Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1902-05-01
THE BOARD
WAS MERCIFUL
Acknowledged That her Daughters Age
Was Mimepresented.


ed Monday as the outcome of the in
vestigation set on foot by the school
board to see where the act Of 1901 is
violated and pupils are kept at work
who should be ut school. Mrs. Ida
Reilly whose little daughter Of twelve
aud half years had been kept at work
under the misrepresentation that she
was Is, appeared before the board to
explain how she happened to take a
false oath and to ask for their fOrbear-
ance and clemency. She confessed
as - years Of age, understanding that
this was necessary III order to secure
place i'll the mill. She pleaded the
lack of an education and the ability
to comprehend the full import of the
terms employed 50 that i'll making
the affidavit she had no adequate idea
of what she was doing and never dream
ed of perjuring herself When the
falSitv of the affidavit was discovered
by Officer Young, Mrs. Reilly said she
was already on the verge of taking her
daughter from the mill and placing
her in school, where she is at present.
On motion of Mr.. Green, under the
circumstances, Mrs. Reilly was ex-
oncrared and excused, providing that
she keep her girl i'll school.
Ralph Kisner, Esq, attorney for the
school board, explained along what
lines he was conducting the fight
against those who are violating the
school law This he said, he wished
to be distinctly understood, so that if
permitted to go ahead he would have
the full support Of the board.
On motion of Mr.. Keefer the board
endorsed the action already taken by
the attorney and agreed to sustain
him in his future course
In addition to the two arrests for
neglect on the part of parents to see
that their children attend school, Mr..
Kisncr has opened correspondence with
manufacturers in town who have chill
dren in their employ explaining to
them the law and the penalty. He
shall see to it, he says, that all the
provisions of the school law are fully
carried out.
Where many teachers as we'll as 9th
ers, err, Mr.. Kisner says, is i'll taking
as their guide the laws Of 1895 and
1891, which are repealed, instead of
the law Of 1901, which is much more
severe BY the latter act even The
teacher who fails TO report a pupil
who has been absent 3 days may be
mulcted i'll the same fine as the parent.
The Justice likewise. is held account
able for false oath administered,
the law assuming that there is enough
in the appearance of the child mis-
represented by its parent to arouse
suspicion. III which case it is the duty
of the Justice to make investigation.
John Hook rendered his resignation
as janitor Of the Fourth Ward schools.
Mr. Orth nominated Calvin Eggert as
his successor for the remainder of the
term Mr. Black nominated Peter
Snyder. \ vote was taken but there
was no election. Mr. Snyder's name
was withdrawn when Mr.. Eggert was
elected, Mr.. Kcefcr and Mr. Green
not voting.
Mr. Barber reported that the conf
mittce had secured the Opera House
with the piano for commencement.
James Scarlet, Esq, he said, had ac-
cepted an invitation to present the
diplomas The committee has decided
to dispense with vocal music. 1t re-
commended the employment of the
Penn Social orchestra, whose terms
are $l5 for seven pieces or SlS for ten
pieces The matter of orchestra was
referred to the school committee.
The following directors We're pres
ent at the meeting: Orth, Barber,
Green, Burger, Werkheiser, Keefer,
Byerly, Fenstermacher and Black. Mr..
Fischer being absent, DR.. Barber was
chosen president pro TEN.
The following bills We're approved
for payment at the school board meet
ing Monday night: