Evening star., 1917-05-03
Support MI. Thurston.


A demonstration in favor of Mr.. Thurs
ton took place at the meeting of the
board of education at the Franklin School
yesterday. About forty parents. repre-
sentatives of civic organizations and
teachers were present. All of these did
not speak. but the frequent and enthu-
sastic applause of the group when M
Thurston was praised showed the senti-
ment of the entire party.
Many resolutions and letters commend
ing the work of Mr.. Thurston and strongly
urging his immediate reappointment We're
read When this was finished. John b.
I4arner one of the superintendent
stanchest champions, asked:
Eve have not had single objection
raised to Mr.. Thurston, have we. Mr.
PRESIDENT"
'.No I do not think we have replied
President John Van Schaick.
"Then, ] think we should unanimously
re-eiect him this afternoon. urged Mr.
Larner.
whether the vote should be taken at
that time was discussed. Ernest II
Daniel. vice president of the board,
who had been out of the city. had
reached the meeting short time be-
fore so that the entire membership
was present. All seemed ready to
vote. but, in view of the fact that one
or two had promised to give certain
citizens hearings before voting. and In
given out definitely that the vote would
not be taken until today, it was de-
cided to postpone the action.
Mrs. Mussey Opposes Change.
Mrs Ellen Spencer Mussey, vice pres
ident of the board of education for a
number of years preceding her resig
nation from that body. made what was
generally regarded as one of the
strongest addresses against a change.
I'VE had quite little experience in
choosing superintendent while / was
= member of the board of education"
said Mrs. Mussey. In fact, we chose
three When we chose Mr.. Thurston
for the position of assistant superin-
tendent we took him because he had
made good in every other position he
had filled, He made good as assistant
superintendent. Even though | have
not been a member of the board dur
ing his administration superintend-
ent. l have watched his work closely
and he has made good In that position
So | beg you to move slowly before
you think of making any change Be
slow-be sure you're right.
Some one has said that Mr. Thurs
ton lacks punch Remember that we
did get man with punch and before
we were through we had to try him in
this boardroom. l sincerely hone that
until you see something radically wrong
you will make no change This is a
time when we must be especially care
full; 1t is a time when we must guard
our children as never before"
This was Mrs Mussey's first appear
ance before the board since she re-
signed from it. Following her address.
DR. Van Schaick expressed apprecia,
tion that she had appeared and ex-
pressed her views. and invited her 70
sit with the board during the remainder
of the session.
Administration Harmonious One.
Frederick a. Fenning headed a dele
cation from the Washington Board of
Trade After reading resolutions re-
Gently adopted unanimously by the or
sanization, urging Mr.. Thurston's re-
appointment. Mr.. Fenning spoke briefly
in support of Mr.. Thurston. He de-
clared that Mr.. Thurston had taken a
deeper interest in the individual schools
than most superintendents. and that
his administration had been marked for
its harmony.
There has been more harmony in the
schools In recent years than ever be-
fore" said Mr. Fenning. Il speak as a
parent. moving among parents. and as
business man. moving among busi-
ness men. On my oath 1 would say it.
/ beg you not to do anything to dis
turb this harmony" Mr.. Fenning was
loudly applauded as he urged this
Mrs Mary Lockwood. representing
the Federation Of Women's Clubs, stat
ed that the organization which she
represented had been unanimous in
opposition to any change.
The message which they have just
given me to deliver is to make no
change" she said, we have trouble
enough at the present time We must
lake care of the world. Do not make
change.
Mrs. C. n. Chapman, another repre-
sentative of the federation who In
troduced Mrs. Lockwood, said she was
more than proud of the schools of
Washington She explained that she
had visited schools of many of the
arger cities of the United States and
had found those of Washington excel
lent by comparison. She explained she
knew of the work of the schools of
washington through her five children.
through holding the position of presi-
dent of a home and school association
and through a number of relatives who
were teachers
Mrs Frank Baker urged that the
schools should not be thrown into con-
fusion at this time. Others speaking
in favor of the retention of Mr. Thurs
ton included DR.. May c. Baker and
George Francis Williams.
Board Glad of Expressions.
DIR Van schaick expressed the ap-
probation of the board. saying that |