The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1913-08-01
Belligerent Air of Meeting Com.
municated to Clerk Stew
arts Bulldog.
TEACHERS ASKED TO
RESIGN IGNORE NOTICES
Two Notify Clerk That They Hold
Contracts and Will Make Board
Responsible If Abrogation lis At
tempted-Attorney Mcmahon Re-
tained to Give Legal Opinion.

paign, much to be desired in the af-
fairs of the Independent School Dis
trict of Virginia and the professed
fond hope of all factions in school af-
fairs, was not much in evidence at the
last regular meeting of the old school
board last night. There was a de-
cidedly high pressure area in the vi
cinity of the seats of Directors Holley
and Eaton at the school board meet
ing, an open tilt or two, and general
belligerent attitude throughout the
board which finally communicated it.
self to Clerk Stewards bulldog, who
also attended, and caused him to growl
angrily and once to break out bark
ing openly, while each individual hair
on the animals brindle back stood out
in bold relief, just like the fretful
porcupine. This bit of by-play,
which under the circumstances was
funny beyond description, resulted in
hearty laugh all around and when
the board adjourned sine die every
body was good natured. Edward C..
A. johnson and w. T. Irwin, the new
ly elected directors, had ringside seats
and evidently took deep interest in
what was going on.
The fireworks started when Direc-
tor Eaton moved that Miss Marion o.
West, Miss Ida M. Henry, J. M. Part
ridge4and C Glenn, teaehars in ths,
city schools, be notif that their
services are no longer required. Mr..
Eaton did not get second to his mo-
tion. Unquestionably majority Of
the board are favorable to such action
but since the meeting of the board at
which resolution was passed asking
for the resignation of the teachers
named above, together with that of
Miss Flood, there have been some un-
expected developments. The resolu-
tion was as follows: "Moved by Mr..
Eaton, supported by Mr.. Stewart,
that the following teachers be re-
quested to resign their positions as
teachers in the schools: Miss Flood,
Miss West, Mr.. Partridge, Mr.. Glen,
and Miss Henry; and that if such res
ignations are not in the hands of the
clerk at the next regular meeting Of
the board that their positions be de-
clared vacant for the coming year."
At the time of the passage of the
above resolution all members voted in
the affirmative on roll call with the
exception of Chairman McGhee, who
voted "No."
The designations were asked on the
ground that the teachers would be in
harmonious with the present school
administration.
Last night but one resignation had
been received. This was from Miss
Flood. It was contained in a tele-
gram from her brother dated at Hot
Springs, Ark, stating that letter
would follow. Copies of the resolu-
tion had been sent to each Of the
teachers affected by Clerk Stewart
Two answered.. They declined to re-
sign and took the position that they
have a contract with the board anG
that the board cannot abrogate it il
the summary manner indicated in the
resolution. That was something th'
board had quite overlooked, and in tn,
minds of some members there i!
grave doubt as to whether or mo-
there is not some virtue in the conten
tion of the who deigned to reply t,
the clerks notice.
Mr.. Eaton favored the boards back
ing up it's original action. Others o
the board were in favor of proceeding
more cautiously. During the debat
over the matter there were severa
tilts and an effectual thrust from Di
rector Holley at Director Eaton, jus
as skillfully parried. It was final,
voted to secure legal advice, and M. H
Mcmahon was designated as the at
torney.
Director Eaton claimed he had ha
recourse to the law. He held tha
none of the teachers had contracts
that they had merely filed accept
ances and that the board could not b
held.
Director Holley said that he kne,
of case in Michigan where a teach
er had been dismissed under circun
stances similer. She had never taugl