New-York tribune., 1918-04-15
He Discusses Men With
Somers; Selection Likely
To Be Named To-day
Only Home Talent
To Be Considered
DR.. Shallow, of Brooklyn,
Mayors Own Borough, a
Leading Candidate

The Board of Education will meet
in executive session this afternoon at
4 o'clock to consider candidates for
the school superintendency, the $4,000
q year place vacated three months ago
by DIR. William Maxwell. Only the
seven members of the board will be
admitted, but in preparation for tax
ing hand in the selection of the new
school head Mayor Hylan called Arthur
Somers, president of the board, into
conference at the Mayors home, in
Bushwick Avenue, Brooklyn, last night.
The Mayor has stated several times
that he would not meddle in the af-
fairs of the Department of Education.
These statements followed reports of
friction due to his interference. In
one instance Mr.. Somers is said to
have threatened to resign.
Nevertheless, the Mayor first barred
all outside educators from considera-
tion, a restriction which narrowed
choice practically to the two present
leading ndidates-Edward B. Shallow
and William E. Ettinger, associate
superintendents. And when his sum-
mons went out to Mr.. Somers last
night it was assumed that he now pro-
posed also to make the final choice be-
tween these two.
Friends of Dr. Shallow were conf
dent that the choice would fall to him.
He is resident of Brooklyn, the homo
borough of the Mayor, and likewise of
Mr.. Somers and Mrs. Ruth Russell, a
board member. He also is cre,: led
with having the active support of Jo-
seph Yeska, one of the two Manhattan
members, and some of his supporters
were ready last night, in view of the
Mayors action. to predict that the
board would select him this afternoon.
In that case the final ballot at the
regular board meeting on Wednesday
afternoon will be mere formality,
although some of the board members
meeting this afternoon would only be
programme arranged by the Mayor.
Mr.. Yeska declared that he did not
even know that the superintendency
and the candidates for it would be dis
cussed. Frank D. Wilsey, who repre-
sents The Bronx and is president
OF the board, said it was possible that
the board might agree upon one candi-
date to-day. But he also suggested the
possibility of the selection of three
candidates, each backed by two board
members, situation which would give
the odd member of the board the bal
ance of power, with the deciding vote
IN the final ballot tomorrow. Com
menting on this suggestion, observers
declared that it might prove to be the
system followed, as the Mayor proba-
bly, has the odd vote pledged, and, by
allowing three candidates to 20 into
the final test, could thus camouflage
his real control
Whatever the outcome, however. OF
the effect Of the Mayors attitude and
man9uvrings, it was stated positively
last night that there was no chance
for DR.. Finley, the State Commissioners
OF Education, or any of the other non
New Workers who have had the support
of unofficial we'll wishers of the city
school system. Every member Of the
board is said to be definitely COM
mitted to the policy of home talent
only.
This viewpoint was emphasized yes.
terday by a school department. Official
who is incidentally an ardent supporte,
OF Or. Shallow.
What proof is there that any of the
outsiders are better educators than we
have right here in the New York CITY
School Department? ?" this official de.
manded. This department for a score
OF years has been a one man depart
ment. Only one man got the credit fo,
anything. Nobody else had a chance
no matter what his capacity"
1t transpired yesterday that there was
general belief among the members
OF the new Board of Education that the
entire department was "badly run
down" and that it needed the minis
trations of strong executive such as
Or. Shallow had shown himself to be
IN his organization and conduct of the
trqancy and child welfare bureaus.
II DR.. Shallow wins the place as
city superintendent, it was freely nre. o.
dicted last night that his assumption
OF the office would be followed prompt.
~ by shake-up such as the depart
ment had not known in many years. l,
was even stated that some Of the pres.
ent board of associate superintendent
and the twenty-three district super
intendents would be forced out, ant
mat there would be a drastic reorgani.
zatIon of several bureaus.
Under the regime of DR.. Maxwell. !,
was SAID, the admi inistration of yari.
Gus departmental functions was made
dependent too much upon one man
with the result that they chad no sus
tanning momentum" to keep them goine
atter ms virtual retirement two wears
ago. Inc inference was that one OF
Or. Shallow'y first considerations would
be to supply this momentum