The Duluth rip-saw. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1917-19??, 1919-05-10

Supt Hoke is absent from the city
and people who can see through
a ladder after some of the rungs
have ben knocked out, have a. firm
hunch that the Columbian champion
reallyfs away to seek new field of
educational endeavor. Perchance
he yet will go into wa'h wo'hk.
There are those who insist that,
after the schools close in June, or
after the next school election, long
before solemn September shows up,
the lachrymose pilgrim from Ole Vir-
ginny will shake the dust Of cold,
cruel, inhospitabIe Duluth from his
weary feet.
One thing that bears out this feel
ing is the fact that Supt. Hoke has
been absent for nearly two weeks
and will not return for some days
yet, unless the unexpected happens:
He replenished his exchequer and
gave out that he was gong away TO
hunt new teachers.
Another cause for this feeling is
the fact that Supt. Hoke's family
has been absent all winter. His
household goods and gods were
packed months ago. All this year,
the alleged head OF the city schools,
has lodged at the aristocratic Kitchi
Gammi club. He has browsed here
and there for his bodily sustenance.
There are, those who excuse direc-
tors LeDuc and Schaibly for the be-
trayal of their constituents with the
allegation that those Mysterious
Mikes have a secret treaty with Supt.
Hoke whereby his face was to be
saved by a reelection for next year
but that, before September, he was
to fipd another berth and then sur
prise everyone by a quick and sum-
may resignation.
Director Schaibly bears this out
by wearing a sad and pious mien
when any disgusted constituent looks
at him. He also mods myster1ously
and makes vague declaration 10 the
effect that he is much misunder-
stood man and that when all comes
out in the wash, his eminent name
will be fully cleared Of infamy.
AS these lines are written, the out
look is very promising for fireworks
at the regular meeting of the school
board, Friday evening, May 3.
Andrew Nelson proposes to appear
before the board in the interests OF
Andrew Smith, the custodian OF the
book room for 26 years and a man
whom Supt. Hoke no longer wants
there and whom business superin-
tendent Harwood has offered jani-
tors job.
At the last meeting of the board
of education, Supt. Hoke recon-
mended that Andrew Smith be taken
from the store-room and put else
where. AS his excuse, the timid lit
tie Superintendent stated that Mr..
Smith was not competent to carry on
new system that soon will be IN
stalled in the book room.
Supt. Hoke's judgment in the mat
ter should be infallible for, in two
long, weary years, he has visited
that book room just once. That's
all he per~o~allv t-ows about An
~.few Smiths work down there.
When Anurew Nelson, a promin-
ent lawyer and former member of
the board of education, read in the
papers about what Supt. Hoke pro-
posed to do to Andrew Smith, he
called up the faithful servitor Of the
school board and asked details. He
evidently feels and believes that an
injustice is being done Mr.. Smith, for
he will appear before the board In
aggressive protest, ......
That, presumably, will set off the
fireworks, although John R. McGif-
fert, president of the board, and
Supt. Hoke may not be present to
see them. both of them being out of
the city. ....
It is believed that Andrew Smith
will make an excellent showing in
the way of supporters on the board
of education at the May meeting
Director Firoved objected to, Supt.
Hoke,s plan at the last regular meet
ing and then at a special meeting.
Director Foster may speak strong
words for Mr.. Smith. Mrs. Davis al
ways has championed storekeeper
Smith in the past. Director. Amund-
son may be present. Director Grass
weller may be expected to main
tain strictly judicial attitude. It
is not impossible director Schaibly
will steer at least middle course,
although he may break his moorings