The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1905-03-29
Tshe will teach one month private s,rHv1E
Statement by Mr.. D. J. Hatfield,
Chairman of Beard of Trustees.

Smithville, March 27.-We are hav-
ing nice weather and farmers are
rushing from daylight until clark.
Corn planting has commenced and
this will be the main week for plant
ing.
The general health of our commu-
nity seems to be improving.
The Watchman and Southron has
become very interesting by way of so
many interesting items.
Now, Mr.. Editor, in justice to our
school trustees, allow me a short space
TO set forth some plain facts in con-
nection iwth the actions Of the board.
AS chairman of said board [ en-
phatically deny that any evidence of
Mr.. I. 3. Marshes unfitness for the
position (spoken of by c. L. Kirkley
in the issue of March 18th, has ever
beeen brought before our board. other
than mere rumor, which when made
was totally without any substantial
foundation whatsoever.
In regard to violation Of the school
laws by the board Of trustees [ venture
tc assert that c. L. Kirkley could not
repeat one single clause Of the school
laws Of the State Of South Carolina,
hence he is united, to judge.
I. B., Marshe came to us with all the
papers that any board could ask for,
he and his family moved into our
midst, lived and led a moral life so
far as we know and discharged his du-
ty in manly and honorable way, CIV
cept one or two) so far as we know.
We, as a board, had mainly to con-
slider his ability to teach, his moral
Life and the discharging Of his duties
in the school,, room, Other than this
was for others to look after and not
the board Of trustees, unless the ru-
NOR had been substantiated.
In regard to the word suddenly
leaving" must say, in justice to the
board, that Professor I. B. Marshe
asked a leave Of absence on account
of sickness, which was granted him
by the board. do not doubt In the
least that If we were to examine the
channels of history or pick: up the
mighty sword Of rumor as diligently
as it seems c. L. KirkIey has. but that
we would find recorded there the
names of many who have left places
very suddenly for causes best known
to themselves. Yet they move in the
circles of society, spotless and pure.
How often are we reminded Of Christ's
words: Woman, where are thine ac-
cusers ?"
81 wonder, oh, wonder, who would
cast the first stone at the Smithville
High Schools principal, for Christ
teaches us that there is none perfect
save one.''
It does seem hard that after so
much hard work on the part Of the
board and others and the spending of
money to advance the great cause Of
education at Smithville, that all Of our
efforts and expenditures are to be
bursted asunder. If some of those
who are ever eager to make complaint
would devote even a small portion of
their time and means to the cause Of
education, then there would be some
excuse for complaint. AS it is their ar
rows of conviction fall harmless by
the wayside. Now, if Mr.. Kirkley will
make a clear breast of every thing in
just the way that he would have it ap-
pear, setting forth the school laws
then we will give to the public the en-
tire actions Of the board at those two
special meetings together with the
dates of all designations and reinstate-
ments, and evidence. etc, and allow
the public to be the judge as to whoS|
is right Or wrong. D. J. Hatfield,
Chairman Board of Trustees.
Smithville, March 27, 1905.