New-York tribune., 1921-07-24
School Bears
Germans Name
Despite Protest
Mass Meeting Follows the
Dedication of PaIisade
Institution 10 Steubcn,
ia Revolutionary Hero
Homestead Is Near Site
President of Board Cites
Washington's Letter as
Example of Patriotism

HACKENSACE, N. j., July 23.--The
cornerssop. OF the new school in the
River Edge Manor section of Palisade
Township was laid this afternoon. and
despite the protest of many residents
Of that section it is to be known as the
Stcuben School, named in honor of
Baron Won Steuben, Revolutionary
hero from Germany. The choice of
name was made by the Board of Edu-
cation, and following the dedication
exercises mass meeting of River
Edge Manor residents who protested
the name of Won Steuben. because cf
its German associations, was held
across the road.
Among those present at the exer-
cises were a number of children bear
ing signs which read: "These Ameri-
can-born children demand an Ameri-
can name for their school" On a num-
Der of automobiles were placards bear
ing the words, american names for
American schools"
Defends School Board
John j. Knierim, president of the
township Board of Education, in his
address said. 'eThis is an occasion
upon which all of US should look with
credit, for we are all here as Americans
to foster the chief of American insti-
tutions, the public school. 1t is most
regrettable that on such an occasion
we are compelled to face such banners
of protest against the name selected
for the school. Under the circum-
stances this cannot be avoided.
GAS members of your Board of Edu-
cation our record has been unassailable
There are broad minded people among
you, but some are narrow minded in
this particular, and have condemned u.s.
We are here to carry out our program,
feeling that we are doing the best thing
we can for the best interests of pali-
sade township. We are here as Amer
lean citizens, and on that score we are
unassailable. We feel that the less said
about this matter the better for all
concerned There was no intent on our
part to cause disturbance or friction
when we decided on the name of
Steuben. We sought to do honor to
some one closely associated with this
section from historical viewpoint,
and from the fact that the Won Stcuben
homestead is located just across the
river from this spot, we thought our
position we'll founded"
Washington's Letter Read
In closing Mr.. Knierim read George
Washington's letter to Baron Won Steu-
ben on the day Washington became a
private citizen. The letter thanked the
baron for the great service he had rem
dered this country, and said that the
writer awaited the chance to embrace
him. when the father of our country
can write in this way" said the presi-
dent of the Board of Education, "I
guess we have nothing to feel
ashamed off,
Immediately after the benediction a
man in the audience arose and an
nounced that mass meeting of pro-
test would be held just across the road.
At this meeting resolutions were
adoped declaring that because of the
great grief caused by the ruthless
methods of Germany in the late war,
and which was still felt in many Ameri-
can homes, "such names as Washing
ton, Hamilton, Lincoln, Grant or any
one of the great leaders of this free
country would be more inspiring to
the rising generation than the name of
any foreign-born, no matter how great
he might be-