South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-02-23
PROPOSES A COMPROMISE.

i am now OF the OPINION Lnal IT
was a member OF the school board.
and as such had q deciding voice in
the matters Of the board, I would be
disposed 10 ask Supt Montgomery
that he consent 10 retain his pres
ent position for another year, and
without any obligation on the part
OF the board for a longer period,
with the hope that during that time
the work would not materially suf-
fer. and that differences might be
satisfactorily ironed out TO the bene-
III Of all concerned
In saying this l am assuming that
he does not have any serious and OBJ
jcctionable character blemishes. or
professionally Objectionable habits.
as for instance that he does not
smoke. a habit that would be per
sonally very Objectionable to me.
and that is not tolerated in super
intendent or teachers in some of our
most progressive cities. as having a
rernicious effect in example TO the
srow.ng boy; this might not seem
worthy of consideration TO the pres
ent board. and then again it might
/ have not inquired in this direc-
zion. nor closely in any other direc-
ton, because I have not been asked
for opinion or advice l am only
saying that 1 am now predisposed in
Mr. Montgomery's favor. and that if
/ should in effect alone in voicing
the best intelligence Of South Bend
in the conduct of our school system.
! would be inclined to be receptive
in receiving for such consideration
as they might seem 10 merit the sug-
gestiOn or suggestions. but not the
command or commands, of interest
cd people who may have been, rea-
sonably successful in minding their
| own business.
But if / was a member of the
board. and if after careful inquiry.
/ deliberation, and consideration. 1
should feel fairly certain that the
best interests OF the system for
| which I was being temporarily held
responsible seemed to require that
/ Mr. Montgomery, or any other per
son should cease TO be a part of
such system, and I should act on
such impression. l would feel that l
was acting the part of the coward
that retreats under fire if 1 offered
10 resign my position because some
person. or if you please. persons.
whose advice 1 had not seen my way
clear TO accept and TO act upon,
might suggest that l do so.
L have great respect for Mr.. Mont
gomery as a man and as a citizen,
and because of this respect and Of
the confidence that comes from re-
speCt, am quite predisposed to think
/ HIM competent for the work that ne
/ is trying to do, but ] do not even
pretend to know from the knOwl-
edge that must come from close per-
scnal contact and observation. or
from careful intelligent inquiry. If
the burden Of imposed or accepted
( duty was mine l would try 10 know
from such observation or inquiry.
! l do not feel that l am competent,
if asked to do so. to more than say
to the board that ! have impressions
and to indicate the direction in
which these impressions lead, and
. then ask that they try to follow
them to safe conclusions.
/ also have great respect for every
| member OF the present school board,
and entire confidence that every Of
fetal act has been and will be I'M
selfish nOn-pOlitical and intended
for the best interests Of the school
city of South Bend, present and flu
ture. I know each OF them, ! think
that l know them well, and / regard
them as clean, honest. and above re
/ proach in business and private life,
/ and | feel certain that each appre-
ciates to the fullest extent the large
responsibility that goes with the
| position that he has accepted. and
the accountability TO the whole peo-
pie than goes with such acceptance.
That the board cannot, or does
not. unanimously agree at all times
and on every subject that comes up
for action and decision. may and
may not be unfortunate. 1t would
seem rather remarkable if there
were not occasional honest differ
ences that would have TO be har-
monized by a majority vote, and it
would seem even more strange if
they were at all times. and in all
matters, in exact harmony with the
entire citizenship OF South Bend.
1 have so much friendship for,
and confidence in these men. and in
each of them, in their capacity as
integral parts OF our social and bust
ness community, that ! would like
to insist that common courtesy and
q reasonable application OF common
sense, points to like consideration in
their capacity as members Of the
board of education. A reputation for
honesty Of purpose established by
years of probity and right living
ought not to be ruthlessly smlTched
without grave reasons for doing so.
Some OF us may be disposed TO more
or less gently insist that We have
bigger mentality with broader quick
er and more comprehensive intel
lectual grasp OF intuition and gener-
ally correct discernment Of just
what is right and just what il wrong
in every emergency, and in the pres
ent and eternal fitness of all things
or nearly all things but please let
l. rest at hat.
I think il a mistake thar may have