-5b ^14 
 
 THE 
 
 S$V# ^ 
 
 CONTROVERSY. 
 
 A Complete History of the Case, from Decem- 
 ber 16, 18?© to December 1, 1880. 
 it 
 
 ■ ISSUED BY THE LOCAL BOARD, 
 
 AND ADDRESSED TO THE 
 
 LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, 
 
 session of isei- 
 
 SYRACUSE, N. Y: 
 
 C. W. BARDEEN, PUBLISHER. 
 
 1880. 
 

 <\K 
 
 

 To the Honorable Members of the Legislature : 
 
 We ask your earnest attention to the history which we here- 
 with submit to you. 
 
 The whole Normal School system of the State has been 
 placed in jeopardy by this controversy. The issues involved are 
 not between the Superintendent and the Principal of the Cortland 
 Normal School, but between the Superintendent and the Local 
 Board, regarding the concurrent powers conferred upon each by- 
 the statute. We respectfully ask that your Honorable Body 
 take such measures early in the session of 1881 as shall preserve 
 to our system, to our school, to our village, and to our State, the 
 energy and the prosperity that have characterized the Normal 
 Schools of the State. We have enjoyed prosperity during the 
 past history of our own Institution, and we desire to perpetuate 
 it with increasing usefulness to all who are related to it. 
 
BY rmnispp,, 
 
 JUN 3 >9J0 
 
 / 
 
5 
 
 ^ 
 
 V 
 
 Analytical Table of Contents 
 
 CHAPTER I. — Statutes Relating to Normal Schools: page 
 
 1. General Law of 1866, Chap. 466 9 
 
 2. Amendment to Chap. 466,— Laws of 1869, Chap. 18 11 
 
 3. Law relating to Possession of Building and Grounds. — Laws of 
 
 1880, Chap. 348 12 
 
 CHAPTER II. — The Organization and Opening of the School — 
 From Dec. 16, 1868, to March 3, 1869 — Official Interpretation 
 of the Law of 1866 — Care in Selecting a Faculty 13 
 
 CHAPTER III. — Changes in the Local Board — The First was 
 Made Sept. 11, 1872— The Second, Sept. 12, 1876— The Third, 
 Oct. 28, 1879 — Difference in the Manner of Appointment of 
 the Superintendent — Consequences of This 17 
 
 CHAPTER IV. —Concurrent Authority to Dismiss a Member of 
 the Faculty — The Proceedings were Instituted by the Board, 
 and Approved by the Superintendent 19 
 
 CHAPTER V. — Mr, Gilmour's Remarkable Order — He Directs the 
 Board to Renominate tiie Entire Faculty, the day following 
 ing his Confirmation of a Member of it — There were no Va- 
 cancies — No Resignations— Order Made June 12, 1877 — The 
 Board Declines to Comply 21 
 
 CHAPTER VI. — Forms of Confirmation of Teachers — Significant 
 Changes Introduced by Mr. Gilmour — First Change Made 
 June 11, 1877; then July 5, 1877 23 
 
 CHAPTER VII. — Mr. Gilmour Requests the Local Board to Al- 
 low Dr. J. H. Hoose to Take Charge of The Fredonia Nor- 
 mal School — Done in August 1878— Concurrent Powers Conced- 
 ed — Acceptability of Dr. Hoose's Administration 27 
 
vi Analytical Table of Contents. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. — Additional Facts Relating to the Attitude op 
 Mr. Gilmour towards the Normal School System — His Adminis- 
 tration op the Affairs of the Cortland Normal School — His 
 Refusal to Meet this Board — His Satisfaction with the School. 31 
 
 CHAPTER IX. — Mr. Gilmour's Sudden. Demand of the Principal 
 of the Cortland Normal School for v.is "Peremptory Resigna- 
 tion" — The Principal Refuses to Resign — The Board, by Seven 
 to Two, Request Mr. Gilmour for Charges, if preferred — He 
 
 WRITES THERE ARE NO CHARGES 33 
 
 CHAPTER X.— Mr. Gilmour Phrfor s to Withdraw his Approval 
 of the Employment of Dr Hoose — Not Concurred in by the 
 Local Board — Dr. Hoose Remains 39 
 
 CHAPTER XI. — Mr. Gilmour Purports to Appoint Prof. Cassety, 
 Vice President of Fredonia Normal School, as Acting Princi- 
 pal at Cortland — Not Recognized by the Cortland Board 
 — The Board Offers to go to the Supreme Court 43 
 
 CHAPTER XII.— Chancellor Erastus C. Benedict of the Board of 
 Regents Declines to Co-operate with Mr. Gilmour to Re- 
 move the Local Board without a Hearing — Mr. Gilmour does 
 not call for this investigation 47 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. — Mr. Gilmour Offers to go to the Court, Pro- 
 vided the Board will first give up its Case by Allowing Prof. 
 Cassety to be Principal — He Threatens to Close the School 
 —Prof. Cassety Opens an Office at the Messenger House 48 
 
 CHAPTER XIV.— The Cortland Normal School Opened Sept. 1, 
 1880 — By the Board and Dr. Hoose, as usual — Prof. Cassety 
 and Six Teachers Withdraw from the School — Mr. Gilmour's 
 Order to Teachers to Withdraw 52 
 
 CHAPTER XV. — The Board Demands of Prof. Cassety the Ap- 
 pointments of Normal Students — He Declines to Deliver 
 them to the board — the committee on teachers wait upon 
 those Teachers who Refuse to Serve Under the Board ho 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. — The Mode in Which the School has been Con- 
 tinued Since Sept. 1, 1880 — The Vacancies are Immediately 
 Supplied •_ 57 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. — Mr. Gilmour Purports to Withdraw his Ap- 
 proval of the Six Members of the Faculty who remained 
 with the Board — The Board Asks for Charges — Mr. Gilmour 
 Never Answers the Request 58 
 
Analytical Table of Contents. vii 
 
 PAGE 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. — Mr. Gilmour Orders the School to be Closed . 
 — The Board Declines to Close it or Allow it to be Closed 
 by Others — The Legislature Alone can close a Normal School 
 — The Board renews its offer to go to Court, which Mr. Gil- 
 mour does not answer 61 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. — Efforts to Disperse the Students — To send 
 them to other Normal Schools — Unsuccessful 64 
 
 CHAPTER XX. — Mr. Gilmour Notifles the Board that he well 
 go to the Court — A Committee of the Board meets him at 
 Albany — No Results 65 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. — Mr. Gilmour finally Brings the Case into 
 Court — The Issue as Stated ln the Arguments — Mr. Gilmour 
 claims absolute power oyer the normal schools — denied by 
 the Board , 67 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. — Statistics of the Cortland Normal School, 
 Read June 28, 18S0 — Showing he Work of the Graduates — 
 Tables of Statistics of Attendance, Including the Present 
 Term, Beginning Sept. 1, 1880 70 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. — Brief Recapitulation of the Attitude of the 
 Department of Public Instruction towards the Cortland Nor- 
 mal School — First, Under Supt. Weayer — Second, Under Supt. 
 Gilmour. (See also Appendix, page 85.) 77 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. — Necessary Consequences Resulting from the 
 Claims Made by Mr. Gilmour — The Entire Normal School 
 System of the State placed in Jeopardy by htm — Antagonistic 
 to the Spirit of American Institutions 80 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. — Legislation asked for by the Cortland Local 
 Board — That the Local Board Shall Initiate the Employ- 
 ment and Dismissal of Teachers, Subject to the Appro yal of 
 the Superintendent — That no Normal School shall be 
 Closed except by Action of the Board 82 
 
 APPENDIX 85 
 
 Members of the Legislature of 1881 89 
 
CHAPTER I. 
 
 STATUTES RELATING TO NORMAL SCHOOLS.— LAW OF 1866 
 
 —OF 1869— OF 1880. 
 
 Chapter 466. 
 
 An Act in regard to Normal Schools, passed April 7, 1866; three-fifths 
 being present. 
 The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do 
 
 enact as follows : 
 
 Section 1. The Governor, the Lieutenant-Governor, the Secretary of State, 
 the Comptroller, the State Treasurer, the Attorney-General and the Superin- 
 tendent of Public Instruction shall constitute a commission to receive proposals 
 in writing in regard to the establishment of normal and training schools for 
 the education and discipline of teachers for the common schools of this State 
 from the board of supervisors of any county in this State: from the corporate 
 authority of any city or village; from the board of trustees ot any college or 
 academy ; and from one or more individuals. Such commission shall have 
 power to accept or refuse such proposals, but the number accepted shall not 
 exceed four. Such proposals shall contain specifications for the purchase of 
 lands and the erection thereon of suitable buildings for such schools, or for 
 the appropriation of land and buildings to such use, and also the furnishing 
 of such schools with furniture, apparatus, books, and everything necessary to 
 their support and management. Such proposals may have in view, either the 
 grant and conveyance of such land and premises to the State, or the use of the 
 same for a limited time, and for the gift to the State of furniture, apparatus, 
 books and other things necessary to conduct such schools. 
 
