The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1907-08-07
MARTIN RETRACTS.
Writes Letter to Gov. AnseI on
Sheppard Appointment.

Edseiicld Bar Takes .L-ct on. REQUESTS
Governor Not to Revoke Appoint
nent Requested by Mr.. Sheppard.
Hon. O. B. Martin, State superin-
tendent Of education, Friday wrote
Gov. Ansel q letter retracting the
words used in his recent interview
that might have been personally Of
fensive to his eXcellency, although
Mr.. Martin states that he adheres TO
the principles advocated as to ap-
pointments on the State board OF ed
ucation.
It will be recalled that when 1t was
stated that Gov. Ansel had rendered
TO Hon. John L. Sheppard the ap-
pointment to fill the vacancy on tue
State board OF education, Mr.. Martin
gave a statement to the press II
which he said that the board should
consist of educators and not lawyers
and that it was not intended that sur
prise appointments should be given
out by a governor as a Santa Claus
TO child-like State superintendent.
The letter sent Gov. Ansel was as
follows:
Columbia, S. c., August .. 1907.
Hon. Martin F. Ansel, Governor, Co
lumbia, S. C.
Dear Sir: During my term of SER
vice as State superintendent of edu-
cation have had an abiding desire
for the bettering Of educational condl-
tions in this State. Such disire is
almost a passion. Naturally l have
plans. When I thought that those
plans were being inconsiderately and
ruthlessly upset, I got eXasperated to
the point Of mental disquietude and
physical discomfort I guess that
means l got mad. / do not often do
so. was harsh l desire to with
draw the words which may have been
personally offensive. apologize for
same.
l adhere to the principles which l
advocated. Sincerely yours,
O. 3. Martin,
In the meantime, another compli-
cation has arisen: Gov. Sheppard,
who has been prevailed upon by Gov.
Ansel to accept the appointment, has
later asked for his commission to be
revoked since Supt. Martins fervid
letter. Friday the members of the
Edgefeld bar adopted the following
resolutions, which We're forwarded
Gov. Ansel:
To His Excellency, NJ. F. Ansel, Gov
ernor, Columbia, S. G.
Whereas, It has come to the
knowledge of the members Of the
Edgefeld bar that ex-Gov. J. C. Shel.
pard has been duly appointed by your
excelIency member Of the State
board of education; and
Whereas, We are informed tina,
Gov. Sheppard has requested your eS-
cellency to revoke said appointment:
and
Whereas, We the members of the
Edgefeld bar recognize the hign
character, integrity and ability of our
distinguished citizen and brother
lawyer aud knowing his capacity and
ability eminently fit him for the pos
ition to which you have appointed
hin; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the members Of the
Edgefeld bar in meeting assembled
that we most respectfully request
that. your excellency do not revoke
said appointment.
NJ. H. Wells, Secretary,
j. w. Thurmond, Chairman.
Gov. Ansel when asked about the
resolutions Friday night stated that
be preferred waiting until he could
give the resolutions consideration be-
i fJre discussing it..
Following is the letter written by
Gov. Sheppard to Gov. Ansei, which
explains the action Of the Edgefeld
Bar associations:
Hon. NJ. F. Ansel, Columbia, S. c.
Ny Dear Governor: When I re-
ceived your favor OF the 25 inst, in
which you did me the honor to il
quire if I would accept al appoint
ment to fill vacancy on the State
board Of education, I did not hest
tate to write promptly that I would
cheerfully acquiesce in your wishes:
for believe it to be the duty Of every
good citiZen-and among good cit
liens" I expect TO be numbered as
long as I live-to discharge any pub
lie duty to which he may be assigned.
if he feels that he is qualified to rem
der efficient service.
But I notice in the papers this
morning that your action is dlspleas-
ing to the State superintendent OF
education, for the reason as express
ed by him that he regards the ap-
pointment as political rather than
educational
Without taking the pains to dis
cuss the merits Of the objection thus
stated by the State superintendent Of
education, write at once to relieve
your eXcellency from any embarraSs-
ment ia reference to the matter.
! would not be Wiling for any con-
sideration to be the cause Of the lack
of harmony in any department OF the
public service-especially in connec-
ton with a matter of such over
whelming Importance as the educa-
tional interests of tne State; nor
would l be willing to serve IN any
capacity with any official who feels
that the service that l might render
would by possibility seriously inJure
the work of his department.
therefore respectfully request
your excellency to reconsider your ac- !
ton and revoke the appointment.
Thanking you again for the honor
conferred, I remain with great re-
spect, Yours very truly
J. c. Sheppard.
aal Glo o,,lol;n h n,,lS |