The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1918-01-22
Majority Of Board Promises
to Use Care in Seeking
Superintendent.
WILLIAMS DEFEAT
NOT CERTAIN NOW
Decision Against Incumbent
Not Assured at Meeting
This Evening.

# se+#
Five members. majority, Of the
Missoula school board yesterday prom
ised their constituents, in statements
given to The Missoulian, 10 oppose
hasty selection of new superintend-
ent and to seek the advice Of eminent
educators X J. Y. Williams, incum-
bent, II not re elected by the trustees
tonight.
TWO members Chairman James
Brown and M. r. c. Smith--refused
definitely to commit themselves
against Immediate action.
The statements were sought after
representative Missoulians had ex-
pressed unanimous opposition to hur-
rted action in event the anti Williams
members Of the board muster their
claimed majority this evening.
Five Men Promise Care.
Trustees b. a. Van Wormer, C.. II.
Elliott. J. r. Rowe. J. O. Marks and
George Miller said they would not per-
nit the ''railroading' OF any candidate,
agreed that the matter deserved de-
llberate consideration by the board,
and expressed willingness to seek the
counsel OF distinguished educators.
The pledges of these five men Sc
cure the people Of Missouia against
haaty and ill-advised choice of new
superintendent In case Mr.. william ms
IL diamiased by the trustees tonight.
The Pledges.
The pledges follow:
. 4. Van Wormer.--'We must get
big man. the best we can. That means
deliberation and expert advice. And
local man wont do"
J. Q. Marks.-'Tf we can't have Will
Jams we should go outside and, with
the advice of educators, get as good a
man II we can.'
G. n. eiiiott-"I am not in favor OF
any hasty action"
George Milisr.-"williams 4 should be
retained. II not. the board must be
careful ana seek the counsel Of men
hiEi1 In the educational world"
J. p. RoWs.-"The suggestion that
time be taken and informed counsel
sought IL fine
WilIiams' Defeat Not Certain.
That the present superintendent will
not be re.engaged now seems less GER
tain than when NJ. r. C. Smith said
last week that a majority of the hoard
would favor the dismissal of Wilkins.
At that time friends Of the superin-
tendent and enemies guessed the line
up OF the board to be as follows
Against For
Williams Williams
Brown Rowe
Smith Miller
Elliott Marks
Van Wormer
but yesterday. two Of the supposed
anti williams trustees refused To COM
init themselves. while all of the pro-
Williams men empha tically voiced ap-
proval OF the superintendent.
Brown Not Decided.
Chairman James Brown based his
refusal to discuss the advisability Of
caution upon n denial OF any agree
ment to dismiss Superintendent Will
inns.
'T don't know that Williams Is not
going to be re-employed." he said to
the interviewer. I'VE haven't talked ~
ever ON the board. and for that reason
] don't care to answer your question"
''Ays you going TO vote against Mr..
Wlliams?. he was asked.
'~fhey win have TO show me better
man first" he said.
"fIavs you any better man In sight?"
ma.
Then ycu have not decided upon
your attitude"
NO. Not unless see n chance to
better the schools"
eilastt Nssusss Statement.
C. n. Elliott said that he was not in
favor OF any hasty action though I
have been out of town for three months
and do not know just what the situa-
tion is."
Are you going tn vote against the
re-emplOyment of Mr.. Williams? ?' he
was asked.
Il do not care to say" he answered.
Smith Unwilling to Talk.
r. c. Smith. whose opposition TO
Mr.. Williams has previously been I'M
dicated. refused to discuss the situa-
tion in any way.
what do you think" hA was asked.
''of the su91estion that the board act
without haste and with the advice OF
our leading educators?"
7 dou't think I care to be quoted
about thax." he said
Mr. Smith. what are the boards
zeaa1aans1 % Pass 5sSal
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