The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1919-06-20
MEMBERS OF
State BOOK BOARD
REFUSE TO RESIGN
When Requested to Do 80 BY Cover.
nor Black-New Bids To Be
Opened on June SOth.


resign when they had convened in his
office shortly before noon, but the re-
quest was refused, first by Prof. F. r.
Alexander, of the Western Kentucky
State Normal School, Bowling Green,
and then by every other member of
the commission in turn.
The commission then was told by
the Governor that he had no power
to force the members designations. II
was called to order, but adjourned un-
til 2:30 o'clock in the afternoon, when
advertisements for bids were drawn
up. Bids will be opened June 80.
The Governor addressed the com
missioners after they had convened
reviewing their appointment and their
adoption of school books, which re-
Gently was declared invalid and H.
legal by the Court of Appeals.
The Governor said that there had
been great deal of criticism of their
actions in the newspapers and that
public sentiment had been stirred up
against them.
He believed they acted conscien-
tiously, the Governor said, with the
best interests of the school children
at heart, but said that he must admit
that there was some Justice in the
criticism. as shown by the Court of
Appeals decision, holding their ac-
tions invalid.
81 had nothing to do with your ap-
pointment," said the Governor, "but
/ am now the responsible head of the
State Government and of the Text
book Commission. therefore feel that
the best thing the members of this
commission can do is to hand in their
designations.
The Governor said that he had no
right to remove the members of the
commission from office. He repeat
ed that he believed the members
acted conscientiously and in good
faith, but he said he thought it would
serve the best interests of the State
and the public If they would resign
and give him free hand.
Prof. Alexander followed the Gov
ernor. He said he has been a teach
er In the schools of Kentucky for forty
years.
There are many young men on this
commission with their futures before
them," he said. "They acted in good
faith and with the interests of the
children at heart. They were con
fronted by a law capable of various
interpretations and the Attorney Gen
eral interpreted the law for them
They followed his guidance and did
what they thought best.
For one, would not think of re-
signing and will not unless forced to
| don't think the members of this CON-
mission ought to be called on to hand
in their designations.
Supt. V. o. Gilbert defended the
commission in brief speech and
said that he did not believe the men,
bers should resign as no charges had
been brought against them.
F. Paul Anderson, dean of the Col
lege of Engineering at the University
Of Kentucky; Mrs. Mamie G. Faul'
coner, Of the Fayette county schools
and Homer Nichols, Of Princeton, also
refused to resign, and every member
Of the commission followed in turn
Some spoke at length and some were
very brief. Some were bitter in theii
remarks and vehemently defended
their records and that Of the commits
sion.
W. 8. Klair, of Lexington, did moi
influence or attempt directly to in
fiuence the vote of the commissioners
on the adoptions Of text books, ac'
cording to the statements Of the mem
bers of the commission here today
Mrs. Mamie G. Faulconer, of Lexing.
ton. said:
81 voted for the Grinstead spellel
because II was the best offered.
am a friend of Mr.. Klair, but he hai
never helped me in my races for Coun.
ty Superintendent particularly, and
did not influence my action"
Orville stivers. of Louisville, only
laughed when asked the question
Homer w. Nichols, of Princeton, said
he never saw Mr.. Klair to know him
F. Paul Anderson. Of Lexington. said
Mr.. Klair and Phil Grinstead had
made only a formal presentation Of
the speller to him. J. r. Alexander
Of Bowling Green, said Mr.. Klair had
not spoken TO him. II. L. Smith. Of
Upton; John Hurst Adams, OF Min
erva. and r. c. McDougle. OF Rich
mond. simply replied "No" to the
question whether Mr.. Klair had told
them or suggested In any way how
he wished them TO vote.
The commissioners received hun
dred Of sample books individually,
but all Of them said they did not sell
! iha hooLs Mai of iha hoolz rarualD