New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-15
Sir Robert Ruled Siam.

Sir Robert Morant. the permanent chiei
and Under Secretary of state for the De-
rartrnent OF Education in the British gov
eminent administration, and whose dismis-
sal from Office has Just been demanded by
the National Union Of Teachers in England
t. a very remarkable man, who for several
wears was the virtual ruler OF Siam. When
quite young man he went out 70 that
country from New College, Oxford, 10 act
as tutor TO the son of one Of the principal
Siamese mobiles There he was brought into
contact with the reigning family, and be
fore three years had elapsed he had been
appointed by the King 10 be the chief tutor
end mentor of the Crown Prince. who now
occupies the Siamese throne.
The late King Of Siam recognized his
sterline qualities. and made Of him friend
and confdant In fact, II used 10 ia said
that the monarch never sanctioned any i'm
nortant meas sure submitted 10 him by the
rrinces Of his house and by his ministerial
advisers without taking counsel Of his
sons tutor. who used. indeed. 10 he re-
ferred 10 by many as SLAMS uncrowned
ruler" With the object Of removing his
son n a healthier atmosphere than could
he found in the royal palace in which the
fcTaElO
Influence the late King sent the Crown
Prince 10 live with his English tutor. 20 be
brought ND by him in accordance with Eng
Ush ideas. Morant took himself and his
task quite SERIOUSLY and when the Queen
sent the boy presents that Morant thought
inappropriate or unsuitable they were
promptly returned. OF course, the personal
friendship Of the King aroused much jeal-
ousy against Morant on the part OF the
ministers and mobiles. The Queen, too
thwarted from time 10 time by this imperi-
Gus pe6agogue. conceived for him an IN
tense hatred So when the late King fell
ill and power passed temporarily into the
hands Of his half brothers and other
trinces. the situation Of Morant became i'm
possible and he found It advisable 70 return
n England.
There he engaged in educational work in
rhe East End Of London with so much en-
ergy and success that his services were Sc
cured BIZ the government Department oi
Education al whitehall as assistant dl-
rector OF special inquiries and reports. and
as such he was called upon 10 report on
urinary and other schools in France Swift
zerland. Germany. etc He was the chief
wss Minister Of Education. and when Sir
George Kekewich retired from the office OF
permanent secretary, Morant was appoint
"a 70 bis Office. with a salary Of $4,000 a
year. and advanced 10 knighthood and the
order Of the Bath.
II the National Union Of Teachers IS now
demanding his dismissal II is because he IS
held responsible for the issuing OF "a conf
Dental circular from his department
which was never meant for publication and
which. caustically commenting on the glar-
ing ineficiences OF the teachers Of ele-
nnenfary schools urged the government in
spectors 70 use their influence as far as
POSSIBLE 10 secure better and more in
tellectuaI class Of men for the Job
Sir Robert Morant is not only trenen-
douslv IN earnest, but is also rather master
1ul. his character being in keeping with his
tall stature and very commanding appear
ance lie has. of course many enemies In
the Department Of Education. and the pub
lcation Of the circular which has aroused
the indignation Of the National Union 81
Teachers is piece Of treachery on the part
Of one or other OF his official subordinates
II is possible that the present government
may yield 20 the National Union OF Teach
ers. crediting the latter with more politica
influence than IL really possesses, and tina
s. may let Sir Robert go: all the more al
he is known 10 be a Conservative. IL III
s. sacrificed he will enter Parliament al
Conservative, and on the return OF III
unionist party TO power will undoubtedly
60 back 10 Whitehall as Cabinet Minister
TO-