 § 2. If the proposals made by any board of supervisors, or by the corporate 
 authorities of any city or village shall be accepted, said board or corporate 
 authorities shall have power to raise, by tax, and expend, the money necessary 
 to carry the same into effect; and if in their judgment it shall be deemed ex- 
 pedient, they shall have power to borrow money for such purpose, for any 
 time not exceeding ten years, and at a rate of interest not exceeding seven per 
 
 cent., and issue the corporate bonds of said county, city or village therefor, 
 2 
 
10 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 § 3. When the said commission shall have accepted proposals and deter- 
 mined the location of any one of such schools, and when suitable grounds and 
 buildings have been set apart and appropriated for such schools, and all need- 
 ful preparations made for opening the same in accordance with the proposals 
 accepted, the commission shall certify the same in writing, and then their 
 power under this act in relation to such school shall cease, and thereupon the 
 Superintendent of Public Instruction shall appoint a local board, consisting of 
 not less than three persons, who shall respectively hold their offices until re- 
 moved by the concurrent action of the Chancellor of the University and 1 he 
 Superintendent of the Public Instruction, and who shall have the immediate 
 supervision and management of such school, subject, however, to his general 
 supervision and to his direction in all things pertaining to the school. Such 
 local board shall have power to appoint one of their number chairman, and 
 another secretary, of the board. Two-thirds of each of said boards shall form 
 a quorum for the transaction of business, and in the absence of any officer of 
 the board another member may be appointed pro tempore to fill his place and 
 perform his duties. It shall be the duty of such board to make and establish, 
 and, from time to time, to alter and amend such rules and regulations for the 
 . government of such schools under their charge respectively, as they shall deem 
 best, which shall be subject to the approval of the Superintendent of Public 
 Instruction. They shall also severally transmit through him, and subject to 
 his appoval, a report to the Legislature on the first day of January in each 
 year, showing the condition of the school under their charge during the year 
 next preceding, and which report shall be in such form, and contain such an 
 account of their acts and doings as the Superintendent shall direct, including 
 especially, an account in detail of their receipts and expenditures, which shall 
 be duly verified by the oath or affirmation of their chairman and secretary. 
 
 § 4. It shall be the duty of the local board, subject to the approval of the 
 Superintendent of Public Instruction, to prescribe the course of study to be 
 pursued in each of said schools. It shall be the duty of the Superintendent of 
 Public Instruction to determine what number of teachers shall be employed in 
 each school, and their wages, whose employment shall also be subject to his 
 approval; to order in his discretion, that one or more of said schools shall be 
 composed exclusively of males, and one or more of females ; to decide upon 
 the number of pupils to be admitted to each of said schools, and to prescribe 
 the time and manner of their selection, but he shall take care in such selection 
 to provide that every part of the State shall have its proportionate representa- 
 tion in such school, as near as may be, according to population ; but if any 
 school commissioner district or any city shall not, for any cause, be fully rep- 
 resented in either of the said schools, then the Superintendent of Public In- 
 struction may cause the maximum number of such pupils to be supplied from 
 any part of the State, giving preference, however, to those living in the 
 county, city or village where such school is situated. 
 
 § 5. All applicants shall be subject, before admission, to a preliminary ex- 
 
I. — Statutes Relating to Normal Schools. 11 
 
 animation before such of the teachers of the school as shall be designated by 
 the local board for that purpose, and those who pass such examination shall 
 be admitted to all the privileges of the school, free from all charges for tuition 
 or for the use of books or apparatus, but every pupil shall pay for books lost 
 by him, and for any damage of books in his possession ; any pupil may be 
 dismissed from school by the local board for immoral or disorderly conduct, or 
 for neglect or inability to perform his duties. 
 
 § 6. The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall prepare suitable diplo- 
 mas to be granted to the students of such school who shall have completed one 
 or more of the courses of study and discipline prescribed ; and a diploma signed 
 by him, the chairman and secretary of the local board, and the principal of 
 the school, shall be of itself a certificate of qualification to teach common 
 schools; but such diploma may be annulled for the immoral conduct of its 
 holder, in like manner as provided for the annulment of a diploma of State 
 normal school, in title two, chapter five hundred and fifty -five of the Laws of 
 eighteen hundred and sixty-four. The provisions of this section shall be ap- 
 plicable to the Oswego normal training school. 
 
 § 7. The sum of twelve thousand dollars shall be annually, and is hereby 
 appropriated for the support of each of said normal and training schools to be 
 organized under this act, payable out of the income of the common school fund, 
 to be paid by the Treasurer, on the warrant of the Comptroller, upon the cer- 
 tificate of the Superintendent of Public Instruction affixed to the proper ac- 
 counts, verified by the oath or affirmation of the local board of each school; 
 but none of the money hereby appropriated shall be paid for the purchase of 
 any ground, site or buildings, for the use of such schools. 
 
 Chapter 18. 
 
 An act to amend an act entitled "An act in regard to Normal Schools," 
 passed April seventh, eighteen hundred and sixty-six. 
 
 Passed February 16, 1869 ; three-fifths being present. 
 
 The people of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do 
 enact as follows : 
 
 Section 1. The act entitled " An act in regard to Normal Schools," passed 
 April seventh, eighteen hundred and sixty-six, is hereby amended by adding 
 thereto the following section : 
 
 " § 8. Local Boards appointed under this act shall consist of not more than 
 thirteen persons, and the office of any member of such Local Board, which 
 now consists of more than thirteen members, is hereby declared vacant ; and 
 the said Superintendent of Public Instruction shall appoint a new local board, 
 and may fill, by appointment, all vacancies occuring in said local boards." 
 
 Until the appointment of such new local board, and until a quorum of such 
 board shall have entered upon the discharge of its duties, and during such 
 time as any local board shall omit to discharge its duties, the said Superinten- 
 
12 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 dent is authorized to discharge the duties of such local boards, or any of its 
 officers ; and the acts of said Superintendent in the premises shall be as valid 
 and binding as if done by a competent local board or its officers, or with their 
 co-operation. 
 
 § 2 . This act shall take effect immediately. 
 
 Chapter 348. 
 
 An act concerning the grounds, buildings and property of the State provid- 
 ed for Normal Schools, the custody, protection and preservation of the same, 
 and the powers of local boards in relation thereto. 
 
 Passed May 20, 1880; three- fifths being present. 
 The people of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do 
 
 enact as follows : 
 
 Section 1. The Local Boards of Managers of the respective Normal 
 Schools in this State, shall have the custody, keeping and management of the 
 grounds aud buildings provided or used for the purposes of. such schools, 
 respectively, and other property of the State pertaining thereto, with power to 
 protect, preserve and improve the same. 
 
 § 2. Any willful trespass in or upon any of the buildings or grounds pro- 
 vided or used for the purposes of any of said normal schools or wilful injury 
 to any of said buildings or grounds, or any trees, fences, fixtures or other 
 property thereon pertaining thereto, shall be a misdemeanor, punishable by 
 fine and imprisonment, or either ; and concurrently with the courts of record, 
 justices of the peace, police justices and courts of special sessions, in the 
 towns and cities where said schools are situated, shall have the same jurisdic- 
 tion of said offences as they have in other cases of misdemeanors within their 
 jurisdiction. 
 
 § 3. For the purpose of protecting and preserving such buildings, grounds 
 and other property, and preventing injuries thereto, and preserving order, 
 and preventing disturbances, and preserving the peace in such buildings, and 
 upon such grounds, the Local Boards of managers of each of said Normal 
 Schools shall have power, by resolution or otherwise, to appoint, from time to 
 time, one or more special policeman, and the same to remove at pleasure, who 
 shall be police officers with the same powers as constables of the town or city 
 where such school is located, whose duty it shall be to preserve order, and 
 prevent disturbances and breaches of the peace in and about the buildings, and 
 on and about the grounds used for said school, or pertaining thereto, and protect 
 and preserve the same from injury, and to arrest any and all persons makiug 
 any loud or unusual roise, causing any disturbance, committing any breach of 
 the peace, or misdemeanor, or any wilful trespass upon such grounds, or in 
 or upon said buildings, or any part thereof, and convey such person or persons 
 so arrested, with a statement of the cause of the arrest, before a proper magis- 
 trate to be dealt with according to law. 
 
 § 4. This act shall take effect immediately. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 THE ORGANIZATION AND OPENING OF THE CORTLAND 
 NORMAL SCHOOL— FROM DECEMBER 16, 1868, TO MARCH 3, 
 1869— OFFICIAL INTERPRETATION OF THE LAW OF 1866— 
 CARE IN SELECTING A FACULTY. 
 
 According to the provisions of Chapter 4:66, Laws of 1866, 
 the village of Cortland, by a vote of 231 to 12, appropriated, in 
 round numbers, $100,000 for the purpose of securing one of the 
 normal schools provided for by the act. The village deeded 
 without reserve the grounds, building and furniture to the State. 
 The expectation of the village is expressed substantially by Hon. 
 H. S. Eandall, writing October 6, 1869 : That Mr. Eice urged 
 the school on our people ; that this was his favorite place ; that 
 the citizens of Cortland were to have their rights and privileges 
 granted. This protective force was to be State authority lodged 
 in a Local Board of management. 
 
 Accordingly, at the proper time, the citizens carefully can- 
 vassed the names of those whom they desired to be endowed 
 with this State authority, in order to administer the affairs of 
 the school, and placed them before Hon. A. B. Weaver, then 
 State Superintendent. 
 
 Under date of December 16, 1868, Mr. Weaver made ap- 
 pointments as follows : 
 
 Now therefore, pursuant to the Statute above mentioned, I do hereby ap- 
 point as a Local Board for the management of said school, the following named 
 persons, residents of the village of Cortland, to-wit : 
 
 Henry S. Randall, Henry Brewer, 
 
 R. Holland Duell, Charles Taylor, 
 
 Frederick Hyde, Norman Chamberlain, 
 
 Horatio Ballard, Arnold Stafford, 
 
 William Newktrk. 
 
