The Wenatchee daily world. [volume] (Wenatchee, Wash.) 1905-1971, 1908-03-06
III. c. l.. Wants to Know.
Editor World:

II w 0Ilu.
The article in Wednesday even
ing's paper signed ''Lewis-Clarke'
probably ought to pass unnoticed as
being the malicious misrepresenta-
lions of some irresponsible party.
But the fact that it drags into the
school controversy one of our best
teachers, and makes him the victim
of the most insulting remarks,
| seems to make it necessary that the
article shall be answered.
In reply 10 the statements we will
say, first of all, that the work in the
Lewis-Clarke school is equal in ev-
cry way 10 the work done in the 9TH
er schools; the classes are doing
work exactly parallel in every way.
The teachers selected last spring
for the Lewis-Clarke school were not
inexperienced teachers, but have hal
years of the best experience in other
schools. The principal Mr.. Moore,
had been for four years the principal
OF school doing more advanced
work than that done at Leavenworth
or Cashmere. Mr.. Moore is gentle
man of excellent education, and cap
able of filling far better position
than he now has. He is an excellent
instructor and is doing good work.
The statement that the Lewis
Clarke school is ''trying-out" place
fer young teachers is untrue. for
these were tried teachers before
they were employed here, and if
there had been any intention that
they were to be transferred to town
after I::l, there have been plenty
of openings to which they cou'l have
ben transferred, and where they
could have been appreciated.
Now, that ]anitor matter-a few
facts may enlighten some misguided
friends.
Mrs. Therriault was engaged to
take charge of the janitor work at
$40 a month; later she wanted $45
a month. 1t was understood that
her two boys should attend to the
work during the day, especially the
care of the furnaces.
A short time after the weather be-
came cold enough for fires the older
boy went away, leaving the little fell
low of twelve years to care for the
heating. AS a result, the building
was not suitably heated, and COM
plants came to the Board both from
the lady teachers and the patrons of
the school.
A member Of the board and the
superintendent visited school one af-
tcTnoon, and afterward talked the
matter over with Mrs. Therr;auIt.
claimed that she was giving the best
service that she could, that she knew
the little fellow could not do the
work. and that the older boy would
be away all winter. She regretted
that the work was not better, but
stated that it was the best she could
do, and that she thought that some
orc else better take the work unless
it was entirely satisfactory.
As the work was not satisfactory
to anyone concerned, an effort was
made TO get q better janitor Con-
trary to the statement of the writer
yesterday, no applications were re-
ceiyed, and the Board hunted up
several persons and offered them the
place. In the meantime, Mr. Moore
was asked to take charge of the
work until satisfactory janitor was
secured. He did this, and did the
work so well that the work was Of
fered him for the rest of the year
The work does not interfere with his
school work, as it is mostly done be-
fore and after school, and the rest
of it-that is, the fixing of fires, is
done at intermissions. AS a matter
of fact, it takes less of his time than
/ If did RI fn11nuy
Keep him attending to the firing and
assisting him at it.
| Anyone who has visited the Lewis
Clarke school can vouch for the fact
that the building is not in a filthy
condition; but on the contrary is in
excellent condition all the time. At
this season of the year, some dirt
tracks are made when small children
come in from their play; but this is
cleaned out svery night and the bull
ings always well-swept and busted.
Now, Mr.. Editor, it would ap-
| pear that the publication of articles
such as that of yesterday should be
| prohibited unless accompanied by
| the name of the writer. From the
ambush of the assumed name Lew
! is-Clarke" someone has taken a shot
at one of our best teachers, and we
believe it is high time a stop was put
to this kind Of business. The men,
bers Of the board are not ashamed
to sign their statements, and believe
that their critics should come out in
the open. Perhaps if the name Of
the writer was made public the pao-
pie might see how little weight NAV
be attached to his statements. VIII
you kindly publish his name2
Yours for q square deal.
#. c. LITTLEtIELD