The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1904-03-13

FAIL TO COME
To AGREEMENT
Principals and Trustees Dis
Cuss Consolidation.
REFER MATTER TO VOTERS
ANDERSON SAYS A MERGER
WILL BE PERFECTED.
REFER MATTER TO VOTERS

Principals and trustees Of the coUn-
~ Schools met yesterday for the pur-
pose OF discussing the advisabillty OF
consolidating the thirty three districts
into eight, seven or two larger juris-
diCtions. The meeting was adjourned.
after two hours discussion. after vot-
ing unanimously to refer the whole
matter 20 the taxpayers OF the county
outside of Salt Lake City.
No provisions were made whereby the
matter is 10 be referred TO the taxpay-
ers, or when or how the proposition IS
TO be voted upon. Neither was any ar
rangements made by those present for
further discussion of the matter and
an arrangement whereby the subject
could be referred to the taxpayers.
Although the sentiment OF the meet
ing was almost unanimous in favor of
consultation there was some opposi-
ton, which was decidedly deeprooted
The meeting was presided over by
county superintendent of Schools y.
w. Ashton, who is the originator of the
eight-district plan.
Arguments Were Heated.
Shortly after the object of the meet
ing was explained. Richard Howell a
trustee from Murray. made the motion
that the scheme be not approved on the
ground that consolidation would be def
Timental to the welfare of the county
schools. That was followed BY a run
ming debate which lasted more than
two hours. The speeches for and
against the motion were both heated
and pointed. the subject being thor
oughly discussed from every point of
view.
Those who favored the motion on
posed the proposed consolidation on
three grounds; The maintenance OF
schools under the plan providing for a
fewer number Of districts would cost
more than the present system; It would
De impossible to secure as efficient
boards TO give the control Of the schools
the time it would require, as the mem
DerS OF the boards would have TO serve
Tor nothing; and lastly, because of the
additional expense which would be in
CURED i'm hauling children long dis
tances TO the school houses In the con-
solidated districts.
Arguments Favoring Consolidation.
Those who favored the consolidation
advanced the following reasons for the
merger: II would be more convenient
Tor the pupils; il would equalize tax
alton; the consolidation would permit
OF better grading Of the schools; would
permit OF securing more efficient teach
nit of the establishment of high schools
where none now exists.
Trustee Woodbury. Of Farmers ward
finally offered the amendment TO the
original motion. that the whole propo-
sition be referred to the taxpayers. the
contention having been made by David
Mohat or South Cottonwood that the
county commissioners have not the
right to effect the consolidation. The
substitute was adopted without a dis
senting vote, and the meeting ad-
journed.
When asked after the meeting IL the
county commissioners had the legal
right 10 merge the thirty three districts
'nto more compact jurisdictions. Chair
man Anderson said yes. He also stated
that the twO-distriCt scheme had been
practically abandoned. that the COM
missioners were now debating the adj
Visibility of making the thirty-threa
districts seven or eight II the plan is
adopted. the proposed districts to be
known as > and 3 viii be merged into
one. 10 be known as district No. =.
Chairman Anderson said that under
the law the consolidation cannot be-
come effective until after the end Of the
present school year in June.