Evening journal., 1921-03-01
new music in
CITY SCHOOLS
Graphonolas, Pianos Order
ed Purchased After Some
Opposition
SAY MONEY MUST
BE TRANSFERRED


savored Of "class legislation" the
Board OF Public Education at it's
meeting last night decided to ask
for bids for Columbia graphonolas
and high grade pianos TO replace
those instruments now in the
schools. Following adoption Of the
motion Messrs. Draper. stradley,
Beck. Ostro and Moore. who voted
against the motion. declared that
they would never vote 10 transfer /
money for the purchase Of instru-
ments from the heating and plumb
ing accounts.
Il was explained that no funds
could be transferred from one ac- |
count to another without a two
thirds vote and as the minority had |
five votes last night they contend |
they hold the upper hand.
The question OF purchasing the |
Columbia machines as we'll as the
pianos was brought up by DR.. T. o. |
| Cooper, chairman of the committee
named at the last meeting by Presi-
dent Rommel TO consider installing
the machines in the schools. This
committee, consisting Of Dr. Cooper,
DR.. John Palmer, Erdman c. Hoff-
man and DR.. Scott, superintendent
Of schools, submitted its report
which provided that bids be asked
for supplying as many Columbia ma
chimes and high grade pianos as
would be needed. DIR. Scott TO state
how many are required. The motion
also provided that the board pay of
the indebteness now outstanding
against those machines and pianos
now in use which had been pur-
chased on a partial payment plan
by the school pupils
Following the reading Of the reso-
luton Shermer II. Stradley, chair
man Of the finance committee, said
"As 1 understand the money for
, these machines is TO be taken from
the heating and plumbing account
I want to enter a protest When our
budget was made up we allowed
S1O9.115 10 place the schools in a
= sanitary condition insofar as new
toilets are concerned and ! think
u the board is taking a good deal Of
responsibility on itself in transfer
u ring money from this account
!, AT No. % school the sanitary
conditions are bad and l know that
the public would rather have sani-
tary conditions In the schools than
= musical instruments; healthy chill
. dren rather than a musical educa-
ton" he continued. Under these
3 conditions. feel compelled TO reg
i lister my opposition TO the resolu-
's ton"
p At this point President Romme
said: "Mr. Stradley this is not q
, question Of asking where the none,
is coming from to pay for these ma
ie chimes"
W Mr.. Stradley retorted: Il may b'
W a little premature. but We know the
teachers account will show a def
cit and we must be careful
DR.. c. Anthony Beck then asked
of II the present machines had beer
Sc purchased by the board through
he competitive bidding and il not pur
or chased by the board would 1t be lega
v to pay for bills the body had no
10 contracted.
H. Oscar c. Draper said he was op'
es posed to the resolution because Il
h., specified the purchase Of but on'
e. make OF talking machine, therefore
p asking bids on a certain quality o
class legislation. He thought that b!
machine made by various maker
J. the board would save money.
he Walter J. Campbell defended IN
ss action Of the board
IN In speaking Of payment for IN
10 machines and about the present ma
ct chimes being bought out Of none
e. solicited by the school children. MI
.st Campbell said. Il am not in favo
or and never have been in favor O
a. having the pupils solicit money wit
S. which to equip schools. That par
is up to the board"
Mr.. Draper said he was not OF
posed TO the children having musi
cd hut that only recently Dr. Scott ha
or eliminated certain music from IN
". class rooms because Of opposition {
d few persons who objected TO chi
To- dren hopping or skipping In the
90 marches
M Continuing Mr.. Draper said;
Il see no harm in the childre
-. having music TO march by, or
% exercise with. What harm is there
- he continued, "in a waltz. or fe
=, hons and occasional sJumpsg
Referring to DIT. Draper's oppos
ton to the purchasing OF one type
mAtnlntf MI ARAhfA Ne-+A N+---~ -
Ter, Delaware School Auxiliary Associi
ray ton had decided to adopt the mi
chine and had purchased 40 or 3
which are being used in the sta
schools.
US DR.. Beck asked II anyone had bee
60 making a canvass Of the schools
-, the interest Of the talking machin
Mr. Stradley replied that he unde
stood such had been done. j
Beck then raised the question
, that person had been connected Wi
the schools. Mr.. Stradley said he "a
derstood he had at one time.
/. I'VE will have to be careful" sa
Mr.. Draper, mot TO go over the 81
limit allowed us by City Council.
/ we do, we are liable TO get in trouh
] with Council" (The Board of +
| ucation cannot contract sums ov
4 500 without advertising for bids.)
1 President Rommel reminded q
1 members that there was a motif
/ before the house. Mr.. Stradley o
/ | iected TO the reimbursement clau
4 and on motion. IL was stricken OF
4 4 The resolution was then adopte
the ayes having it by a very ma
4 row margin.
Il Il