Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-11-22
Of Gov. Posts Attack on
Porto Rican Teachers.
Dr.: Lord Of Ellsworth, Asst.
Conn.,, Is Charitable
And Explains Things That Looked
Queerly For Gov. Post.

Ellsworth, Me-, Nov. 21.-Dr. +. w.
Lord assistant commissioner Of edu-
cation in Porto Rico. who has figured
prominently in published reports of the
attack by Gov. Regis H. Post on the
Board of Education in a public speech
at San Juan, is at his home in Ellis
worth, having been called here a few
weeks ago by the death of his father.
Capt. S. l.. Lord.
DR.. Lord says that while the pub
lished stories of Gov. Posts speech
were in the main correct. they left
somewhat wrong impression from the
fact that only the most. denunciatory
sentences and most fragrant language
were reported. "As a matter Of fact"
said DR.. Lord "Gov. Post spoke for an
hour. and much of what he said, while
not, perhaps, exactly qualifying the at
tack. served somewhat to explain it.
"Ns to what has been called his per-
sonal attack on me, the words he used.
standing alone, make it appear most
Migrant. but Gov. Post took me only as
representing the educational depart
ment Commissioner Dexter was d
comparatively new man. having been
there but three or four weeks. so that
Gov Post, in his attempt to emphasize
" hat he said. turned frequently to me
with such remarks as. Isn't that so.
1-ord?' or. Can you deny that, Lord"
1t naturally followed that when car
rieG away with the excitement of the
moment in his comment on the depart
nent-saying things which he admitted
the next day he did not intend to say
he aimed his remarks at me.
Coy. Post has always been, publicly
at least. strongly in favor of the de-
partment of education. and frequently
has highly commended the work done.
But nc has felt as we have known all
.lonS, that we have not taken the right
means to please prominent Spanish
people. He thinks the department has
been too independnt-too insistent on
what we consider the exact American
educational methods
Gov. Post has 4 hobby. 1t is the
country. He is making every effort to
reach the rural districts: to improve
the conditions of the farm laborer
This is one secret Of his criticism of
the educational department. He be-
lieves that we lay too much emphasis
on the graded schools, to the detriment
Of the rural districts
AT the meeting at which the re-
marks were made. 1 have no doubt it
was his idea to arouse the enthusiasm
of the superintendent to greater exer-
ton, and at the same time to criticise
what he considered incorrect in our
methods. At first his talk was intend
ed to be ocular. but before he finished
his speech he became excited and said
much more than he really intended.
HAD the superintendent been per-
sonally acquainted with him, as l am,
hey probably would not have taken
offense so soon. AS it was they took
what they considered unmerited criti-
cism. Had it not been for the urgent
remonstrance of Commissioner Dexter
and myself. the superintendent would
undoubtedly have persisted in leaving
the department. Both DIR. Dexter and
| felt that the apology MADE by Gov.
Post the next morning was all that we
could ask. and the majority Of the su-
perintendents agreed with us.
'Since this affair. Gov. Post has done
everything he could to indicate his in
terest in our work, and 1 have no rea-
son to believe that he is not sincere IN
his attempt to relieve the strained sit
uatiOn.
The statement published in several
papers in this country that the depart
ment of education of Porto Rico is in
revolt against the governor and active
in the effort to prevent his confrma-
ton by the Senate. is not. true. The de-
partment has taken the stand that it is
not for it to take any action whatever.