Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1904-06-04
MR.. 4. r. RUSSLEp WRITES.
HAS soMETHsxG no SAY ABour
PUBLIC SCHOOL AFFAIRS
And Says That the Action OF Several
msmssrAes school heard Is .ini-
micabie 10 snterests ofs, hooas.
Editor Of The Herald /:

Editor Of The Herald:
Dear Sir-After due consideration |
deem it Il duty owe to the citizens
of Martinsburg, to make some plain
STATE ment relative to the recent ac-
tion taken by portion Of the city
board OF education. Being one OF the
peoples representatives, have no de-
sire or intention to keep anything
pertaining to the management OF our
city schools hidden, and shall also OPP
pose writing over a nom-de-plume.
The action taken by three members
of the board, MS far as I have been
able to investigate, Is without cause
or provocation. Neither prejudice
nor politics should deter any member
from doing his entire dnty to his con-
stituents. The public schools are not
run In the interest OF one person, par,
ty or sect, but for all. Yet itappears
that Mr.. J. T. Paulding and his CO.
horts are In Percussion. The rule or
ruin plan Ia undoubtedly q bad one.
especially when 1t Is not for psblic
good, and usually denounced by all
intelligent citizens.
This matter of chance Of school
superintendent has been clandestinely
worked upon for several months bv
some Of the members. and without the
knowledge or consent Of others. IL
looks like scheming, aud for specific
purpose. Reports come direct to me
that a teacher in the Hioh school
made the assertion that he was the
principal cause Of the removal Of Prof.
Cole, the time and means rsed in tIsis
direction. might have been used 70
better advantage in looking after the
discipline in his own room, badly -
IL needed it.
For seven wears Mr., G. II. Cola has
labored among us IN the rebuilding o.
education. and has been successful as
an educator, In the elevation Of tsach-
ers and scholars. his success has bean
verv prsceptinle. All bhe Ward Prin-
cipals acknowledge bis worth, Profess
sors w. A. Pitrcr and D. H. Dodd In
formed me since the introduction Of
Mr.. Cole they have gained education-
ally 70 per cent. then II this be correct
is 1t prudent to exchange certainty
for an uncertainty.
IL II important at this time to change
teachers and the progressive plans
laid out for the future, Is II proper to
overturn successful manAgement for
one we know nothing Of, Is II pru.
dent to dismiss one from service,
whose worth Is an established fact.
Nos solitary charge against him
produced, then why make change
| or leap In the dark, II Il wrong VI
be actuated BY selfish or partisan
motives.
have no desire for newspaper
notoriety, but have determined d.
sire to work in tho interests and tor
the benefit Of my constituents Who
BY their votes and confidence placed
me a member Of the board Of educa-S
tion and will nsver betray their
trust though I stand alone, / hAve.
frequently been asked for the cause of
this attempted removal, and in order
to convey the little knowledge ! haxe
Of said cause, submit this for tho:
information Of the patrons Of The
school, and will willingly answeE
any future questions pertaining 81
this subject either privately Or pub-
Holy, if, in my power so to do truth.
fully. fairly and impartialv. @
Very Respectfully,
A. T. Russler,