The Monte Vista journal., 1900-05-19
Joshua Bakers Downfall
BY Charles ]. Adams.
JOSHUA BAKERS downfall begar

JOSHUA BAKERS downfall began
ID with the election of women to the
school board. In the little Massachu-
sctts hill town where he lived he had
ruled with IA rod of iron, since the un-
lucky day when he was sent to repre-
sent his district in the legislature.
That was his introduction into public
life. and il created within him an in
satiabie appetite for office.
He had been first sclcciinan and
chairman of the school board for more
years than we younger peopI. could re-
member. and in both capacities rode
roughshod over his companions in o!
flee. There was magnetic power
about the man. or he would not have
been reelected year after year iIs was
'n efficient and faithful public servant.
but association with him in the admin
istration of town affairs was an un-
pleasant task. which few cravcd
The novelty of placing women on the
school board strongly appealed To the
people of the town--we will call il,
Ridgcville. The first year the plan wa,.
adopted. Mrs. Abel Ayres and Miss
,r's partners in Office. The former pos.
s.sscd "A fine education and grca, cul-
turc. but was totally lacking in fight
ing ability. This deficiency was more
than made up. however. by Miss Sn-
mnntha, who had "a very determined
mind Of her own. and enjoyed nothing
better than n 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. II
came even sooner than was apprc-
hended.
Joshua Baker frowncd and hemincd
aud hawcd when he read. one morning
u week later. a note he had just taken
from tn. post office.
Dear Sir" it began. Eve. the under
signed. beg leave To inform you that
there will be meeting OF the schoo.
board tomorrow evening, in the Sc
i.ctmen's room, for organization and
the transaction of routine business -
And II was signed by Mrs. Abel Ayres
and Miss Samantha Dock. II WAS writ
ten In Miss Samnnthn's nervous hand
and every letter brcnthed defiance
The post Office was filled with idlcrs
loshua's face betrayed his y-xation
and in r->pons. To II query as to III.
caus. Of IL. b. read tn. note aloud in
u clear. deliberate voice which. never.
thcless. attempted no conccalm.nt Of
his disgust. That was his first mis-
take.
Wal. III be blowcd," calculated
silas Virgins, the village blacksmith.
pretty h.adsirong, amt they? Tax
in the r.ins 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 nd-
vantage over me 10y such course. l
shall not attend the meeting"
'N.'d best not stay away" v-ntured
Mr. Wingins. after short pause.
They'd b- .i-c,ing one Of Themselves
chairman. and nobody knows wha,
other nonsense. Pears 10 me yc'd
ought to bc there. for the safety Of the
public. II for no other reason"
This was n new thought to Joshua
Nv h'iufisu anu ffOWheu more violent
ly than before.
Il believe you are right. Mr.. Wig.
gins, he said. at last. "Y.s. You ar.
certainly right My obligations to the
publ" cannot bc laid aside. will Mt.
tend tn" meeting and" raising his
voice. ''my good friends. I invite you all
Ia b- present"
Tint was joshua's second blunder.
II was customary In those days for IN.
in--'in.s of III. school board to b, open
10 the public. bn, the pri,il.g. was scl.
dom taken advantage Of ON Mis- occa.
sion. however. the sciec'm.n's room
was crowded. Mrs. Abel mud Miss Sa.
mnntha were a' first surprised. then
,">cd. when they understood that
Joshua had especially invited the
crowd To witness their defeat. Samnn.
'ha's black eyes snapped dangerously.
We may rs well begin At once" she
said. as Joshua. the las, of III. three.
entered the room. well ballot for
chairman first"
The roinmittrcwomcn nnd III. lone
committeeman seated themselves al
the long table and prepared their bal.
lots. Samantha counted them. calmly