to remain in Jersey City"
sWhat in your estimation was the
greatest feature of the bill?" was asked
1.-THE great beauty of the whole thing,
replied Mr.. Goodenough, sis it's steady an
nual increase A teacher is and should
be worth more each year. Heretofore the
lapses in increase of salary have been too
great Few teachers cared to work five
years before they could get $52S, when
they could get that much to start with
in New York AS said before 1 person
ally know of two or three cases where
teachers were preparing to go to New
York, and 1 have heard of as many as
fifteen or twenty more, but now the gen
eral disposition is to remain"
When asked whether he thought
the Murphy bill would prevent this
exodus of teachers from the city,
be said he thought it would, for while
Jersey City could not compete with New
York in actual figures, the majority of
teachers had homes in this city and con-
siderirg the extra expense of living IN
Jersey City and journeying to New York
every day, to say nothing of the incon-
venience, would about balance the COM
pensation. He thought the majority OF
teachers who left for New York were
among the younger, four hundred per
annum class, although of course as much
was not said about it. The principals,
vice principals and higher teachers, ac-
cording to his view were greatly in the
minority.
The Murphy bill, he thought, was fair.
Because said he, when a teacher has
been in the profession twelve years she
will receive 1896, which, as salaries go, is
pretty good pay then added, "after a
teacher has been in the profession about
five years, you know, she begins to con-
slider it her life work"
Mr. Goodenough also seemed to think
that possibly the higher salaries might
have some effect in diminishing the mar
riage exodus. because a girl who could
made over nine hundred dollars a year
herself was not likely to marry man
who could only make eight.
When asked what the teachers them
selves were doing in the matter. Mr..
Goodenough replied that they were very
enthusiastic.
1.-The only trouble isl said he, that
they may overstep themselves
sHow?" was asked.
'sWell," replied the Principal, ''you see
it was our idea that each teacher should
fax
of the bill. Each teacher has a father, a
brother or a sweetheart, and could prob
ably influence ten other men, all personal
friends. but some of the teachers are can
vassing from house to house, which may
hurt the cause
After a moments thought he added:
'sBut 1 am almost certain that the people
are in favor of the bill.
'sBut L want to endorse" continued Mr..
Goodenough, "all Mr. Hopkins said with
regard to the teachers work. 1t does
not cease with class hours. 1 have seen
several teachers in my own school fail in
health within five years. The argument
that the teachers have snap of it on
account of short hours and a long vaca-
ton is the silliest l ever heard"
Mr.. Goodenough then spoke of the COM
mittee who went to Trenton to plead the
teachers cause, saying that the most eff
fective work was done by the ladies, Mrs.
Brensinger, Miss Fields and Miss McCar-
ter. because they did work in canvassing
for votes that no one else could do. The
original committee which has been con-
tinued, consisted of Principals Good
enough. Hopkins, Hoyt, Mrs w. E. Mar
Vii, Mics Mjnnihan and Miss Frost