The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-04-05

The members Of the school committee
met last evening and II was one or the
busiest sessions of the year
President Barney occupied the chair and
the records OF the previous meeting were
read by Secretary Rose and approved.
General White submitted the report Of
the executive committee relating TO the
selection OF a new superintendent OF
schools. The report stated that the com
mittee had given serious consideration 10
the matter entrusted 20 IL, and that II
had canvassed the qualifications OF a
large number OF candidates suggested
for the office. Then followed the state
ment: I'm the first place, your com
mittee after careful consideration OF the
question, came TO the conclusion that
under the circumstances IL was not ad-
visable 10 increase the salary or the
superintendent OF schools. This disposed
OF a number OF candidates who are now
receiving a higher salary"
The report concluded with the state
ment that the committee had investigated
the qualifications of Walter II. Small of
Chelsea Mass, and was satisfied that
he is suited for the office. and recon-
mended that he be elected for two years,
dating from July l, 1902
WANTED TIME TO CONSIDER.
Mr.. Wilson regretted that he was un-
able to concur i'm the report, believing
that the committee had not made sur
flcient investigation into the qualifications
of candidates. any one of whom may be
secured.
He moved that action be deferred until
the next regular meeting and the motion
was seconded by Mr.. Taft.
Mr.. Comstock called attention TO the
fact that the salary paid the superin-
fa Qnf n
man possible. and, therefore. take medi-
ocre man. THE committee has put Its
reason for the selection OF Mr.. Small,
continued Mr.. Comstock. upon the one
ground that he is the best man who can
BE- obtained for the salary. This ought
not to be. II was understood that when
Mr.. Tarbeil leaves we were TO get the
best man possible. Why should the city
of Providence, which spends over SOO,OOo
a year for schools, not add $1,000 year TO
the salary OF the superintendent ana
thus secure the best man possibeY
Mr. Manchester said that IL was not
alone a highly educated man that was
needed. but one who has great executive
ability. Even II we take all the time
allowed us" he said, I'VE could not get
a man who would please everybody. i
have taken the trouble TO make inquiries
about Mr. Small I'm his home town and
the results have greatly pleased me. our
allow us TO increase the salary.
Mr.. Taft wanted 10 take tfll June TO get
q superintendent. He explained that he
was not urging this I'm the hope that Mr..
Tarbell would be reelected. but. he said,
he thought that any city In the country
would be pleased to send its best man be-
cause of the reputation of schools. He
finished by declaring that ''if the best
man lives in Chelsea or Burriilviile let
us have him.
Mr.. Waterman said that he was not
speaking for all OF the fads and theories,
but was pleading for the primary and
grammar schools, and that II we could
get a man who can increase the efficiency
OF those schools IL would be a blessing
TO our school system.
Mr.. Philbrick said he favored post
ponement till the next regular meeting
on general principles, and DIR. White
thought that the worst thing that could
be done was to be precipitate now and be
sorry afterward.