New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-27
A NEW EDUCATION BILL
STATE LEADERS AGREE.
Commissioner of Education Under
State Board Proposed.
ley TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.


Albany Jan. 26-As a result Of conference
between the Governor. the members OF the JOINT
legislative commission on unihcation. speaker
-rivon Senator Raines and Assemblyman Rog-
ers a tentative plan for settling the educauohaI
difficulties in New-Yorll State has been oeclueo
on and viii be considered TT q meeting OF the
legislative commission tomorrow. While many
Details OF the scheme are still Withheld IL can Dc
definitely asserted that the new plan departs
-ror, the Governors recommendation in his
MESSAGE o. de1narcation between the Regents
and the DEPARTMENT OF Public Instruction. re-
duces the number Of Regents and marks der
finite attempt at complete unification OF the
educational system Of the State
The method Of reduction OF the Regents has
mt been announced. It reported tonight
on apparently credible authority that the num-
Der would be reduced 70 eleven and that the
Governor would designate those who should re-
main. Similarly It was asserted that this sur
viving board OF eleven Regents was to be con-
Etituted a new Board Of Education. having as
executive officer a Commissioner Of Education.
90 be appointed in the first instance by the Gov
ernor. and thereafter 70 be named by the Re-
gents.
The plan. as outlined above. was declared 20
be the result both Of conferences NJ the Gov
errors recent visit 10 New-York and OF the
conference this afternoon. The main fact that
IS indicated IN this plan is that some measure
carrying complete uniication seems now to be
sn sight. and that the support Of the majority
sn the legislature TO be assured. The
plan cited would eliminate the Department OF
Public instruction by absorption. place the abb
solute control OF all education in the hands OF
a single body, removing all possibility of dual
inspection and other disadvantages consequent
on divided authority. The question of the
eligibility OF present officials, both the Super
sntendent Of Public instruction and the secre-
taTy Of the Regents, for election or appointment
as Commissioner Of Education is another point
that has not yet been cleared up.
The measure outlined above disposes OF three
separate plans that have been urged in the last
few weeks: First, the Skinner plan. contained in
a measure introduced by Assemblyman Davis
and providing for unifcation under a commits
sioner elected by the legislature in the first in
stance; second, the Stevens measure, not yet
introduced but as described by Senator Stew
ems. a bill creating a three headed commission,
one member chosen by each branch Of the leg
ssiature and one by the Regents, this commits
sloner TO have entire control Of all tax support
Cd schools; finally, It dsposes Of the recommen-
dalton contained In the Governors message for
a demarcstion between the spheres OF the Re-
gents and the Department Of Public Instruc-
zion On the basis Of three year academic courses.
The fact that Governor Odells attitude the
question had seemingly changed since the writ
:ng OF his message was developed in the account
given by Professor Howard COnant. president of
the State Associated Academic Principals. Of his
talk with the Govern this morning. Professor
Conant said:
Governor Odell this morning told that he
IN favor Of unlfcatiOn, but did not say how the
chief cffcer would be chosen. He said that some
nnincanon measure would pass this legislature
he was tired OF the continual wrangle the depart
anents had been IN for the last few years
told the Governor that his message did not seem
10 advocate unihcatlOn, and he said that coEdi-
proposed this plan he thought at the time it was
the best plan under the circumstances The Gov
ernor seems very determined IN HIS position. II he
tavOrs uniGcatiOn free from political influences
he count the Associated Academic Princi-
pals to support him IN IT. Anything that does not
separate it from political influences shall
tainly oppose.
The executive committee OF tho Associated AGA
dern3c Principals held a meeting Satui day. They
there decided that owing TO the present condition
OF the legislation II seemed advisable for them
70 recommend any uniicatiOn bills. They stand as
they did last year, in favor OF uncation but this
uniflcanon they think. should be under the Re-
gents They want no form Of unlncGtion that in
measures far seem to have this condition This
being the case, that satisfactory legislation
seems possible. they favor the election Of a State
superintendent who is a practical school man ard
who can work IN harmony with the other ecuca-
tcnsI bodies.