The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-01-24
ON CLOSING THE SCHOOLS.


Following out the sentiment as ex-
pressed in this column yesterday, the
State Journal interviewed few of the
leading men and women of the city
today on the matter of closing the
grade schools in the city for two weeks
beginning soon and adding the two
weeks to the term in June. This plan,
the State Journal believes, would be
of value in relieving the coal situa-
ton.
According to officials of the schools
it would save eighty tons of coal. 1t is
true, possibly, that a large part of this
coal is unfit for domestic use in stoves
and small furnaces. But if the coal
shortage is due to the car shortage and
if eighty tons of coal for household
consumption could be distributed in
Topeka as a result of the shutdown
of the schools for this period, certainly
the teachers and principals in the
grades could donate their inconven-
ience to the cause.
Superintendent Wilson favors the
move in an emergency. He points out
the present use of much slack coal.
According to Topeka's fuel dictator
there is an emergency. At least his
orders as effecting the stores, the of
fees the theaters, the churches and
the like indicate a very grave emer-
gency. Members of the school boa rd
favor the plan. If enough sentiment
is brought to bear thru pressure upon
the school board, no doubt the move
will be made.
1t is still an open question and Tope-
kans have alright to settle it.
Here are few of the ideas as ex-
pressed by well known Topekans to-
day:
REV. S. S. ESTEY-I favor any practical
method of conserving coal and l believe
that the plan Of closing the schools will
bring considerable relief in Topeka.
CHARLES L. MITCHELL-Itisa mighty
good scheme. 1t is common sense. I
would like to see the plan carried out at
once.
c. b. MERRIAM-It is a form of patriot
ism that the teachers and principals of the
schools should contribute. 1 favor it
GEORGE p. McENTIRE-I am not &C
qualnted with school conditions but as a
business man | believe two weeks shut
down now is advisable.
DAVID MULVANE-It is a business pro-
position. L am not a school expert but 1
am for anything that will relieve the so
called coal shortage
SAMUEL f. LUX-If two weeks was
chopped from the spring term as well as
now it would do no harm in these days of
conservation.
w. o. ANDERSON-My wife and 1 have
agreed on closing the schools-that settles
it in our family. 1t IS the only thing to do.
F. G. KATHS-There is a great deal of
sense to closing the schools for two weeks
at this time. 1t is a good move.
GEORGE A. GUILD-This is a business
Of closing the stores 1 believe in closing
the schools and churches, too.
WILLIAM MACFERRAN-It would be a
good plan and would cause only a slight
inconvenience. We must learn to Withstand d
Inconvenience.
L. NJ. PENwELL (member of school
board boa tn think it would be good idea
should come up before the school board 1
would vote in favor of it.
MRS. G. J. EVANS (member of school
need of coal to offer an opinion. How
ever. if there is an emergency. l would
favor the plan if recommended by the fuel
dictator.
Pw. GRIGGs (member of school board)
Yes, | favor the plan if there is any oc-
caslon , for 1t; | think that is the most ex-
cellent idea that has yet been mentioned for
the conservation of fuel.
H. B. WILSON (superintendent of
schools)-I think it would be a mistake at
this time but in an emergency 1 would
w f. ATCHISON Cmember school
board)-lf it would relieve the coal short
age to any extent whatever and if investi-
CATION proved that it was advisable, 1 GER
tainly would favor it
j. o. STEVIC-I am heartily in favor of
the proposition. L am sure that it is pop
ular move.
MRS LILA DAY MONROE-Busipess
is going to be seriously crippled by the
war. Schools can be continued when the
weather is warm. Teachers will receive
happen to thousands of working girls in
cities II they are idle. 1t means hunger,
cold. distrust, disloya1ty.
MRS. o. l.. MOORE-If the coal situation
Is as represented, the schools should be
closed. The action may delay spring
gardening. but closing of schools may be
the proper plan.
MRS. A. MARBURG-Fuel must be con-
served for industries in greatest need We
can run the schools when the weather in
warm without retardfng educational ad-
VaQcement