14 CORTLAND NORMAL SCHOOL CONTROVERSY. 
 
 The Board organized immediately by appointing Hon. Henry 
 S. Randall president. Measures were taken at once to open the 
 school as soon as practicable. The Board had before it the sug- 
 gestions of Superintendent Weaver, sent December 16, 1868, ac- 
 companying his order appointing the Board. This letter was as 
 follows, and was addressed to Hon. Henry S. Randall : 
 
 Permit me to suggest that if you intend to open the school early in the 
 month of February next, one of the most imperative, as well as one of the 
 most important duties that will claim the attention of the Board, will be the 
 selection of a Principal, that you may avail yourselves of his advice and ser- 
 vices in preparing and issuing a proper circular, and in making other necessary 
 arrangements. I do not recommend indiscrete haste in this matter, but 
 promptness and the utmost care. 
 
 On the 21st of December, 1868, Hon. A. B. Weaver wrote 
 again to Hon. H. S. Randall : 
 
 Your promptness in calling a meeting of the Local Board of the Normal 
 School at Cortland, is commendable. As you ask me to express my views in 
 regard to a Principal, I would advise the Board to " make haste slowly," in 
 the selection, and to obtain the right man if it takes all winter. But such 
 delay will not be necessary. There will be plenty of applicants, but your 
 choice will not be limited to them. ***** 
 
 In my opinion the principal question to be determined with reference to a 
 Principal is, whether he would be a good manager of the whole school. If by 
 
 your remark that I said was " head-strong " you mean to express that 
 
 impression of , you are mistaken. I intended to convey no such 
 
 idea in reference to him, though I hope that, to a reasonable degree, it may 
 prove to be the fact. ****** 
 
 Before any appointment is made, the person who is to receive it should show 
 himself, as well as his papers. I would appoint no stranger upon recommen- 
 dation solely. Unless you know the man to whose care you propose to com- 
 mit your school, he should present himself before you that you may exercise 
 your practical judgment in respect to his manhood, his power, his presence, 
 besides having satisfactory evidence of his scholarly attainments and moral 
 fitness for such a responsible and honorable place. * * 
 
 * * After the Board shall have come to a conclusion, and before 
 
 a formal appointment shall have been made, I would be glad, if thought proper, 
 to be advised of their contemplated action, that all conflict may, if possible, be 
 avoided. 
 
 In full accordance with the letter and spirit of Mr. Weaver's 
 suggestions, members of the Local Board proceeded forthwith to 
 secure a Principal. They spared neither time nor pains to ex- 
 
II. — Organization and Opening. 15 
 
 mine credentials and to interview candidates. In order that no 
 mistakes should arise regarding the relations of authority between 
 the Local Board and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, 
 the President of the Board asked for an interpretation of the 
 Statute in reference to the employment of teachers. Accordingly, 
 Hon. A. B. Weaver, under date of January 19, 1869, wrote to 
 Hon. H. S. Randall as follows : 
 
 All persons employed and paid by the State to teach in the several departments 
 of the Normal School at Cortland, should be employed in the usual manner, — on 
 the recommendation of the Local Board, subject to the confirmation of the Superin- 
 tendent, — and at fixed rates of salary. 
 
 This explicit interpretation of the Statute was followed in the 
 employment of the first teachers ; it established the uniform 
 practice of concurrent authority between the Superintendent 
 and the Board ; it is the construction which has always guided 
 the Board in its action. The members of the Board proceeded 
 immediately to select from the candidates those who were found 
 acceptable for the positions to be filled by the Board. 
 
 As showing the great care which was taken in the selection 
 of the Faculty, especially the Principal, whose services were 
 sought in selecting the remaining teachers, the subjoined extract 
 from a letter by Hon. H. S. Randall, January 26, 1869, is sub- 
 mitted. It is addressed to Supt. Weaver : 
 
 Your appointment of the Local Board of our Normal School was made on 
 the 17th of December last. The Board was organized on the 19th. I immedi- 
 ately consulted you in regard to the selection of a Principal. In your reply, 
 December 21st, you said: "I would advise the Board to make haste slowly in 
 the selection and to obtain the right man if it takes all winter." * * * 
 Immediately after the organization of the Board, the committee on teachers 
 commenced a vigorous effort to find the proper person. I conducted the cor- 
 respondence on behalf of the committee. Believing that it would be imprudent 
 to rely on the recommendations sent in by applicants, I confidentially wrote to, 
 or personally conferred with, a large number of eminent educators and others 
 in regard to the qualifications of the several candidates. It frequently occurred 
 that the persons so addressed had no personal knowledge of the candidate con- 
 cerning whom the enquiries were made, but referred me to other designated 
 persons. These in turn were communicated with without delay. I can truly 
 say that I never lost an hour unnecessarily in writing or otherwise applying 
 for any available information which promised to be useful, and my colleagues 
 
16 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 and other friends of the institution aided in these enquiries. * 
 
 Two or three weeks had elapsed before some of the most prominent ones (can- 
 didates) were before the committee. With the utmost diligence which could 
 be exercised, facts enough were not ascertained, in the judgment of the 
 teachers' committee, to warrant definite action toward the selection of a Prin- 
 cipal — for obvious reasons our first object — until about three weeks had 
 elapsed. 
 
 Hon. Henry S. Randall, wrote to Hon. A. B. Weaver, Feb- 
 ruary 19, 1869 : 
 
 At a regular meeting of the Local Board of the Cortland Normal and 
 Training School, held February 19th inst : the committee on teachers unani- 
 mously recommended the employment of the following teachers for said 
 School, at the salaries placed opposite their several names; and the Board 
 unanimously adopted said report and resolved to employ said teachers at such 
 salaries, subject to the approval of the Superintendent of Public Instruction: 
 
 JAMES H. HOOSE, Superintendent, and Teacher in 
 
 Didactics and Moral Philosophy $2,500. 
 
 Thomas B. Stowell. Teacher of Natural Science, 1,400. 
 
 F. S. Capen, Teacher of Mathematics, _ . .-. 1,400. 
 
 Miss Martha Roe, Superintendent of Intermediate and 
 Primary Departments, and Teacher of Methods and 
 their application to objects, 800. 
 
 Superintendent Weaver, under date of February 23d 1869, 
 approved the list of teachers that was sent to him. (See Ch. YI.) 
 
 The School opened March 3, 1869. At the close of the 
 term the rolls showed 57 different normal students. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 CHANGES IN THE LOCAL BOARD — THE FIRST WAS MADE 
 SEPTEMBER 11, 1872— THE SECOND, SEPTEMBER 12, 1876— THE 
 THIRD, OCTOBER 28, 1879— DIFFERENCE IN THE MANNER OF 
 APPOINTMENT BY THE SUPERINTENDENT— CONSEQUENCES 
 OF THIS. 
 
 The school prospered under the management of the Local 
 Board. The first event that occupied the attention of the Board 
 in regard to its membership was the vacancy caused by the death 
 of Mr. Arnold Stafford, which occurred June 27, 1872. Super- 
 intendent Weaver, being desirous of the welfare of the school, 
 requested the Board to recommend to him a gentleman for the 
 vacancy, who should be well qualified for the position. Accord- 
 ingly the Board gave diligent attention to the matter, consulting 
 the representative character of the man, his position in the vil- 
 lage, his integrity, and his disposition to serve the State in a de- 
 voted and unselfish manner. The Board formally recommended 
 Mr. Robert B. Smith, who was thereupon appointed by the 
 Superintendent, the appointment bearing date of September 11, 
 1872. 
 
 The second change in the membership of the Board was 
 caused by the death of Hon. Henry S. Randall, August 12, 1876. 
 In due time the Board formally recommended for the vacancy 
 Mr. Henry Hubbard, a representative citizen of Cortland, to 
 the Superintendent, then Hon. Neil Gilmour, who was elected 
 in April, 1874. In this proceeding the Board followed their 
 former practice and the custom which prevails substantially 
 with the other normal schools in the State having Boards seated 
 
18 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 by the Statute of 1860. The Board never received any response 
 to their communication. After waiting some weeks, Mr. Gil- 
 monr sent to the Board the appointment of Mr. J. S. Squires as 
 a member thereof. The Board appointed Dr. Frederick Hyde 
 president. Members of the Board sent a joint letter to Mr. Gil- 
 mour explaining the action they had taken in recommending Mr. 
 Hubbard. Mr. Gil m our, September 23, 1870, wrote to the 
 secretary of the Board a letter in which he says : 
 
 I trust that the appointment may be satisfactory * * 
 
 and that you will continue to be * * a harmonious body, 
 
 earnest and anxious, both individually and collectively, for the success and 
 prosperity of the school, whose interests are in your immediate charge. 
 
 The third change in the Board was upon the death of Hon. 
 Horatio Ballard, who died October 8, 1879. October 28, fol- 
 lowing, Mr. Gilmour appointed Mr. J. C. Carmichael to the 
 vacancy, not having had any consultation with the Board in re- 
 gard to the matter. 
 
