The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-11-07
IN WATTS DEFENSE
SCHOOL INSPECTORS HAVE En-
7iss TAKEN
THINK HE IS Prosecuted
Board Is of the Opinion That He
Is blamed for the Action TAX
en- by the Body IMAM
imously.

school Inspector E. p. Bassford has
gone ON record in a communication pre-
sented before the board at its meeting OF
last evening as being opposed to recelV-
ing any delegation or giving any hear
ing1on a subject upon which the board
has already passed unanimously. This
communication has direct bearing upon
the First ward controversy, which in its
various phases has already been dis
eassed at considerable length. And in
the communication Mr.. Bassford eK-
pressed himself emphatically as to the
attitude in First ward school AFFAIRS
taken by Prof. Farnsworth, although not
mentioning Mr.. Farnsworth by name
Following is.the full text of Mr.. Bass
ford S communication:
would like to talk with the board
relative to the conduct of the gentlemen
from the First ward toward this schoei
board, and Mr.. Wait in particular.
When a committee from the board VS.
tied the Cleveland high school ana re-
ported that there were a few scholars
being taught by high-prieed teachers.
an investigation was made, and IL was
found that these scholars could be easily
taken care of in the Central high schoei
and the Cleveland could be USED Tor
graded school, relieving the graded
schools of that locality. The board was
unanimously in favor of the scheme, but
they were waited upon by deiegaFon
from the First ward requesting that the
Cleveland school be kept open.
Ever since, this delegation has singled
out Mr.. wait and have been throwing
mud at him. Why? Because he adVo-
Gated what he thought was for the pest
interests of the schools. Later, Mr. Wait
was appointed bN our president to make
a recommendation for additional scheoi
rooms for this same district He has
recommended that additions be built to
two schools in that locality, and II any
money was left purchase a site for an
other school and erect new school
when money was available at some fu-
ture time. =
This was. considered the very best
thing, that could be done with the
money available. and was fully con-
Cured in by every member of the board
When, 10 and behold, this same delega-
ton comes before the board with a
scheme to purchase $500 lot and erect
When it was fully explained by Mr.
WaitTtlat we had no money to do this,
they theme singled him out and made
him the, seapegoat of their spite. Why
not abuse the whole boardy We were
unanimous in the same opinion.
In clipping from the st. Paul
Gil o b e of Sunday the 9th, evidently
inspired by the delegation from the First
ward. it is indicated that Mr.. Waits re-
appointment would not be made on ac-
count of his and the entire boards differ
ence of option with the delegation from
the First ward.
New. gentlemen. I think its about time
this farce was ended. | want to ask
the members of the board who is to
manage of the business OF the schools
of st. Paul? If there is any backbone
to this board there can be but one
answer.
/ want to go on record as far as my
vote goes that am opposed to receiv-
ing any delegation or giving any hearing
whatever after the board has passed
unanimously upon any subject. 1 be-
iieve that this board has sand enough
to run-1ssee school business and sustain
its members in the performance of their
duties. and If any person or persons in
It's employ are agitating any scheme
against this board. then, by the Eternal.
that person or persons should be fired
Immediately.
The communication was accepted and
placed on file and the following resolu-
tiono was adopted:
Whereas, Inspector Wait has been the
object Of criticism on the part of the
residents Of the First and Second wards
he it
Resolved, That Inspector Wait has
acted honestly, justly and conscientious
ly in all matters pertaining to the public
schools and to the satisfaction of the
members of this school board.