Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1910-03-18
POLITICIANS RENEW WAR ON
LEADING MEMBER OF CON-
TRoL BOARD.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ROW
AT MiTcHELLVILLE SCHOOL
Enemies Will Go to Any Extreme to
Get Cownie's Official Scalp-Effort
Made to Blame Him For Lack of
Discipline Under Miss Garrison's Ad-
n1nistration.
to Times-Republican.


clans have started again after
John Cownie and they declare
now they are going TO ge
him. They failed last year, bu
now it is asserted that they will gel
his official scalp if it is necessary &c
go 10 the extremes.
The trouble at the Mitchellville
school is the ostensible cause for the
latest outbreak. The real cause is an
underlying hatred of CoWnie because
ne has been an independent man and
has always refused 10 be led or driven
by the men who expect the state to
pay more for what it gets than any
body else. For many years there was
grulnbling about the board on the part
of the men who felt that when the
board was first organized il should
haze been given into the control Of the
politicians. Some of them have never
given up the plan Of ousting Cownie
and getting a politician in his place.
1t is stated now that unless the
Nitchellville matter stirs up sufficient
trouble 10 furnish an excuse for the
desperate means will be resorted 10.
But the feeling is that the board is in
for another troublesome period OF mix
ed politics and jockeying.
: The fact is recalled that little over
a year ago 2 movement was started in
the legislature TO stir up scandal at
some Of the institutions, that an effort
was made 10 have a legislative inves-
LEGATION, that a committee was appoint
ed 10 inquire into the hospitals, that
there was much abuse of the new war
den at the prison; and it all eliminated
when ex-Congressman Conner was ap-
pointed 10 take Cownie's place on the
board The senate refused 10 permit
the change 10 be made.
Now the girls school is dragged into
the game. AS against Cownie II IS
stated that IN the past he has do1ni-
mated the school and his policy was
one which left discipline loose so that
when The superintendent sought to en-
force regulations she was resisted.
On the other hand, it is pointed out
that whether Cownie's methods were
right or not. there was a record OF ten
years % comparative peace and excel
ilent work al the Mitchellville school.
Under Superintendent Fitzgerald the
girls were at least led to better lives
and practically all artificial restraint
was discarded.
The trouble al Mitchellville just now
seems TO be over what are regarded as
trivial matters. The girls are deprived
Of the right to dance, or 10 wear rib
bons and make themselves attractive,
but worse Of all their charming orches-
ira which was so long their pride I'M
der the old regime has been completely
abandoned and music is little taught.
superintendent Fitzgerald, as many
know. had the whole school fairly
hypnotized by music. A great many
went from the school TO become music
teachers They all took pride in the
accomplishment of their orchestra
and members of the legislature who
visited the school on the occasion Of the
rendition of cantatas recall the spirit
. which was manifest among the girls on
these joyous occasions. All this is of
the past, and the girls have found it
hard 10 accept the change without
complaining.
Persons who are watching the situa-
rion have observed that in the present
crisis Senator Wade, the only recent
appointee on the board, has taken the
| lead. Mr.. Cownie, who has always be-
! lieved the girls ought to be led rather
than driven. has found it convenient 10
| keep himself busy with other institu =
tions Of the state and he is saying
! nothing.
When the senate refused to confirm
anyone for a place on the board last
April it was the understanding of the
! lawyers of the senate, and this was dis
4 cussed in the secret sessions, that by so
( doing Dir. C0wnie would remain on the
board until his successor is appointed
and confirmed" which will be when
/ the Legislature again meets. Unless
| Cownie is summarily removed for
cause he viii continue On the board for
nearly a year, al least.