New-York tribune., 1905-06-25

Ought a woman who has committed matri-
rscny TO be allowed to teach in our public
schools?
That is point which the pedagogical circles
Of greater New-York have discussed vigorously
for a good while off and on, without getting
any nearer e really satisfactory and harmonious
conclusion It is true that last years battle has
apparently subsided, with the defendant in pos
session of the field The Board Of Education has
revoked the bylaw with which II vainly tried to
settle the matter and the woman with a hus-
band is now supposedly as welcome TO teach-
ers license. IL she can meet the intellectual re-
ouirenents. as in the woman who writes miss
before her name The bill which was introduced
at Albany and which was designed to emoooy
IN more legal and effective form the AFORESAID
local edict was kiIled-killed, some or It's sup
porters say. because too many Of the legislators
had relatives who would have been hit by its
provisions but. at any rate, il is dead. 1t would
be a great mistake, however, to imagine Ina'
the feeling which inspired that Dill Is ceao
What is the reason of the feeling? In other
lines Of work we do not as a rule make tha'
distinction between the wife and the spfnster-
Tbe married woman may. II she so elects, go OUT
and practice medicine. tend q Dushcart' or
exrIore Darkest Africa, and nobody OBJECTS
strenuousIy on account Of her being weooeo'
certainly not to the extent Of trying 10 nnaAe
laws 2 bout her If she is advised TO return 10
her freside it is most likely on the broad ground
OF her being woman. Now 1t is pretty gen
erallv admitted among educational authorities
that women make better teachers than men, at
least for young boys and for girls both young
and old Then what is st the bottom of all
this discussion about married women in the
schools?
Of all the people who have argued the subject
pro and con- the school principals. who nave
argued little in public. are in the position 10
know most about II. II teacher from any
cause whatever proves neglectfui or incornpe-
tent II is the principal who has TO meet the con-
sequences and adjust the situation Naturally
anything that touches the quality OF the corps
concerns them rather closely. number Of rep
resentatfve New-York principals were asked by
Tribune reporter recently TO state their opinions
OF the effect Of a wedding ring upon woman
teacher Some of them declared with a thought
Sul smile that they had not considered the ques-
ton. and some, while admitting that they had
done so. refused 20 give the result OF their con-
Eideration; but enough consented 70 talk 1reeIy
to enable one Judge how the thing would go
e the principals could decide It by g majority
vote.
Albert shieIs. who has Just retired presi-
dent OF the Principals Club. was Of those
who were willing to be quoted Mr.. Shiels is
In charge of Public School No 20. IN 20th-st-.
near 3d-ave
"A woman may be excellent teacher though
married" he said There is really no reason
70 suppose that she loses her intellect when she
weds, any more than she loses il when her hair
turns gray Nevertheless. there is one vital OBJ
lection 10 married women In the public schools.
Generally this objection Is CLOSED over, and
you hear all manner Of foolish ones brought for
ward, as. for instance that 1t isn't right for
WIN has f7IIsh shzr "a n her
ctsr into competition with those who haven't