 Up to the advent of Mr. J. S. Squires into its deliberations 
 there never had been a divided vote in the actions of the Board. 
 It had been the pride of the members to act harmoniously and 
 unanimously as a Board upon all questions, however great might 
 be the diversity of opinions among the individuals. Hon. H. S. 
 Randall gave the ideal for this action which the Board never 
 forsook up to this time, 1870. Mr. Randall, upon taking office, 
 December 19, 1808, said : 
 
 The Normal . School has been founded at great cost. It belongs to the 
 ■people and should be managed equally for the benefit of all. Conducted with 
 harmony, wisdom and energy, it will be productive of incalculable advantages; 
 conducted without these, it will end in failure. The chief prerequisite to suc- 
 cess—that without which all others will prove unavailing — is unity of feeling 
 and action. Differences of opinion may arise, but if they are discussed in a 
 spirit of conciliation and concession, * * * we shall 
 
 have little difficulty, I apprehend, in ultimately deciding every question with 
 unanimity. * * * * It would be to me the proudest 
 
 circumstance of my official connection with you, gentlemen, if during the 
 period of that connection, our minutes give proof of this good temper, (unani- 
 mity) good sense, and mutual, manly concession. (See Report of Sup't. 
 Public Instruction, 1877, p. 168.) 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 CONCURRENT AUTHORITY TO DISMISS A MEMBER OF THE 
 FACULTY. THE PROCEEDINGS WERE INITIATED BY THE 
 BOARD AND APPROVED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT. 
 
 The first and only case (at date) of dismissing a member of 
 the Faculty occurred in January, 1877. The President of the 
 Board, Dr. F. Hyde, instituted a correspondence which is given 
 below. Dr. Hyde wrote to Mr. Gilmour, date of December 11, 
 
 1876: 
 
 For considerable time past there have been complaints made that the 
 
 duties of the teacher in our school were not discharged with sufficient 
 
 ability. Our first thought was that the objections to were without 
 
 weight, and we hoped that continuance in the faculty would contribute to 
 
 the best interests of the Institution. We have carefully considered the objec- 
 tionable features in teaching, and while perhaps we have been slow in 
 
 concluding that a change of teachers was necessary, we are now well convinced 
 that the interests of this Department as well as the general good of the School 
 
 require that place should be filled by one better qualified to meet its 
 
 requirements. We preferred to consult you early before any measure was 
 proposed. Should you think with us that a change should be made you will 
 so advise us. 
 
 Mr. Gilmour, under date of December 15, 1876, answered 
 
 Dr. Hyde : 
 
 I have carefully considered your letter in regard to . If, in the 
 
 opinion of the Board, the interests of the school would be furthered by the 
 
 resignation of and the appointment of a successor I know of no reason 
 
 why I should not concur in such action. 
 
 January 6, 1877, the Board formally called for the resigna- 
 tion of the said teacher, and sent a copy of their resolution to 
 Mr. Gilmour. 
 
20 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 Under date of January 19, 1877, Mr.' Gilmour wrote the 
 
 Board : 
 
 I hereby approve the resolution adopted by the Local Board of the Cortland 
 Normal School, at a meeting held on the 6th inst., calling for the resignation 
 of . 
 
 Following this letter, January 20, 1877, Mr. Gilmour by 
 
 letter requested the Board to modify their request calling for 
 
 the before mentioned resignation. The Board immediately met, 
 
 discussed the case, and reaffirmed their action of the 6th inst. 
 
 Notice of this action was sent to Mr. Gilmour, who January 
 
 26, 1877, wrote : 
 
 Inasmuch as the Local Board are unanimously of the opinion that it would 
 
 be detrimental to the interests of the school to continue , I renew my 
 
 approval of the resolution adopted January 6th, asking for resignation. 
 
 Mr. Gilmour, alluding, May 2, 1877, to this dismissal, wrote 
 of it as having been done by the Board. He says : " At the 
 close of last term the Board discharged," etc. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 MR. GILMOUR'S REMARKABLE ORDER— HE DIRECTS THE 
 BOARD TO RENOMINATE THE ENTIRE FACULTY, THE DAY 
 FOLLOWING HIS CONFIRMATION OF A MEMBER OF IT- 
 THERE WERE NO VACANCIES, NO RESIGNATIONS— ORDER 
 MADE JUNE 12, 1877— THE BOARD DECLINE TO COMPLY. 
 
 Th e only chair in the school that was not permanently filled 
 June 12, 187&, rw&s filled by Mr. Gilmour in his confirmation of 
 the teacher, dated June 11, 1877. This teacher was nominated 
 by the Board April 7, 1877. Mr. Gilmour, having given as a 
 reason that he wished "to straighten up the books in the office" 
 at Albany, sent to the Board, June 12, 1877, a letter directing 
 the Board to renominate all the Faculty. At this time there 
 were no vacancies in the Faculty ; no teacher proposed to resign ; 
 no teacher wished, or expected to resign ; no teacher was ex- 
 pected or was asked to resign either by the Board or by Mr. 
 Gilmour, so far as anything was said or done. 
 
 The following is from Mr. Gilmour's letter of June 12, 1877 : 
 
 Please call a meeting of the Local Board of your school at an early day, 
 and have them renominate to me all who are proposed as teachers for the year 
 commencing next September. The list should state the precise nature of the 
 duties to he performed by each teacher, and the salary proposed to be paid. 
 
 The Board met and sent to Mr. Gilmour a simple statement 
 relating to the Faculty as the Board wished to have them con- 
 tinue ; no renominations were made, because there were no va- 
 cancies, and no teacher was absent from duty except the one just 
 confirmed by Mr. Gilmour. This statement was destroyed by 
 
22 Cortland [Normal School Controversy. 
 
 fire a few months ago, and hence no copy is inserted here. Mr. 
 G-ilmonr acted upon this statement as if it had been a nomination 
 of a number of teachers, and quite to the surprise of the Board 
 wrote to the Secretary, July 5, 1877, what purported to be his 
 approval. 
 
 For the change in the form of the approval see the next chap- 
 ter. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 FORMS OF CONFIRMATION OF TEACHERS— SIGNIFICANT 
 CHANGES INTRODUCED BY MR. GILMOUR— FIRST MADE 
 JUNE 11, 1877; THEN JULY 5, 1877. 
 
 Below are given the confirmations of the members of the 
 Faculty that belonged to the school September 1, 1880. It will 
 be noticed that the first change in the form of confirmation 
 was introduced by Mr. Gilmour June 11, 1877, and still other 
 changes were made in his purported confirmation of July 5, 
 1877. These modified forms are not provided for by the Stat- 
 ute, and assume legislative powers. 
 
 I. — Forms Used by Supt. Weaver. 
 
 Superintendent Weaver, under date of February 23, 1869, 
 
 addressing President Randall of the Local Board, wrote : 
 
 The action of the Local Board of the Cortland Normal and Training 
 School at a meeting held February 19th, 1869, in selecting the following named 
 Professors and Teachers for said school, at the salaries set opposite their names, 
 respectively, is hereby approved and confirmed; to wit: 
 
 /. JAMES H. HOOSE, Superintendent; Teacher in Didactics 
 
 and Moral Philosophy — Salary $2,500 per annum. 
 
 III. F. S. Capen, Teacher of Mathematics, 
 
 Salary, $1,400 per annum. 
 
 IV. Thomas B. Stowell, Teacher of Natural Science, Salary, 
 
 $1,400 per aimum. 
 
 V. Miss Martha Roe, Superintendent of Intermediate and Pri- 
 mary Departments, and Teacher of Methods and their 
 application to Objects, Salary, $800 per annum. 
 
 Superintendent Weaver, under date of July 22, 1869, 
 wrote : 
 
24 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 The following nominations of teachers, as made by the Local Board at the 
 
 meeting of July 13th, 1869, are hereby approved and confirmed : 
 
 j * * * * -x- # * 
 
 IT. Miss M. F. Hendrick, Teacher of Elocution and Gymnastics, 
 
 Salary, $600 per annum. 
 
 j jf # * # # * * * 
 
 All the above confirmations to date from the begining of the next term of 
 school. 
 
 Mr. Weaver, date of August 19, 1870, wrote to the Board : 
 
 In accordance with the recommendations of the Local Board the Salaries 
 of the following named teachers are hereby increased, as follows : Miss Roe's 
 from $800 to$900 per annum. Miss Hendrick 's from $600 to $750 per 
 annum. 
 
 Under date of November 24, 1.871, Supt. Weaver wrote to 
 
 the Board : 
 
 Upon the recommendation of the Local Board, and upon the conditio ns 
 named in my letter to you of June 8th, 1871, the salary of Prof. Stowell, 
 teacher in Natural Sciences, is hereby fixed at the rate of $1,700 per annum, to 
 date from beginning of current term of school (September 6, 1871.) 
 
 Superintendent Weaver sent the following, bearing date 
 
 March 12, 1872 : 
 
 The nomination of Miss Emily E. Cole as Critic in the Primary Depart- 
 ment of the Cortland Normal School, * * * * is hereby con- 
 firmed, to date from the beginning of the present term. Her salary is fixed at 
 the rate of per annum. 
 
 Mr. Weaver, date of July 12, 1872, wrote to Hon. H. S. 
 
 Randall : 
 
 The nominations of the following named persons as teachers in the Cortland 
 Normal School, as made at a meeting of the Local Board held June 22, 1872, 
 are hereby approved, and said persons are hereby confirmed as teachers in said 
 school, at the rate of salary stated opposite their respective names: 
 
 I. Miss Clara E. Booth. Teacher of Modern Languages, vice 
 
 resigned, Salary at the rate of $700 per annum. 
 
 Under date of January 29, 1873, Mr. Weaver wrote : 
 
 Upon recommendation of the Local Board, the salary of Miss Emily E. 
 Cole is increased to $700 per annum, to date from the beginning of next 
 term. 
 
 December 2, 1873, Supt. Weaver wrote : 
 
 Upon the recommendation of the Local Board, the following named per- 
 
YI. — Forms of Confirmation of Teachers. 25 
 
 sons are hereby confirmed as teachers in said school, to date from the begin- 
 ning of the term: (September, 1873.) 
 
