The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-10-17

John A. Twyman was appointed d.
vision school superintendent OF Buck
ingham County over Rev. Plummer F..
Jones after tho State Board OF E.duca-
tion In executive session last night had
asked each candidate by letter II he
could devote his entire time TO the
work. This question was not brought
UP ut the public hearing yesterday
when many witnesses testified TO the
fitness OF the two candidates Early
In the night II. c, Stearncs, Superin-
tendent OF Public Instruction. sent z;
letter 70 Mr.. Jones and Mr.. Twy!nan
calling attention TO the fact that the
board desired to name n man who could
be In "A position TO serve the Bucking-
ham schools exclusively.
While II came unexpectedly and in
the nature OF surprise, Mr.. Jones. who
defeated Mr.. Twymau for the appoint
ment four years ago, replied that ne
did not care TO give up his ministerial
duties In which he had been engaged
for the past ten years. Mr.. Twyman
wrote that he was prepared 10 comply
with the boards wishes
Question of Efficiency.
In support OF the candidacy OF Mr.
Jones his counsel yesterday submitted
letter from ]. y. Eggleston. former
Superintendent OF Public instruction.
III which the statement was made that
Mr.. Twyman was only 60 per cent eff
cient" This letter was read into the
record rs evidence.
Superinte ndent Stearnes was asked
after the secret session how the board
reconctled its action with that OF four
years ago
They are different boards" he said
Mr.. Egglcston might give man co
per cent. and might give him 90 per
cent"
II was stated that the board was
unanimous In the appointment OF Mr.
TwEman. In signed statement 10 the
board Mr. Twyman last night formally
withdrew the charges he had previous
iy made against Mr.. Jones
Must Give Full Time.
The board adopted resolution stat
Ing that the school demanded the en-
tire time OF the superlntendents and
recording the replies OF tho two can
didates In buckingham, as follows:
'Resloved That the letters OF Messrs
Twyman and Jones be spread upon the
record and the board expresses its
pleasure that the incident has closed
In this amicable manner.
Second. That II is the Judgment OF
public free schools of Buckingham
County require the entire time and at
tention Of the division superintendent"
MIR. Jones Letter.
Mr.. Jones replied to the boards in
quiry as to whether he could give all
his timo TO the schools. as follows:
October 16, 1913.
Mr.. r. C. Stearnes.
Richmond. Va
Dear Sir,-I have received your let
ter asking whether or not In case I
IA. -
dent of schools OF buckingham County,
| am willing to give up tho pastorates
OF the churches of which / have charge
and give my entire time to school work
After due and earnest deliberation, I
feel compelled to answer that l do not
see how I could at this time give up
my ministerial work entirely. AS YOU
know, l was educated for the minis
try. have devoted about ten years of
my life 10 preaching, and 1 love the
work and feel that l could not con-
scientiously leave the profession which
offers such an opportunity for doing
good
While consider the educational field
an inviting one. and one in which n
man may accomplish much, 1T the same
time | believe the work of the minis
try infinitely higher than any other
work; and think it my duty to re-
main in the active ministry work
where believe 1 shall be able to serve
God and my fellow-man acceptably,
and certainly with satisfaction to my
conscience.
| have no grievance whatever with
the state educational system. because
il sees fit to require Il mans whocl time
in the matter OF the Supcrintcndency.
! have learned from experience that,
other things being equal, the principle
is n correct one, and should prevail, as
far as possible. throughout the State.
GLOWING no EXCEPTIONS; and / hope in
time this end may be reached.
Trusting that this reply may be sat
isfactory to you, and that you Will
thoroughly understand my position.
beg to remain,
Very truly yours,
(Signed) PLUMMER F. JONES.