Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-13
DIR. GOWnNG CHOSEN
/ HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Succeeds Miss Katherine Pun
cheon After Sharp Debate
in Education Board
DOCTOR MARTIN PROTESTS
Regards Hasty Election as "Inde-
corous"--Superintendent Garber's
Wish Overruled

Dr. Fred Gowing was elected principal
Of the Girls High School this afternoon
by the Board Of Education. He succeeds
Miss Katherine +. Puncheon. The election
was by vote of to and followed
Superintendent Garbers protest against
hasty action. Dr. Edward Martin made a
strong speech against the election at this
time The vote was as follows
For Doctor Gowlng.Thomss Shallcross,
David H. Lane. Henry II. F/munds Simon
Gratz, Edwin Wolf. william Nowen, Thomas
g. Boyle. Avery ID. Harrington and Walter
George Smith.
Again Doctor Gowing--John story jerks,
Or. Edward Martin and Alexander Simp-
son. Jr.
Doctor Gowing has been an agent for
. school book publishing firm in this city,
He was once president of the New Hamp-
shire state Teachers Association. Three
years ago he was the chief contender with
Miss Puncheon for the place. After a bitter
fight she won with the backing OF Dr. Mar
Tin G.. Brumbaugh then superintendent
Superintendent CARRIER, at the boards
meeting today. said that he wanted no cleo
ton of "A principal to succeed Miss"Punch-
con until all candidates for the position
could come forward and be examined on
their merits. He said that he had had no
time to look into Doctor Gowings qualih-
cations; that Miss Puncheon's resignation
yesterday was wholly a surprise to him.
II is supposed she resigned to get married.
Her resignation was given yesterday TO
Superintendent Edmunds, and he. at a
meeting of the high schools committee
Immediately recommended Doctor Gowing
for the place.
Doctor Martin followed Superintendent
CARRIER. He said that to elect "A principal
IMMEDIATELY in place of Giss Puncheon
would be 'indecorous IL not INDECENT" He
said the public would rise in protest If the
election of Doctor Gowing were FASTENED
through. and would think the board was
playing favorites and running pets"
There will be only one inference drawn
by the public" Doctor Martin went on. "It
will be said that the friends of the candi-
date feared he couldn't stand competition"
No speeches were made by Doctor Cow
ings friends.
Some surprise expressed because Mr.
Lane voted for Doctor Gowing and there
fore contrary TO Doctor Garber's wishes
Mr.. Lane was one of the hardest fighters
to get the superintendency for Doctor
CARRIER and has consistently supported him
In his wishes.
Several members of the faculty from the
Girls High School were present and the
report was that they wanted to lend their
moral support to Doctor Gowng's claim
feeling that he deserved the place because
he was defeated for it three years ago.
Doctor Gowing has not taught in twlve
years, but is said to be efficient.
The board granted permission to the
Pennsylvania committee for the relief of
children Of Belgium to circuarze the
schools during the week beginning March
rs in the interest of Belgian school chill
cren.
A suggestion from District Attorney
Rotan that roof gardens be established on
schools in crowded neghborhoods was re-
ferred to the elementary schools committee