 I. Sarah A. Saunders, Critic in Primary Department, Salary, 
 . $600 per annum. 
 
 This Salary was subsequently increased to $700, upon recom- 
 mendation of the Board. 
 
 January 28, 1874, Supt. Weaver wrote : 
 
 The nominations of the following named persons as teachers in the Cort- 
 land Normal School are hereby approved and confirmed : 
 
 77. E. P. Halbert, Vocal Music and Drawing, vice resigned, 
 
 Salary, $550 per annum. 
 
 II. — Forms Used by Supt. Gilmour : 
 November 22, 1876, Mr. Gilmour wrote : 
 
 The nomination of Miss Elizabeth Rase as Principal of the Intermediate 
 Department, vice , resigned, is hereby confirmed, to take effect from Sep- 
 tember 6, 1876, Salary $700 per annum. 
 
 Mr. Gilmour wrote, November 22, 1876 : 
 
 The nomination of Mrs. Lottie T. Corlew, as Critic in the Intermediate 
 Department, vice Miss Rase promoted, is also hereby confirmed, to take effect 
 from September 6. 1876, Salary, $700 per annum. 
 
 June 11, 1877, Mr. Gilmour introduced the first of his 
 changes in the form of appointment, by adding" the clause "to 
 continue daring the pleasure of the Local Board and the Super- 
 intendent of Public Instruction." 
 
 Upon the recommendation of the Local Board of the Cortland Normal 
 School I hereby confirm Mr. James M. Milne as teacher in said school * 
 
 * * * , This appointment to take effect at thu beginning of the fall 
 term, 1877, and to continue during the pleasure of the Local Board and the Su- 
 perintent of Public Instruction. The salary of Mr. Milne is hereby fixed at the 
 rate of per annum. 
 
 July 5, 1877, Mr. Gilmour introduced still other clauses in 
 
 his purported confirmation — that relating to dismissal — and the 
 
 elaborate specification about the duties of the Principal : 
 
 Upon the recommendation of the Local Board of the Normal and Training 
 School at Cortland, made at a meeting held on the 23rd ult., I hereby approve 
 of the following nominations, and confirm the persons named as teachers in 
 said school, to take effect at the beginning of the fall term in 1877. Said ap- 
 pointments to continue in force during the pleasure of the Local Board and tfte 
 
26 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 Superintendent of Public Instruction, but no teacher to be discharged or compelled 
 to resign, except with the approval of the Superintendent. Salaries to be paid at 
 the rates stated opposite the names of the respective teachers. The work of 
 the teachers to be subject to change by the Local Board, subject to the approval of 
 the Superintendent : 
 
 I. JAMES H. HOOSE, Principal, with such work as may be assign- 
 ed him by the Board, subject to the approval of the Superinten- 
 dent of Publie Instruction. Salary, $2, 500 per annum. 
 
 77. Thos. B. Stowell, Natural Sciences; Salary,. 1,700 per annum. 
 
 777. Frank S. Capen, Mathematics; Salary, 1,600 per annum. 
 
 IV. James M. Milne, Latin and Greek; Salary, ._. 1,400 per annum 
 VI Martha M. Roe, Methods and Superintendent of School of 
 
 Practice; Salary, $ 900 per anu urn. 
 
 F77. Mary F. Hendrick, Rhetoric, Elocution, Composition, and Eng- 
 lish Literature ; Salary, $ . 750 per annum. 
 
 F777. Clara E. Booth, French and German ; Salary. 700 per annum. 
 
 IX. Emily P. H albert. Vocal Music and Drav ing; Salary, ,. . 
 
 % 550 per annum. 
 
 X. Elizabeth Rase, Principal and Critic of Intermediate Depart- 
 ment ; Salary, $ 700 per annum. 
 
 XL Lottie T. Corlew, Methods and Critic in Intermediate Depart- 
 ment ; Salary, $ 700 per annum. 
 
 XII Emily E. Cole, Principal and Critic in Primary Department; 
 
 Salary, % 700 per annum. 
 
 XIII Sarah A. Saunders, Methods and Critic in Primary Depart- 
 ment ; Salary, $ 700 per annum. 
 
 In view of the long and faithful services of Professor Capen, I have in- 
 creased his salary to $1,600 per annum, as recommended by the Board. 
 
 The Board recommended at the same time that the Salary of 
 Miss Koe should be increased to $1,000, but Mr. Gilmour has 
 never alluded to it in writing to the Board. 
 
 Professor S. J. Sornberger was last employed in August, 1878, 
 beginning his work September 2, 1878, with the opening of the 
 term. The letter containing his confirmation was destroyed by 
 fire, hence the form is not included. 
 
 Mr. Gilmour introduced still another form of confirmation, 
 
 not provided for by the Statute, in his purported appointment 
 
 of Professor Cassety to Cortland, August 4, 1880. It is : 
 
 This appointment to remain in force during the pleasure of the Superinten- 
 dent of Public Instruction. (See Ch. XI, No. 9.) 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 MR. GILMOUR REQUESTS THE LOCAL BOARD TO ALLOW DR. J. 
 H. HOOSE TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE FREDONIA NORMAL 
 SCHOOL— DONE IN AUGUST, 1878— CONCURRENT POWERS- 
 CONCEDED ACCEPTABILITY OF DR. HOOSE'S ADMINISTRA- 
 TION. 
 
 Dr. J. W. Armstrong, Principal of the Fredonia Normal 
 School, died in August, 1878. The Local Board of that School 
 nominated a successor, whom Mr. Gilmour, desiring* another 
 candidate, did not wish to approve. In this state of the case 
 Mr. Gilmour summoned the Principals to meet him at Utica, 
 August 24, for counsel. At this meetiug it was arranged that 
 he should go directly to Fredonia and see if that Board was 
 willing that he should detail Dr. Hoose from Cortland to that 
 school until permanent arrangements could be made. At this 
 time, and during the previous years of the history of the Fredo- 
 nia School, under Dr. Armstrong, J. M. Cassety was Vice-Prin- 
 cipal of the Normal School at Fredonia. 
 
 Mr. Gilmour proceeded to Fredonia, returned to Albany, and 
 wrote to the Cortland Local Board, requesting that Dr. Hoose be 
 allowed to go to Fredonia. The Board formally granted the 
 request. The Cortland Board nominated Professor T. B. 
 S to well, of the faculty, to be acting Principal at Cortland during 
 the absence of Dr. Hoose at Fredonia, and the nomination was 
 confirmed by Mr. Gilmour. The following correspondence 
 explains more minutely the further history of the case. 
 
28 Cortland Kormal School Controversy. 
 
 (telegram.) 
 
 Fredonia, N. Y., Aug. 26, 1878. 
 Keceived at Cortland, 2-30 P. M. 
 To Dr. James H Hoose. 
 
 Go to Fredonia. Will write to-morrow from Albany. 
 
 Neil Gilmour, Superintendent. 
 
 State op New York, Department of Public Instruction, ) 
 Superintendent's Office. Albany, August 27, 1878. ) 
 
 Dr. Jas. H, Hoose, Cortland, N. Y. 
 
 Sir: — It has been arranged entirety satisfactorily and unanimously that you 
 take charge of the Fredonia Normal School from its opening, one week from 
 to-morrow, until arrangements can be made for a permanent principal. You 
 will receive a cordial welcome. This is decided^ the best thing that can be 
 done under the circumstances, and I thank you for consenting to go. 
 
 You may go as soon as you wish, but it seems to me you had better reach 
 Fredonia not later than Monday evening. I enclose a letter of introduction to 
 Louis McKinstry, Secretary of the Board. If you wish to see me personally 
 before you go, I will appoint a time ; it does not seem to me, however, to be 
 necessary. You are to go there with full powers as principal. I have writ- 
 ten to the Secretary of jour Local Board. 
 
 • Your obedient servant, 
 
 Neil Gilmour, Superintendent. 
 
 Office of The Fredonia Censor, [ 
 
 W. McKinstry and Son, Proprietors. Fredonia, N. Y., August 30, 1878. ) 
 
 Dr. J. H. Hoose, 
 
 Dear Sir: — The more our community learns of you and from those 
 who know you, the greater is the general satisfaction that you are to have 
 charge of the Normal School. You will be cordially welcomed and heartily 
 sustained. We shall look for you next Monday. 
 
 Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, 
 
 L McKinstry, Sec. Local Board. 
 
 State Normal and Training School at Fredonia, "j 
 
 Chautauqua County, N. Y. ( 
 
 J. H. Hoose, Ph. I)., Principal; Hon. L. Moeris, President f 
 
 Local Board; L McKinstry, Secretary. * October 24, 1878. J 
 
 Hon. Neil Gilmour, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Albany, N. Y. : 
 
 Dear Sir: I wish to congratulate you upon the happy termination of the 
 interregnum here. At 10 a. m. to-day the Board met, your telegram having 
 come to hand last evening. After a free, full and pleasant canvass, Professor- 
 Palmer was unanimously elected. The best of harmony prevails and all feel 
 pleasant. Expectation was all important — and immediate success has ap- 
 proved it. I feel that a very profitable and pleasant career awaits Professor 
 
VII. — Dr. Hoose at Fredonia. 29 
 
 Palmer's efforts here. The people will give him a cordial welcome, I am sure. 
 I shall give him all needed assistance before going away, and hope to leave 
 next Tuesda} r evening or Wednesday morning. 
 
 I have had a delightful time here in all that the citizens, Faculty and Board 
 could do for me, although my labors have been very delicate, intricate, diffi- 
 cult, and literally endless. 
 
