New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-07-09
BOOK LOBBYISTS DROVE
MRS. YOUNG TO REBEL
Head of Chicago Teachers, Re-
senting "Tammany' Methods,
Deserted StraChan Cause.
IS ABSENT FROM CAUCUS
Fails to Attend Meeting at Which
Fairchild Was Selected as
Progressive Educatico
Candidate.
IBy Telegraph 70 TIE Tribune J

Chicago, July s.-The final test OF strength
between the ''progressives' and the
conservatives" Of the National Education
association, the fifteenth annual conven-
ton OF which opened here to-day, is
scheduled TO come az an adjourned meet
ing Of the board Of directors tomorrow
afternoon. Then will be decided whether
the directorate will attempt TO bar from
the annual meeting all save executive
members Of at least thirty days standing
II this ruling is made it will be blow 70
several thousand teachers, the majority
from Chicago, who have enrolled as active
members within the last few days.
The issue was scheduled 10 come up at .
meeting Of the directors to-day. The pro-
posal TO limit voting power 10 members OF
thirty days standing was made by Score
tary Irwin Shepard several months ego, and
ct that time was reported to have been con-
sidered favorably by 2 majority Of the d.
rectorate. II was expected that secretary
Shepard would present il in the form o- q
resolution.
But u Secretary Shepard was ready 20
present his proposal his plans and those
Of the conservatives among the members
uent avry Instead. Mr. Shepard was
Wade 10 bear the brunt Of direct attack
nv President Carroll c. Pearse supple
-nented by Mrs. Ella Flagg Young, super
,rtendent Of the Chicago schools and presi-
dent 81 the National Education Association
last year
An attempt 70 force Mrs. Ella FaEg
Young into line for the candidacy for
president Of Miss Grace st-achan, Of New
York. through book company representa-
tives members Of the Chicago Board OF
Education and other politicians who are
supposed 10 have something 10 do with
Mrs Young's tenure Of once, was said TO
be the secret behind Mrs. Young's deser-
ton Of the Strachan camp.
Tan1n1any Methods Alleged.
The New York delegation to the conven-
ton is said 70 have injured the chances Il
tts candidate by irving 70 play Tammary
Hall politics in the teachers convention.
When Mrs Young became aware ~ its tao
tics. Il is said, she withdrew from political
caucuses She did not attend the caucus
a. which Superintendent Fairchild was Sc
lected as the progressive candidate
The book company lobbyists. IL is de-
clared, are doing all IN their power TO en-
courage the Strachan candidacy in the hope
that Il will split the progressive ranks
when votes are taken on the important
amendments 10 the bylaws by which the
progrossives have planned 10 rout the old
guard" and take over active control OF the
association
An attempt 20 GUST Secretary Shepard
was foreshadowed in President Pearse
report 70 the board OF directors. The pres
ident charged that Nj shepard's records
To "a
laws
Mr. Shepard declared he was attempting
20 rid The association Of fake" members
and prevent "stufing" Of the Tolls WHICH,
he said. was dona at the Boston conven-
ton two years ago, when Mrs. Young
was elected president.
Mrs. Young told the directors she had
been treated like sixteen-year-old
schoolgirl" and II the association adopted
Mr.. shepard's report every school teacher
IN Chicago was justified in suing the as
ISOLATION for SANDER"
nproaressives" Win First Fight.
Supporters Of the progressive move
rnent OF the association won the first fight
a. the opening of the convention. The
board % directors, representing schools IN
every state in the country, voted to change
- from summer 70 winter the time for the
annual meetings Of the National Council
- Of Educa ton. 4 movement also was start
ed 20 change 70 a date IN the winter the
time for holding the full sessions Of the
association
John R. Klrl-, president Of the State
Normal School, Kirksville, Mo, declared
teachers were beginning 70 devote their
summers 10 special study and 70 travel TO
such an extent that the very existence OF
tn National Education Association was
threatened he predicted that TO allow the
national council 70 meet in the winter
would be the first step toward holding the
entire association meetings IN winter also
Robert J. Alley. president OF the Uni
versitv % Maine, and G. W. A. Luckey Of
ths University OF Nebraska declared the
statements that summer schools and travel
were threatening the existence OF the an
nual convention we're well founded. Mrs
Ella Flagg Young suggested the plan Of
holding the conventions in the winter.
) vote showed the so-called progress
.ives' in favor Of the change. and the ma
tlonal council was ordered hereafter 10
meet in the winter.
Reports submitted today 10 the associa-
pupils IN the Un!tel States, 10000 were
being educated in rural schools and that
only one-tlird Of the country boys and
girls were making a satisfactory showing.
,rhonas u Harris, State Superintendent
Of Schools Of Baton Rouge, La, declared
the condition of the rural schools was be-
corning so deploraole II was time for the
federal government 20 provide both money
aad methods 70 remedy the situation.
The fear % federal interference with
stste control 4 schools should be set aside
IN the interest Of the rising generation,
said NJ. Harris. National supervision OF
country schools is an absolute necessity.
Our country reeds a better educated rural
citizenship"
Mr. Harris left II 10 the convention 10 &C.
eide what steps should be taken 10 induce
the federal government TO lend assistance
II is likely the rural school problem will
be one OF the most important TO come be-
fore the convention. A special Committee
appointed 70 investigate the subject VIII
urge appointment Of field workers to travel
over the country in the interest OF country
~ It'll 10