The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1906-12-12
To the Editor of REcoEp.

journal to call attention to the follow
ing resolution passed at the meeting
of the Board of Education held on the
9th instant?
Resolved That any person having
any grievances or other matters to
put before the Board of Education
present the same to the secretary in
writing, in order that the Board may
have an opportunity to properly con
slider the same.
Resolved That this resolution take
effect at once -
THOMAS =. RYAN.
RE motion was put at the forepart
of me meeting and out of order. The
printed order Of business was with
ont vote, set inside, 80 anxious was the
mover to hinder freedom of speech
and to have his resolution put and
carried. The Board TINS showing
either ignorance of, or dsrespect for
its own rules of procedure.
The purpose and animus oi this
resolution is to me very apparent, viz
the denial of speech and in this par
ticular iuncture the non. allowance Of
adverse criticism ON an action the
Board intended to take tho pay
ment of Public money for services
not rendered.
That any body OF mon who nre pub
lie servants and officers should in the
transaction of public business de
prlve citizens of the inalienahle right
of free and public speech is simply
unimaginable in free Republic.
The same arbitrary, tyrannical aud
insolent absolutism was melted ont Il
few months ago. when II petition most
respectfully presented to the Board of
Education ON behalf of body of cit :
izens. was insultingly cast on oneside
unopened, by vote of the majority.
Strange conduct in truth from pub
lie officers in free Democracy
For some days there had been a
rumor current. regarding n protest on
the part Of some rate payers, that was
to be made against the eontinued
payment of Prof. kerr's stipend. 1t
would seem that MIR. Ryan had this in
view when he so hastily presented hls
motion and disre Sarded IN his eager
ness, the rules of procedure, Mt least
IN the course of the meeting tins
rumor of dissatisfaction was referred
to nj some length.
New as far as know there was ut
plan on the part of any citizens to
voice in the Board meeting n protest
against Prof. Kerr being paid his
salary. certainly was not there fol
that purpose. have been present nj
more than Que Board meeting when
this matter was discussed and
voiced no objection. At the Inst meet
ing however, | would liked to have
asked the County Superintendent,
who was present, few questions re.
gnrding the School Laws of the State,
but Mr.. Ryan y summary motion hal
deprived me of liberty of speech and
self respect restrained mo from Thea
In the presence Of crowd of ieerinl
minors md others entering into 1
wrangle regarding the rights of II citl
zen to speak, Ill proper manner and
Mt II proper time, in Il meeting of Tia,
School Board.
Now personally | hardly see how
the Board can do otherwise than pay
Prof. Kerr's salary Sentiment ant
perhaps equity demand It, under al
the circumstances This however
makes it all the more incumbent OF
the Board TO net in this affair witt
some little Difference at least, to goot
forE aud good manners, aud will
fairness aud with courtesy to those
rate payers and others who may differ
from Nh Ryan aud myself in THU
matter Of salary payment.
The money, be it remembered tina
has been voted by members of thu
Board for Prof. kerrs September,
October, November, and December
salary is public money, and their owl
law is against them. The laws ant
regulations of our School Board say
"Principals and Assistants will b,
allowed their salary in case of person
nj sickness for five days in term, il
case Of sickness fer n longer period
they shnll pay the expense Of sub
stitute -
There has been no attempt n
putting substitute III Prof. Kerr
office. A Latin teacher was engaged
The Board discussed the question o
her salary and have paid for her in
struction of the two Latin classe
ont of School Funds. This is pro
per, for she is not substitute, sine
Prof. Kerr, is by State School regu
lations not permitted to teach am
regular studies.
1t is much to be regretted that som
members of the chool Board shOult
resent the help and aid that II Jus
and discriminating criticism is calca
lated to bring to them III their care {
the schools. They ought TO be NOR
than glad TO welcome the cooperate
and moral support Of educated an
intelligent citizens who are seekin;
the betterment of our children
schools and their liberation from III
bondage Of politics.
joins A. GARH.
S.Andrew's Rectory,
LambcrtyilIe, Dec. 9Th, 1906.
First class Fire Insurance only
in the leading companies OF the worl
at the old established agency in IT.
Sollidny Building.
T. H. HoLeoMBE.