Free trader-journal and Ottawa fair dealer. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1920-1927, 1922-06-01
ELG|N WROUGHT TO
HIGH PITCH OVER
TEACHERS SUICIDE.
RESIDENTS OF CITY HOLD MASS
MEETING IN PROTEST AGAINST
SCHOOL BOARD BLAMED For
CAUSING WOMAN TO END OWN
LIFE.

Elein, June -Four teachers In
Elgins public schools collapsed yes
torday and are under care of physi,
clans as a result of the suicide Tues
day of Miss Mary Long, veteran prin-
pal OF Sheridan school, and the
events which preceded 1t.
Robert l. White, superintendent Of
Elgin schools, whose custer is de.
manded by irate citizens, and Or, f..
II. Abbott. president of the board Of
education, fleeing from the wrath Of
all Of Elgin, went into hiding. Meth.
err appeared during the day as his
office or his home,
News of the cOlapses and the re-
treat of the superintendent and DR.
Abbott famed the flames OF iudigna-
son thruout the city. Another mass
meeting was held last night az which
taxpayers Of the city adopted final
plans looking to the immediate GUST
ing of Superintendent White, which
probably will also bring about the
removal of Dr. Abbott and others OF
the school board.
The four teachers under care Of
physicians. all of whom are reported
in critically nervous conditions, are:
Miss Margaret h. Campbell prin,
cipal of the Mckinley school, who
had announced her resignation some
weeks ago. She was an intimate
friend of Miss Long and is being
cared for by her physician and her
sister Mrs Frank VI, Doueherty
teacher in the Lincoln school, one Of
those whose names were included
with that of Miss Long in the list OF
discharged teachers.
Miss Helen HigginbOtham, second
grade teacher at Mckinley school.
she collapsed in her classroom dur.
ing the morning and was taken to
her home. She is one OF the teach
ers who had been put on a probation
list and offered a monthtomonh
contract.
Mrs. Minnie Christie. assistant
principal of the Mckinley school
She collapsed in the schools offices
when she learned OF the condition Of
Miss Campbell.
Miss Mary Mckay, supervisor OF
music. She is under care OF ply
stefan at her home and was unable
TO appear for her school duties yes.
terday.
Classes at the Sheridan school
Miss Longs former school, We're dis
missed yesterday for a week when
the pupils appeared and whispered
Of the tragedy that had entered then
lives thru the death of their principal,
a favorite with every one.
Play was forgotten and the young
sters, COngregating in little groups
fought bravely to keep the tears
G#ck as they talked of the tragedy
~ Mamma Long as she Was
1own to a maiQfity Of them. Their
gatherings led to the order 10 close
the school
Superintendent White telephoned
from his place Of concealment to a
representative of the Herald and EN
aminer during the day, but refused
to state where he was or how long
he would remain out Of sight.
81 have no statement to make,
he said 81 have been advised by DR.
Abbott, president Of the board OF edu.
cation, not to do any talking, | intend
following his advice. He knows
where | am and when he says for me
to do so. | will reappear. Until then,
goodby."
Nothing in the history of recent
years has so rocked Elgin as the
present cataclysm in the City's school
affairs The action of the school board
in discharging or disciplinin@ many
veteran teachers, only to rcsciad that
action on demand Of the public, was
the only topic Of discussion here
yesterday.
Business men talked it over in
their Offices Pedestrians congregat-
ed in little groups on the streets and
discussed it Mothers Of school chill.
dren held informal Indignation meet
ings in homes in every section OF the
city Telephone wires were fairly siz-
cling all day with discussions Of the
affair.