Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1921-06-06

. Of education and Robert Devericks,
the state superintendent of public
faction.
This arbitrary act of County Commits
sioners Lewis George, CarIin Shank and
Harry Tutewiler resulted in County
Auditor Leo K. Fesler playing into the
plans Of the commissioners by refusing
to recognize Mr.. Purdy as the duly
elected trustee Of Pike Township and
who was present to vote for Mr.. Swatls.
The result was that two chairmen were
appointed. One chairman after putting
the question of the SUPPLEMENTARY to a
vote declared Superintendent Swails re-
appointed and the other chairman" de-
clared Mr.. Devericks appointed as County
superintendent Of schools for four years.
MAY RESULT IN COSTLY
BATTLE IN COURTS.
This scheme to abolish the office of the
Trustee Purdy of Pike on the part Of the
commissioners probably will result in a
fierce legal battle which will cost the
taxpayers Of Marion County a tidy sum.
At times the meeting of the board of
education Of Marion County resembled
q prize ring, challenges to CONC out and
fight were exchanged. Mr.. SwaiIs in
vited Mr.. Fesler out into the street and
Fesler refused. Hot shots were ex-
changed by mem 1ers and outsiders who
directed the fight
An exactly 10 o'clock the nine trustees
of Marion County assembled in the room
of the Marion County commissioners. Mr..
Fesler, who announced that he was an
ex-officio member of the school board
declared the meeting open.
Fesler cleared his throat and began
reading a communication from the Marion
County commissioners, which was as
follows:
The board Of county commissioners
OF Marion County, State Of Indiana, met
in regular session Monday morning, June
{. 1921. pursuant to. adjournment
The board having under consideration
the matter OF changing certain township
boundary lines in said county, now finds
that the township Of Pike, in said county.
should be abolished. and Ii is further
ordered that that portion Of Marion
County heretofore known as Pike Town
ship, and embraced within the boun-
daTieS OF said township shall become
q part Of Wayne Township. OF said Csun-
II Of Marion, and the boundaries Of said
Wayne Township are hereby extended
and changed to include the territory
heretofore embraced within the said
township OF Pike"
SIGNED BY THREE
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
This order bore the signatures Of the
three county commissioners who viewed
the school board meeting from the side
lines.
Mr.. Fesler adjusted his glasses and pro-
ceeded to call the roll. Mr.. Fesler did
not call the name Of Mr.. Purdy, who is
the duly elected trustee Of Pike Town
ship.
Il, Clements Purdy, duly elected trus-
tee, am present and ready TO take part in
the transactions of business" declared Mr..
Purdy when he was thus ignored
Fesler made no effort to record Purdy S
tender.
EmsIey johnson, local attorney, who
represents Mr.. Purdy, took a seat next
to his client and began coaching him
Fesler then asked for nominations for
chairman of the meeting.
Edward J. Hecker. who was lined UT
with the county commissioners and Fes-
Ter, was. nominated. Charles p. Wright
also was nominated. The two groups
then declared both selected as chairman
When Fesler called the role on the
Craftsmanship vote, Purdy said, "Purdy
votes for Mr.. Wright"
ADJUSTS GLASSES
Auditor Fesler, adjusting his glasses
replied. 4 am sorry, Mr.. Purdy, you are
not a trustee and have no vote"
Il am a trustee" insisted Purdy.
The county auditor has no legal right
70 pass upon this question" broke In
johnson. 'Mr. Wright take charge OF
the meeting"
Wright arose and stated that he was
chairman of the meeting
go right ahead" Johnson told him
Trustee Hecker arose from his seat and
challenged the action of Trustee Wright
A. Wright stated the order of bust
ness and refused to yield TO Trustee
Hecker, Superintendent Swails and some
others applauded.
Fesler, who seemed to forget that
Hecker was attempting to function as
chairman, assumed to direct matters
''Mr. Swails, you sit down. Do YOU
hear me?" he called.
shut your mouth" yelled Superin-
tendent Swails.
st will not" replied Fesler
Come out on the street" challenged
SwaiIs to Fesler.
Auditor Fesler sat down and proceeded
to actually vote.
"Fesler has a right to vote" exclaimed
Hecker.
mo he hasn't" directed Johnson. PRO.
coed with the nominations"
THEN CALLS FOR
NOMINATIONS
Wright asked To- nominations. Both
Swails and Devericks were placed IN
nomination.
Johnson cried for paper. grabbed some
from reporter and handed it to Trustee
Wright, who distributed the paper as
ballots
Then Hecker, under orders Of Fesler
received nominations.
Appoint your tellers and count the
vote" johnson instructed Wright.
Wright announced that five votes were
cast for Superintendent SwaiIs and one
for Devericks.
AS chairman OF this meeting" said
Wright, Il declare Superintendent Swails
Continued on Page Two.)
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