South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-02-24
With Other Editors Than Ours

edge that must come from close per
sonaI contact and observation, or
from careful intelligent inquiry. If
the burden Of imposed or accepted
duty was mine 1 would try to know
from such observation or inquiry.
l do not feel that I am competent,
if asked TO do so, 10 more than say
60 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 un-
selfish. non-political. and intended
for the best interests of the school
city Of South Bend. present and fu-
ture. / know each of them, 1 think
that / know them well, and / regard
them as clean. honest. and above re-
proach in business and private life.
and l 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. II would
seem rather remarkable if there
were not occasional honest differ
ences that would have to be har-
monized by a majority vote, and il
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.
I 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 mem bers of the
board of education. A reputation for
honesty Of purpose estab lished by
years Of prObity and right living
ought not 10 be ruthleSsIv snirc he'd
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
or and more comprehensive intel
lectual grasp Of intuition and eener-
ally correct discernment of lust
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
t. rest at that.
think IL mistake that may have
serious results 10 ridicuIe and be-
| little constituted authority. unless
there is good reason TO feel that
such authority is being dishonesty
and selfishly used. and more partic-
( ularly authority that has 20 do with
young people and their impressions.
We pride ourselves on being demo-
cratic. but we long ago learned that
We cannot safely legislate and gov
ern en- masse-that we must dele
gate different duties and lines OF
work 10 different persons and boards
with power 20 act. and that 20 be
effective such power or powers must
not be easily Interfered with or
Interrupted SO long as honestly and
conscientiously exercised and used.
That removal and interruption can
usually come. only at periods when
changes are TO De made n the reg