 I have tried to serve the cause with all my power, and have devoted my 
 whole energies to the school. If I have succeeded in my work, count it all 
 for the State and nothing for myself personally. 
 
 You will always consider my services at prompt response when called for 
 by the Department of Public Instruction for the cause of our common educa- 
 tional labors in any field where I can do work. 
 
 Most truly yours, J. H. HOOSE. 
 
 Extract from the Twenty-fifth Annual Report of the Super- 
 tendent of Public Instruction, 1879 : 
 
 Page 26.] 
 
 Dr. John W. Armstrong, for many years Principal of the Fredonia Normal 
 School, died on the 12th d-a.y of August, 1878. He had obtained an enviable 
 reputation as a scholar and teacher. Dr. James H. Hoose," Principal of the 
 Cortland Normal School, was detailed to fill the position temporarily, until a 
 permanent Principal could be secured. The Local Board and the Superinten 
 dent of Public Instruction have secured the services of Professor Francis B. 
 Palmer, recently vice-principal of the Brockport Normal School, for this 
 position. 
 
 Regarding the work of the Principal while at Fredonia, the 
 following testimonial is submitted : 
 
 Pages 116-7.] 
 
 At a meeting of the Local Board of the State Normal and Training School 
 at Fredonia, held October 26, 1878, the following was unanimously adopted: 
 
 In view of the notice from Dr. J. H. Hoose, that he must soon retire from 
 the charge of the Fredonia Normal School, to which he has been temporarily 
 detailed, and resume his duties as Principal of the Normal School at Cortland, 
 the Local Board at Fredonia desire to express their appreciation of Dr. Hoose 
 and his services here. We have found him remarkably able in school manage- 
 ment— severe and strict, but always pleasant and kind, governing his pupils 
 on principle, and guided by a sound philosoph} 7 " of discipline and culture — 
 never by caprice. These principles tend to bring the school to a high degree 
 of that true discipline which maintains the self-control and self-respect of the 
 pupils, and also their invariable respect for authority. Dr. Hoose is also highly 
 successful in inspiring his students with ambition for thorough scholarship, 
 and more than all to cherish those solid elements of personal character which 
 
30 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 constitute and adorn true men and noble women. For these reasons, and also 
 on account of our very pleasant personal and official relations, we sincerely 
 regret the departure of Dr. Hoose, and he bears with him on his return to 
 Cortland our official commendation, and our personal good wishes for his 
 prosperity and happiness, in which sentiments we believe this entire com- 
 munity concurs. 
 
 Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing testiminial, officially signed, be pre- 
 sented to Dr. Hoose, and that duplicates be sent to the Local Board of Cort- 
 land Normal School, and to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 ADDITIONAL FACTS RELATING TO THE ATTITUDE OF MR. 
 GILMOUR TOWARDS THE NORMAL SCHOOL SYSTEM— HIS 
 ADMINISTRATION OF THE AFFAIRS OF THE CORTLAND 
 NORMAL SCHOOL— HIS REFUSAL TO MEET THE BOARD— 
 HIS SATISFACTION WITH THE SCHOOL. 
 
 The attitude of Mr. Gilmour towards the Normal School 
 System, when it was under adverse criticism, as he presented his 
 views in his annual report, gave the friends of the Normal 
 Schools much anxiety. In 1877, the system was attacked in the 
 Legislature ; but the friends of the schools, led by Hon. J. I. 
 Gilbert, sustained their claims to public support. Mr. Gilmour 
 was re-elected in April, 1877. He called a special meeting of 
 the Principals of the Normal Schools in December 1877, follow- 
 ing. The meeting was held December 6 — 7, in the Albany 
 High School building, Mr. Gilmour presiding. Among the mat- 
 ters brought before the meeting was that Mr. Gilmour's report 
 had given occasion for misconceptions in the minds of the people , 
 regarding the actual history and work of the Normal Schools, 
 their functions, and their principle of organization. The Prin- 
 cipals regretted the statements referred to. Mr. Gilmour alluded 
 by name to two of the Principals who, he alleged in substance, 
 had manifested a lack of sympathy for him in his late canvass ; 
 he characterized Dr. Hoose as chief aggressor in this matter ; he 
 continued, in effect, that whatever opinions the Principals might 
 entertain in regard to supporting him for Superintendent in his 
 
32 Cortlajsd Normal School Controversy. 
 
 canvass, they must obey him, although wherein there had been 
 disobedience was not made clear. This assumption of Mr. Gil- 
 mour to take the control of the Principals entirely out of the 
 hands of the Boards, Dr. Hoose and the Cortland Local Board 
 have never approved nor conceded. 
 
 Mr. Gilmour was first elected State Superintendent in April, 
 1874. During his entire administration he has met the Cortland 
 Local Board but once. The President urged him frequently to 
 meet the Board and counsel with it, but he declined. He has 
 very seldom met any of the officers of the Board when visiting 
 Cortland ; still fewer times has he counselled or advised with them 
 about the affairs. of the school. He has never intimated to the 
 Principal that the school was declining in aught, or that the 
 Principal should modify his course with reference to it. He 
 haSjinstead, spoken of the school as being one of the very best in 
 the state. Mr. Gilmour visited the village and school May 
 24 — 5, 1880, but said no word to the Principal or to any officer 
 of the Board that there was any failure or lack anywhere in the 
 condition of the School. On the contrary, he found it in the en- 
 joyment of its highest prosperity, as the Principal placed before 
 him the facts of attendance, and other matters relating to the 
 state of the school. 
 
 In the canvass for State Superintendent, session of 1880, Dr. 
 Hoose gave his support to another candidate, Mr. Gilmour also 
 being a candidate as his own successor. (See Cli. IX, letter 
 No. 5.) 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 MR. GILMOUR'S SUDDEN DEMAND OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE 
 CORTLAND NORMAL SCHOOL FOR HIS "PEREMPTORY RES- 
 IGNATION "—THE PRINCIPAL REFUSES TO RESIGN-THE- 
 BOARD, BY SEVEN TO TWO, ASK MR. GILMOUR FOR ANY 
 CHARGES, IF PREFERRED— HE WRITES THAT THERE ARE NO 
 CHARGES. 
 
 June 28, 1880, Mr. Gilmour wrote to Dr. Hoose, demanding 
 his resignation. The letter reached Cortland on the 29th, com- 
 mencement day. The Board met, June 30, and asked Mr. 
 Gilmour for charges against the Principal. This was done by a 
 vote of seven to two ; Mr. Gilmour s two appointees, Messrs. 
 Squires and Carmichael, voting in the negative in this, and also 
 in all the subsequent actions related in this history. Dr. Hoose 
 refused to resign, July 8. 
 
 The following is the letter referred to, and subsequent corre- 
 spondence. 
 
 No. 1. Mr. Gilmour to Dr. Hoose. 
 
 Albany, June 28, 1880. 
 Dr. James H. Hoose, Principal, &c, Cortland Village, N. Y.\ 
 
 Sir: — You will oblige me by transmitting your peremptory resignation as 
 Principal of the Cortland Normal School, to take effect at the end of the cur- 
 rent school year. I have notified the Local Board of my request for your 
 resignation, which, if made and accepted before the sixth of July next, will 
 obviate the necessity of taking other means which might otherwise become 
 necessary. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 Neil Gilmour, Superintendent, 
 
34: CORTLAND NORMAL SCHOOL CONTROVERSY. 
 
 No. 2. Mr. Gilmour to the Local Board. 
 
 State of New York, Department op Public Instruction, ) 
 Superintendent's Office. Albany, June 28, 1880. f 
 Norman Chamberlain, Esq., Secretary Local Board of tJie Cortland Normal 
 School, Cortland Vdlage, N. T. : 
 
 Sir: — Please communicate to the Local Board of the Cortland Normal 
 School the fact that I have requested Dr. James H. Hoose, Principal of the 
 School, to send in his peremptory resignation, to take effect at the end of the 
 current school year. Be kind enough to notify me, as early as the sbJh daj r 
 of July next, what action, if any, the Board may have taken in the matter. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 Neil Gilmour, Superintendent. 
 
 No. 3. Local Board to Mr. Gilmour. 
 At a meeting of the Local Board of the Cortland Normal 
 School, held on Wednesday, June 30, the following resolution 
 was introduced by Hon. K. H. Duel!, and adopted by the 
 Board : 
 
 Whereas, The Honorable Superintendent of Public Instruction has 
 notified this Board that Dr. James H. Hoose has been requested to resign his 
 position as Principal ; and 
 
 Whereas, An earnest desire is manifested by our citizens that Dr.- 
 Hoose should remain in charge of the school ; and 
 
 Whereas, This Board, before taking action upon the communication of 
 the Superintenent, are desirous of knowing whether charges have been preferr- 
 ed against Dr. Hoose ; therefore, 
 
 Resolved, That the Honorable Superintendent of Public Instruction be 
 respectfully requested to inform this Board whether any, and if so, what 
 charges have been so preferred. 
 
 No. 4,. Mr. Gilmour to the Local Board. 
 
 State of New York, Department of Public Instbuction, ) 
 Superintendent's Office, Albany, July 6, 1880. ) 
 Norman Chamberlain, Esq., Secretary, &c, Cortland Village, N. Y. : 
 
 Sir: Your communication of the 1st instant, acknowledging mine of the 
 28th, and enclosing a resolution adopted by the Local Board of the Cortland 
 Normal School, requesting me to inform them, before taking any further 
 action jn the matter, if aoy charges had been preferred against Dr. House, 
 principal of the school, and if so, their nature, was received during my ab- 
 sence from the city. 
 
