New-York tribune., 1920-03-14
Citizens Enter
Teachers Fight
For More Pay
Organize Committee of 100,
Headed by HI. W. Taft, A.
B. Parker, c. E. Hughes,
to Work for Increases
Conference Is Called
Educators From Many States
Gather Here Tomorrow
to Discuss the Situation

Organization of Citizens Commit
tee of One Hundred, led by Henry W.
Taft, Alton B. Parker and Charles f.
Hughes, to work for substantial ins
creases in pay for the teachers of New
York City, was announced yesterday
by the Public Education Association.
The committee represents every phase
of social political and industrial life
in greater New York.
Initial steps in the work of organiz-
ing the committee were taken al &
meeting in the Bar Association build
ing last Tuesday. The need was en-
phasized then for an immediate CAM
paign of public enlightenment regard
ing the school situation here. Henry
W. Taft was made honorary chairman,
and a committee, headed by Judge Par
ker, Colonel Howard C. Smith. of the
Chamber of Commerce, and William.
McCarroll, Of the Board of Trade and
Transportation, was appointed to select
a chairman for the executive commit
tee that will conduct the campaign.
Resolution Gives Facts
AS the first step in the campaign for
the teachers, a resolution was adopted
which sets forth the facts in New York
City's educational dilemma. 1t says, in
part:
centage of foreign population, the
necessity for a good education under
teachers of American birth. repre-
senting American traditions and
ideals, is especially important in the
City of New York; and,
Whereas, from the beginning of
our history wc have recognized a
sound system of public education as
fundamental to the prosecution of
and. consequently. have recognized
that expenditures for public educa-
tion have a first claim upon the re-
sources of the community: and,
whereas, the future of this ma
ton promises to be leadership in y
ideals, in international relations, in
industry and in commerce, the need
of an even finer, broader and more
efficient school system is imperative,
equipped mentally, physically and
morally for its important duties and
great responsibilities; and
"Whereas, The need for such a
sound system of public education is
more urgent in New York City than
in any city of the world because of
its position as the center of the
worlds finances and industry; be it
Resolved. That the Citizens Com
the Legislature to introduce and to
support such measures as will in
crease existing salary schedules to a
point that will adjust them to pres
ent costs of living and serve to at
tract to teaching as career capable
men and women who are now enter
ing more remunerative fields; and be
it further
"Resolved, That an executive COM
oc L., l.
aries be appointed to cooperate with
other bodies and organizations in
securing. the introduction and pas
sage OF the necessary legislation"
Conference Is Called
Judge Parker, commenting yesterday
on the work undertaken by the Com
mittee of One Hundred, called atten
tion to the absurdty of expecting men
and women to choose the profession of
teaching when that profession pays
them SO poorly
The school situation throughout the
United States has grown so acute that
John II. Finley, State Commissioner of
Education, has called a conference of
State Commissioners Of Education to
meet IN this city at the Chamber of
Commerce, IS Liberty Street, to-mor-
row morning, at 10 O'Clock Means of
recruiting the teaching profession will
be taken up. The United States Com
missioner of Education and State Com
missioners from Maine. New Hamp-
shire. Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode
Island, New Jersey, PENNSYLVANIA,
West Virginia and Michigan have al
ready accepted the invitation to at
tend, 1T was said yesterday.
DR.. William L. Ettingcr, Superin-
tendent of Schools, will present a re-
port covering the foregoing points for
New York City, and Colonel Leonard P.
Ayres, of the Russell Sage Foundation.
will present the results of compre
hensive study Of teachers salaries.