The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1907-06-30

other arrangement could be made The
solution of this was found in Prof
Bonds offering a room to Miss Gamer
on, our teacher of domestic science, in
the manual training building Thus was
this difficulty solved | mention this
simply to show my willingness to Co
operate and make things work
smoothly for all
Time and again was | called upon by
the superintendent to talk to pupils OF
whom complaint was made, which | did
always with good results
Referring again to the breach of con-
fidence'-l have yet to learn that it is
treason to approach member of the
School Board on matter relative to
oneself. | have yet to regard the School
Board as an exclusive body, approach
able to none save the superintendent of
the schools. If my action as explained
has the Interpretation given in the re-
port, then indeed am | guilty, and my
error is a grievous one; then are we
all guilty. and new code for the dis
cpllne of teachers should be presented
for their enlightenment.
We have all met with difficulties the
past session. The superintendent has
doubtless had his, and we indeed have
had ours. New rules. new regulations,
new requirements were naugurated
very different from our past methods.
! But | do assure you that the earnest
cooperation of the teachers was given,
and the pupils did as we'll as could have
beet expected under the new order of
things.
Perhaps the superintendent was too
much engaged working out his plans to
acquaint himself with the personnel of
some of the Observation-Disclosures who
come from the best homes in this town,
and would scorn to do an unworthy act
Want of harmony, lack of co-opera-
tion breach of confidence" are words
that have been hurting trough the air
for months. For the first time in my
long experience i'll teaching have heard
them with new application Inter
preted in this light they mean that dis
sent from the expressed views of the
superintendent is disloyalty.
Seventeen years ago | was called
from the position of first assistant in
the leading private school in North
Louisiana, the Kate p Nelson Semi
nary, of Shreveport, to the public school
work. Without application | was unan-
lmously elected to the position of prin-
cipal of the Avenue public school. |
carried with me large contingent of |
the best patronage in the community, |
largely extending the influence of the
public school. have taught in the
schools continuously since .~conscien-
tiously faithfully, capabiy; year after
year working in the Chautauqua assem-
bly, to promote the cause of education
and this without salary, as did all who
engaged in the work
| am no experiment in Shreveport;
and | ask your fair, impartial judgment
Of what | have done, and of all have
done.
| am not here to answer elimination
with recrimination | am not here to
question the wisdom of our Board of
Education. They are men we know and
respect and trust. Their task is most
difficult one.
am here to answer to the school in
.erests. My whole aim and purpose has
BEEN to work for their upbuilding and
everlasting good l disclaim that | am
disturber of the school peace and the
cause of the trouble. Gentlemen, you
must look elsewhere for the friction and
You will be Just. 1t
will be long sad day for the children
md the teachers if the voice of Justice
hall be mute. | do not ask for a posi-
ion In the schools | am no longer an
pplicant. | only ask that you exonerate
ne from the charge.
am willing to believe that you will
10 SO; am even willing to believe that ,
our superintendent would recall some /.
# the things he has said of me. as he
proffered his assistance to me
N Friday last, offering to go to the
Meeting that afternoon and arrange
hings for me; assuring me of posi-
ion if | agreed to work in harmony
With him, and leave the matter in his
ands. | firmly declined to entrust the
natter to him, saying | should attend
he meeting myself.
| thank my friends for their presence :.
ere. | thank the president of the School :
'oard for calling this meeting, and the
MEMBERS of the board for their attend !,
nee, Inconvenient as it must be for our
riends from the country to be here.
appreciate that it is their time and ex-
ense taken for others, and regret that
is necessary.
Permit me in conclusion to express n