 I embrace the earliest opportunity to reply, and respectfully state that no 
 formal charges against Dr. Hoose have been presented to me. My request for 
 Dr. Hoose's resignation is in a large measure the result of personal observa- 
 tions extending over a series of years, and a firmly settled conviction that the 
 
XI. — Dr. Hoose's Record as a Teacher. 35 
 
 best interests of the cause of Education, and especially of the Normal schools 
 in this State. mUl be advanced by the retirement of Dr. Hoose from the princi- 
 palship of the school. Should 1 be mistaken in this — and I do not believe I 
 am — 1 propose to bear the blame myself. I neither ask nor desire the Local 
 Board to share the responsibility with me. 
 
 With all due respect to the Board, and to the distinguished gentlemen com- 
 prising it, I submit that in my official acts as Superintendent of Public In- 
 struction. 1 am amenable neither to it nor them, and I do not propose to have 
 this case tried before the Local Board. 
 
 Your obedient servant, Neil Gilmour, ^uuperintendent. 
 
 No. 5. Br. Hoose to Mr. Gilmour. 
 
 State Normal and Training School, / 
 Cortland. Cortland County, N. Y.. July 8, 1880. J" 
 Hon. Neil Gilmour, Superintendent PubUc Instruction, Albany, N. Y. : 
 
 Dear Sir: The Superintendent's letter of June 28th, asking for my "per- 
 emptory resignation" as principal of this school, was received on the 20th of 
 June. By advice of counsel, I delayed the answer, awaiting the result of the 
 request of our Local Board that the Superintendent furnish the charges, if 
 any. that are preferred against me. Returning from the American Institute of 
 Instruction, held at Saratoga, I found the Superintendent's answer to the 
 Board, bearing the date of July 6th. Herewith is my answer to the request 
 for my resignation. 
 
 My appointment to my present position was made concurrently by the 
 Local Board and Superintendent Weaver, February 23, 1869, and has never 
 been reconsidered and disapproved. 
 
 Acting under the wishes and advice of our citizens; of the alumni and 
 undergraduates of our school; of the Local Board of our school ; of counsel; 
 of prominent educators and legislators of the State; and because no charges 
 are preferred against me; and in the consciousness that I have devoted honest 
 and faithful labor to the tasks assigned to me by the State; and also conscious 
 that I have acted only as becomes an educator and a citizen of the common- 
 wealth — acting under these considerations, I must respectfully decline to com- 
 ply with the request to submit my resignation. 
 
 Under the circumstances, it may be pardonable if this letter be extended 
 further. The Superintendent's letter of July 6th, to the Local Board, says: 
 "My request for Dr. Hoose's resignation is in a large measure the result of 
 personal observations extending over a series of } r ears." The present State 
 Superintendent was elected in 1874, re-elected in 1877, and again in 1880. I 
 have been in public life in educational affairs in this State nearly twenty-five 
 years. Soon after the Oswego Normal School was organized as a State School, 
 I was appointed to the chair of Assistant in Science in the Faculty of that 
 school; but ill-health prevented any active labors there. Soon after the Brock- 
 port Normal School was opened I was appointed to the chairs of Theory and 
 Practice of Teaching, and Assistant in Science in that school, which position 
 
36 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 I held until I was appointed Principal of this school, in February, 1869, this 
 institution opening its first term March 3, 1869. I have been engaged in insti- 
 tute work quite constantly since 1857, becoming a regularly employed Con- 
 ductor of Institutes in 1866, under Superintendent Victor M. Rice. 
 
 1 served as Conductor down to the summer vacation of 1877, when at my 
 own request I was released from my engagement to conduct Institutes during 
 that summer, because of my visit that season to Europe, to study educational 
 affairs abroad. The Superintendent has not asked me to conduct any insti- 
 tutes since that time. But in accordance with the wish of the Superintendent 
 repeatedly expressed to the principals of the Normal Schools, that we should 
 lecture at Institutes so far as was consistent with our duties towards our respec- 
 tive schools. I have continued to deliver lectures frequently down to the 
 present time. The Superintendent expressed himself to us that the influence 
 of the Normal Schools could be extended for great good by this means widely 
 over the State. He also preferred that the Principals themselves, when prac- 
 ticable, should represent their respective schools before the teachers of the State 
 assembled in Institutes. The Conductors of Institutes, without exception, 
 have always welcomed us at their sessions. I have been faithful in carrying 
 out this policy, for it has been wise. 
 
 In August, 1878, Dr. J. W. Armstrong died, leaving the Normal School at 
 Fredonia without a Principal, late in the summer vacation. The Local Board 
 of that school consulted with the Superintendent in regard to filling the vacan- 
 cy. It was deemed imperative by both the Local Board and the Superintend- 
 ent that there be a Principal there to open the term, owing to the condition of 
 the school. The Local Board and the Superintendent failed to agree upon the 
 man whom they should place in charge, neither party being satisfied with the 
 candidate of the other party. In this emergency the Superintendent summon- 
 ed by telegraph the Principals to meet at Utica, August 24. At that meeting the 
 Superintendent asked advice of the Principals. It was suggested that some 
 Principal go to Fredonia and open the school September 4, and remain until a 
 permanent Principal could be appointed . I placed myself at the disposal of 
 the emergency. All approved heartily and commended my devotion to the 
 cause. JThe Superintendent went immediately to Fredonia, consulted with that 
 Local Board, und he invited me to assume temporary charge of that Normal 
 School with their consent. The Superintendent wrote me of the arrangement, 
 thanking me for my offer to open the school. He also wrote our Local Board 
 to ask for leave of absence for me. The Board with characteristic courtesy, 
 granted the request at once, out of regard for the Superintendent, and devotion 
 to the cause of education. Our faculty cheerfully took the added responsibilities 
 of w ork made necessary b) 7 my absence. I remained at Fredonia from Septem- 
 ber 4, until the last of October, two months, when the school was placed under 
 the charge of its present efficient Principal, Dr. F. B. Palmer. My adminis- 
 tration there was warmly approved in resolutions passed by the Local board, 
 and in words spoken to me personally by the Superintendent. My labors there 
 
IX. — Dr. Hoose's Record as a Teacher. 37 
 
 are matters of public record. (Superintendent's Report, 1879, pp. 26 — 7, and 
 pp. 116—17.) 
 
 Our school at Cortland has been remarkably prosperous, nev^- more so than 
 during the past year, last fall term numbering 275 normal students, and the 
 spring term numbering 270. During the year we have graduated thirty-eight 
 teachers. In my administration of the affairs of this school, I have always been 
 loyal to the directions of the Superintendent and Local Board; indeed my 
 practice has been to confer always about the affairs of our school 'with the 
 President of the Local Board, as well as other members of it. One high pur- 
 pose has controlled us, which is, to serve the State interests first of all, and at 
 all hazards. When the Superintendent, by his order of June 11, 1877, (see 
 his report for 1878, pp.51 — 2) discontinued the academic departments of .the Nor- 
 mal Schools at Geneseo, Brockport, Oswego, Potsdam, Buffalo and Cortland, 
 and wrote to the Local Board of the Fredonia school, requesting that this de- 
 partment be dropped from that school, the Local Board and myself carried out 
 faithfully the order. The same order limited the number of sittings in schools 
 of practice of all these schools to two hundred and fifty each This order has 
 been observed. On the 4th of June,1878, the Superintendent revoked his or- 
 der of June 11, 1877, so far as is related to the academic departments. (Super- 
 intendent's Report, 1879, p. 27.) This order has likewise been honestly 
 observed by our Local Board and myself since its promulgation. In short, it 
 has been my first effort to administer faithfully the affairs of the school ac- 
 cording to whatever regulations were set, under approval, for me to follow. 
 
 I have attended all the regular semi-annual and special meetings of the 
 Principals, with the exception of that held at Buffalo, October 14-16, 1879, at 
 which time sickness in our Faculty forbade my absence from the school. Our 
 Principals' meeting was begun under Superintendent Weaver, in 1869, and in- 
 cludes the Principals of the following schools, viz. ; Oswego, Potsdam, Buffalo, 
 Fredonia, Geneseo, Brockport and Cortland. We have labored together most 
 harmoniously, and with pure devotion to the welfare of the Normal Schools, 
 inorcler to enable tliem to do more effectual work for the public schools of the 
 State. The Principals have always been eager to unite with the Superintend- 
 ent to promote the welfare of our normal and public schools. The Principals 
 unitedly endeavored to secure the appointment of a Legislative committee to 
 investigate the Normal Schools when they were under severe criticism. This 
 committee was finally raised, with Hon. John I. Gilbert as chairman. The re- 
 port of that committee has done much to set the schools right before the people 
 of the State ; it is the first and only exhaustive exposition of the real condition 
 and value of the Normal Schools of the State towards its public schools. 
 
 Nothing ever reached either the Local Board or myself from these exam- 
 inations, or from any other source, that led us to suspect even that the cause 
 of education in the. State, and the welfare of the Normal Schools were in such 
 a condition that their best interests demanded my retirement from the princi- 
 palship of this school. On the contrary, we had every reason to believe that 
 
38 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 we were enjoying the honor of contributing our due share to the general effort 
 put forth for the weal of the people. 
 
