The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-03-04
HEARING ON REGENTS BILL.
MIR. ATNsWORTH MAKES BITTER
ATTACK on BOARD.
He Infimates bishop Deilne IL to Blame
for Troubie-Tbe Bhhop Favors bih
GIVING Regents Control OF Education
Others Oppose Brown biu

Others Oppose Brown BILL
ALBANY. March s.-The Hon. Danforth
z. Ainsworth. Deputy State Superin-
tendent OF Public Inst rlction, to-day made
another bitter attack upon the State Board
of Regents. Mr.. Ainswo nth took, the oc-
casion to vent his person,u feelings whle
ostensibly speaking on Stuaior Zion ~
Browns bill, which is intende q eventually 10
wine out the Regents OF tSe University
and give a State Board OF Educ alton. termed
Regents, control of the whole school system
Of the State. both primary and seconaary'
and higher education.
Mr.. Ainsworth said nothing in favor OF
the bill, but he did add fuel to the existing
breach. between the Regents and the De-
partment Of Public Instruction.
Mr. Ainsworth's speech was passionate
and caused a great deal OF surprise. espe-
oially as he gave the inference that the
RI Rev. William Croswen Doane. Epis-
copal Bishop of Albany and Chancellor OF
tho University, was to blame for all the
troubles. The Bishop was in the Senate
chamber where the hearing was held.
but he refused to answer Mr.. Ainsworth,
and was with great reluctance prevailed
upon by the committee to give his I'm
precision as to educational affairs.
While Senator Brown stands as the spon-
sor of the bill and says IT originated wholly
with him, yet it was quite apparent that ne
and State Superintendent Of Public In
struction Charles r. Skinner entertained the
same views to surprising degree.
Senator Brown was moderat in his
views and did not deal in any personalities
Mr.. Skinner, though. showed quite a
knowledge Of the workings OF the bill.
Skinner, Brown and Ainsworth were the
only ones to favor the bill.
j. Russell Parsons. secretary OF the State
Board of Regents, A. r. Conant of Elmira,
representing the Academic Association OF
Principals, composed OF 200 members, ana
Charles +. Wheeiock, chief Inspector OF
said il would give additional cause for
friction. and was unwise and illogical
He declared It would mean continuation
of at least four years OF present intoler.
able conditions. He reviewed the state OF
affairs as they now e1i st. and said there u
conflict in having the schools visited by
two sets Of inspectors. He asserted that
secondary education in this State now IL
paralyzed by reason OF the present stu
alton. /,
brought about except through the Regents
and said they were the proper persons to
look after the schools. as they are analogous
TO the local Boards Of Education
Mr.. Conant said his association was al
most unanimously opposed to the Brown
bill and ne thought il brought about dis
rnifcation instead Of improving the situa-
ton. He thought there would be improve
ment il the present Regents should select
the Superintendent Of Education and stated
trat immediate relief was desired 1y an
school principals, who object 10 double
insnection of their schools.
Senator Brown, in defending his bill,
commended that the Board OF Regents was
too large and IL did not represent the spirit
of tho people He said he would take The
best out OF both educational departments
and unite them and thus give the best re-
Mr.. skinner said he always favored any
fair plan of unifcation. but blamed the
Regents for there being no unification
He said he was tired of existing conditions
and thought the Brown bill the best means
10 bring about harmony.
Chairman Lewis then persuaded Bishop
Doane to make a few remarks. The Bishop
said when it came TO personal accusations
or personal defence he would have to be
counted out He said the hest thing the
Legislature can do at this session VIII De
to pass q bill now being drawn by the he
gents which viii put the entire education
OF tho State under the Regents as now
constituted.
He said the Regents were not concerned
with their dignity or their power. but were
CONCERNED as TO their service. and they do
not want that service diminished.
Regent Pliny T. Sexton opposed the bill
In a written communication. az ne il confined
70 his room by illness. 1T would he idle.
he said. TO dwell upon the defects Of the
Brown bill in detail. It's fatal offending
Is in it's scarcely concealed attempt and in
tent-its leading purpose-a purpose
equally apparent in Senator Browns simi-
lar measure Of a few years ego-to place
the administration of the entire public
school system OF the State under assured
permanent Republican political control.
Incidentally. and in aid Of such purpose,
the bill insults and seeks TO dtscredit the
present Board Of Regents OF the University
of the State.