New-York tribune., 1918-04-30
DR.. Ettirlger
lsChosen New
School Head
Selection Regarded as Sur.
render Of Board to City
Hall Dictation

William l.. Ettinger is to be New
York's new City Superintendent O.
Schools.
This decision was reached yesterda,
evening by a to vote, q er the
storn'iest session the new Board o1
Education has yet passed through
Tomorrow the board will meet in ex-
eeutlvc session and make DR.. Ettinger's
election a formal and official fact.
The announcement of the selection
although it did no more than fulfil all
the Informed .predictions-was re
garded in educational circles last night
as a patent surrender. by the board s te t.
political d;ctation from the City Hail.
In the face Of the new appointment
school men last night were diffident
about allowing their names to be con-
nected with any specific comment, but
in many quarters George T. Ryan, the
former Queens County Coal Admins
traitor, who cast the decisive vote. was
bitterly scored.
DR.. Shallow Withdraws
Up to yesterday Mr.. Ryan had per-
slstently protested that he was main
talning an "open mind" as a result of
which the board has for weeks been
deadlocked three to three, between DR..
Ettlnger and Edward B. Shallow, said
TO be Mayor Hylans second choice for
tne S1O,OOO vacancy caused through Dr.
w. Il. MaxWells retirement. No sooner
had the doors closed on the boards
committee of the whole meeting yes
terday, though than it became appar-
ent that Mr.. Ryan's mind had become
.'gh1 smut against any suggestion other
than Ettinger
!, A letter from DR.. Shallow, asking
x,,.%l I.
ther consideration, read at the outset
OF the secret session, strengthened Mr..
Ryan IN his stand for Ettinger.
President Arthur S. Somers, in an
nounclng tie decision last night, made
scant attempt to conceal his disappoint-
ment. For him it was distinct set
back. His board had practically defed
nm. For all along President Somers's
inslstence has been that no considera-
tlon should weigh in so important a
matter save that of getting the best
equipped man for the position.
SOmers Loses Fight
Yesterday he opened the secret ses
sion by telling the board plainly that
ms IS hrst e., choice for the place was DR..
Albert Shiel, now superintendent of
schools in Los Angeles. Immediately,
however, it became apparent that
majority of the members had needed
the tip from City Hall and would con-
slider no one seriously who was not
a "local man."
Finally, after little more than an
hours argument, President Somers
again brought up DR.. Shadows name,
despite the latter's withdrawal. The
succeeding canvass showed four votes
to three in favor of Ettinger, after
which Mr.. Somers admitted defeat and
emerged with the announcement of Dr..
selection.
Last night DR.. Ettinger, at present
an Assistant City Superintendent of
Schools, declared that, although he
was of course gratifed at the choice
of the board, it would be unbecoming
to make any statement until the cleo
tion has been made finally official to-
II may say, though" he volunteered,
"that l have made no canvass for the
place.
The impending decision as to the
rather overshadowed
the earlier proceedings at the boards
open session, but some lively passages
developed, nevertheless, when Joseph
Yeska protested various resolutions be-
cause of the cost their passage would
entail to the city, and declared him
self for a policy of economy and re-