The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1907-04-25
State Supt. Stetson Resigns.

An announcement is made that
Hon. w. W. Stetson of Auburn, state
superintendent of schools rendered
his resignation to Governor Cobb to
take effect June 80. Mr. Stetson's
department was the subject Of a4. in
vestigation by the last Legislature and
the report of the committee on edu-
cation roundly scored the superin
tendent and his methods. Although
of late it has been reported that Gov
ernor Cobb might reappoint Mr.. Stet
son, those who are supposed 10 be on
the inside state that the governor had
no such intentions.
The following correspondence is
self explanatory:
state OF NJ aine Educa ional Dspa tuent
Augusta April ". 1907. Hon, William I
Cobb, governor Of Maine.
Dear Sir When l assumed the luties Of
State Superintendent of public ehools in
Iune, I8os, set for m self certain definite
tasks. Having accomplished the work plan
ned so far as my abilities would permit, 1t
was my Intention to retire from the
office, June az, 1907.
In anticipation Of this event | made en-.
gagements for my services which are to com
which ! have no control forbade my asking
to be released at an earlier date.
The lime is near at hand when must
make arrangements to meet the Obligations
| have assumed.
therefore respectfully request that you
accept my resignation as State Superntend-
ent of schools and that you designate the
date on which | may surrender the office to
my successor.
Before severing my connection with the
department | wish to express my proiund
gratitude for the uniform courtesy and dis
unguisned consideration which i have re-
ceived at your hands.
desire also to record my hearty apprecia.
ton Of the services OF our citizens which
have resulted in the improvement made in
the schools. Their intelligent and sympathe-
tic efforts have m de it possible for local Of
hcials, the teachers and pupils to do work
which will continue to contribute more than
any other agency to the prosperity OF the
State.
With an earnest hope that everything that
would impediate progress may be regulated
and the sncerest desire that all viii continue
their labors for the best interests Of the
schools, | am,
Very respectfully,
w. w. STEIoON.
State Of Maine, Executive Department,
April 90, 1907.
Hon. w. w. Stetson, State Superintendent
of Public Schools Auburn, Maine,
My Dear Sir beg to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of the 18th inst, in
which you tender resignation as state super.
intendent Of public schools. The resigna-
ton is hereby accepted to take effect June
20, 1907. This date is the close of the free
high school year, and the intervening time
will be ample to enable you to adjust anc
terminate the affairs of your office, prepare
tory to its assumption by your successor.
At your own request your office was the
subject of an investigation by the 73rd legis
lature and the testimony ELECTED at the hear
ing created widespread interest and discus
sions in the State. 1t also received various
interpretations
So far as the opinion of one individual
may he OF interest to you, | want to say that
a careful examination of that testimony ha
failed to convice me that any evidence wa
presented showing you had committed ;
moral or legal wrong. Opinions differ, blu
that is mine and desire to treat you fairly
would have influenced me to refrain from
appointing your successor until you had
volunta il placed your resignation in my
hands This tier is not confidential.
You have d, ne much for the cause Of edu
cation in Maine and thank vol. With al
best wishes for future success, believe mt
with regards,
Very truly yours,
WILLIAM T. COBB.