Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1909-05-27
Endorsement Goes to Slate Board,
Subject 10 Decision Upon Prof.
Aliens Eligibility.
ACTION IN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Newspaper Representative is Barred
From Meeting, But Trustees Pre-
pare "story'' for Themseives-Can.
didate Promises TO Resign II he
Drinks After Election to Office.

Practically convinced that Prof
James +. Allen, of Elkins, w. Va
who recently was endorsed by the
board for superintendent of schools
is not eligible to receive the ap-
pOintment. the school trustees wen;
en- en- another tack in their oppos.'
ticn to the appointment of Supe>-
intendent w. G.. Morton last night
by a vote of five to two the boaru
gave its endorsement to Pref. Wits
A. jenkins, formerly supervising prin-
cipal OF the local schools. at ono
time state school examiner and un-
til recently supervisor Of the indus
trial normal system in connection
with the Hampton pubic schools.
The board met in executive session
in the High School building. only d
few people besides the members be
ing aware CT the fact that the special
meeting had been called The SEES
sion lasted from about 8 o'clock I'M
ii 10: 30 o'clock. and it is understood
that there was an interesting discus
sion during the two hours and a half
though the representative OF the "a
per was barred from the meeting.
Apparently very much exercised
over the manner in which the pub
lie will receive this latest action. the
board took the precaution or author
izing an official statement to be gives
to The Daily Press. Nv. o. .. Ba;cne-
lor who was intrusted with this task.
gave the following to The Daily
Press. with the request that il be
published just as 1t was written:
The Boards Statement.
1.-The school board met IN an info--
NAL session last night at the high
school building TO consider the en-
dorsement of superintendent OF
schools for the next term. in the
event that Mr. James +. Allen de-
clared ineligible.
Mr. Willis A. Jenkins application
was considered, accompanied by a
resignation which he offered volun-
tarily with the following explanation:
This resignation is written with
the understanding that should | be
appointed superintendent of schools
for the city of Newport News,
promise to refrain from drinking any
kind of intoxicating liquor so long as
| shall serve in that capacity, and IN
the event that i shall violate this
pledge, this resignation is to be sent
to the State beard.
(Signed) WILLIS A JENKINS
All the members-there being at
present only seven-were on hand
and they were unanimous in their
endorsement of Professor Jenkins
| qualifications for the Office. They
were also unanimous in their contin-
| ued opposition to Professor Morton
On the question of endorsing ProfeE-
sor jenkins in case. of Professor AZ
, lens elimination by the state board
they stood five for and two against.
Strengthens Morton's Case.
Discussing the master after the
board meeting last night, one of gu
perintendent Morton's friends said tina
this latest action greatly strengthen:
Prof. Morton's chance of securing ths
! appointment from the State board II
spite of the opposition of the trustees
Prof Alien was regarded as a stronI
candidate, and his elimination from
the race on account of his not bein;
a resident OF Virginia. coupled witt
the endorsement of Prof. Jenkins D,
the board, tend to nullfy the board
influence.
Prof. Allen has not yet been de
clared ineligible by the State board
bet the leading local trustees are con
| fident that this will be the final de
cision.