 In addition to the foregoing labors, I have been among the advocates for 
 consolidating all State school interests under one State Board of Education. 
 My historical and comparative studies of our school system leave me no other 
 alternative, if our public schools would attain their highest possibilities. I 
 have gathered statistics, facts and opinions from official reports and sources, 
 patiently collated them, and let them (tarry their own weight. " Measures, not 
 men," has been my constant motto. These studies and addresses have been 
 published and speak their own story, whatever their weight 
 
 That I have been only one among many for a State Board will be evident 
 in this. In 1874, the Principals advocated consolidation of school affairs un- 
 der one State Board of Education. They appointed a committee of their num- 
 ber to present the case before the Legislature, urging proper legislation. In 
 1877, the Principals again brought up and advocated the measure, when by 
 resolution the Chairman of our meeting, the lamented Dr. Armstrong, brought 
 before the Superintendent the measure, advocating his approval of the effort. 
 The Superintendent intimated to us that he might not oppose the movement if 
 it were the best thing to be done, although he saw grave objections to it, by 
 which it was evident that he did not commit himself to the notion. The meet- 
 ing was held in the office of the Normal School at Fredonia, May 22, 1877. In 
 all these discussions and actions we exercised only those privileges and dis- 
 charged those duties which rest within the province of every educator in Amer- 
 ica who desires the welfare of his land. 
 
 Again, and finally, during the legislative session of 1880, I advocated in an 
 honorable way the election of Hon. John I. Gilbert to the position of Superin- 
 tendent of Public Instruction. He had striven most bravely and successfully 
 against strong opposition in the Legislature in order to shield the Normal 
 Schools from suffering harm at the hands of their opponents; his committee 
 had made an unanswerable report in support of the value to the State of our 
 system of Normal Schools. These distinguished services in behalf of public 
 education, added to his personal abilities and accomplishments, his devotion to 
 our cause, and his moral integrity, were sufficient reasons for my preference 
 and consequent course of exercising the rights of an American citizen. 
 
 I am sure that this extended communication will be pardoned. The 
 [superintendent's letter of July 6, to the Local Board, calls out this recital. 
 Let the circumstances plead my excuse. 
 
 With much respect, I remain, 
 
 Yours, most truly, 
 
 J. H. Hoose, Principal. 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 MR. GILMOUR PURPORTS TO WITHDRAW HIS APPROVAL OF 
 THE EMPLOYMENT OF DR. HOOSE—NOT CONCURRED IN BY 
 THE LOCAL BOARD. 
 
 Following this correspondence, Mr. Gilmonr purported to 
 withdraw his approval of the employment of Dr. Hoose as 
 Principal, thus claiming to terminate his connection with the 
 school. The Board immediately met, declined to concur with 
 the attempted removal, and sent a communication to Mr. Gil- 
 mour expressing their position on the case. 
 
 No. 6. Mr. Gilmour to Dr. Hoose. 
 
 State of New York, Department of Public Instruction, ) 
 Superintendent's Office, Albany, July 12, 1880. f 
 Dr. James H. Hoose, Cortland Village, N. T. : 
 
 Sir: Your resignation as Principal of the Normal and Training School 
 at Cortland not having been tendered in accordance with the terras of my re- 
 quest of the 28th ultimo, I have this day notified the Local Board of the with- 
 drawal of my approval of your employment as Principal of said school, thus 
 terminating your connection with said school. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 Neil Gilmodr, Superintendent. 
 
 No. 7. Mr. Gilmonr to the Local Board. 
 
 State of New York, Department of Public Instruction, ) 
 Supkrintendent's Office, Albany July 12, 1880. f 
 Norman Chamberlain, Esq., Secretary, etc., Cortland Village, N. T. : 
 
 Sir: The resignation of Dr, James H. Hoose, as Principal of the Normal 
 and Training School at Cortland, not having been tendered as requested in my 
 communication of the 28th ultimo, I hereby withdraw my approval of his em- 
 ployment in said school, and direct that he be no longer employed therein, and 
 that the Local Board at their earliest convenience recommend some competent 
 
4:0 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 person as Principal in his place. I enclose copy of an opinion which I have 
 this day received from the Attorney-General in answer to a communication 
 which I addressed to him on the 10th inst. , and referred to in the Attorney- 
 General's letter, which I submit for the information of the Board. 
 
 • Your obedient servant. 
 
 Neil Gilmoub, Superintendent. 
 
 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD. 
 
 The Local Board of the Cortland Normal School, held a 
 meeting at the office of the school building at 8 p. m., Friday, 
 July 16, 1880. 
 
 Upon presentation of the letter of the Superintendent of 
 
 Public Instruction, dated July 12th, purporting to remove Dr. 
 
 J. H. Hoose from the principalship of the school, Hon. R. H. 
 
 Duell submitted the following resolution, which was adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That this Board do not concur with the Superintendent of Pub- 
 lic Instruction in the removal of Dr. J. H. Hoose as Principal of this Normal 
 School. 
 
 Hon. R. H. Duell then presented the subjoining communica- 
 tion to the Superintendent of Public Instruction. After it was 
 read, Mr. Duell • offered the following resolution which was 
 adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That this communication be adopted as the views of this Board, 
 signed by the Secretary, and forwarded to the Superintendent of Public 
 Instruction. 
 
 No. 8. The Local Board to Mr. Oilmovr. 
 
 Sir : We have received your communication of July 12th, informing this 
 Board that you have removed Dr. James H. Hoose from the position of Prin- 
 cipal of this Normal School, and directing said Board "at their earliest con- 
 venience to recommend some competent person as Principal in his place." 
 This Board does not concur with the Superintendent in the attempted removal 
 of Dr. Hoose, and believes that his removal cannot be effected without such 
 concurrence. There being no vacancy, we deem it our obvious duty to respect- 
 fully decline to make a new appointment It may not be improper to add 
 that if there were a vacancy in the principalship of this school, and the services 
 of Dr. Hoose could be obtained, we should regard it our plain duty to the State, 
 which has devolved upon us something more than merely clerical duties, to 
 re-appoint the present able, tried and successful Principal. 
 
 In your communication of the 28th ultimo to the Secretary of this Board, 
 informing us that you had requested Dr. Hoose "to send in his peremptory 
 resignation," you request the Board to notify you "as early as the 6th day of 
 
X. — Attempted Removal of Dr. Hoose. 41 
 
 July next, what action, if any, the Board may have taken in the matter. " 
 There were two ways in which the Board might have taken action : 
 
 1. The Board might have concurred with you in the removal of Dr. Hoose. 
 
 2. The Board might have non-concurred in the same. 
 
 Although the Board had had long and ample opportunity of acquainting 
 itself with the work of Dr. Hoose and its results, which opportunity, coupled 
 with a sacred duty imposed upon us by the State, we are not conscious of hav- 
 ing neglected, we nevertheless deemed it our duty to avail ourselves of every 
 means whereby we might be enabled to arrive at a correct conclusion in the 
 matter. We therefore respectfully requested the Superintendent of Public 
 Instruction "to inform this Board whether any, and if so, what charges have 
 been so preferred" against Dr. Hoose. To this communication you reply, 
 under date of July 6th, ' ' that no formal charges against Dr. Hoose have been 
 presented," and that your request for his resignation " is in a large measure 
 the result of personal observations extending over a series of years." 
 
 We were entirely unable to find in this reply any ground for reversing our 
 firmly settled convictions " that the best interests of the cause of education," 
 and especially of this Normal School, require the retention of Dr. Hoose in 
 the principalship of the school. We, too, have had "personal observations 
 extending over a series of years " in respect to the work of Dr. Hoose as 
 Principal of this school. Six out of the nine original members of this Local 
 Board have been such members from its organization, covering a period of 
 eleven and one-half years. They all reside within the limits of the corporation 
 of the village. They have had a deep interest in the success of the school, 
 both as citizens and as public officers. They have, in a variety of ways, 
 acquainted themselves with the work of the Principal. Under his supervision 
 the school has had a continued and increasing prosperity. The prospects of 
 the school were never better than at present, unless injuriously affected by this 
 attempt to remove the Principal. To avert this threatened calamity to our 
 school and the cause of popular education throughout the State, seems to us a 
 plain and imperative duty. 
 
 In respect to your personal observations " extending over a series of years,'' 
 we must express our surprise in the view r of the fact that within less than 
 two years you requested our Board to grant Dr. Hoose a leave of temporary 
 absence for the very important and difficult task of reorganizing the Fredonia 
 Normal School, then in a somewhat critical condition. This surprise is still 
 further increased by yet more recent expressions made by you, while visiting 
 this school, to the effect that you had that day — referring to this Normal 
 School — visited the best school you had ever seen. 
 
 In the communication of the sixth inst., above referred to, you are pleased 
 to make use of the following words, namely: " In my official acts as Superin- 
 tendent of Public Instruction, I am amenable neither to it (meaning the Board) ^ 
 
 nor to them, (the members of the Board), and I do not propose to have this 
 6 
 
42 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 case tried before the Local Board. " It will be borne in mind that the only 
 occasion for the above remark arose from a respectful request on our part to 
 learn "what, if any, charges had been preferred" against Dr. Hoose. 
 
 This Board has believed itself appointed for the purpose of discharging a 
 very important trust, and has been in the habit of considering that great care is 
 necessary in order to perform the duties involved in that trust intelligently and 
 faithfully. We regret that there should be reason for saying that the portion 
 of your reply last above quoted seems to spring solely from a consciousness of 
 inability to assign any valid reason why we should concur with you in your 
 attempt to remove Dr, Hoose. 
 
 In conclusion, we need only repeat that in view of the great usefulness and 
 growing success of the school under the principalship of Dr. Hoose, we most 
 respectfully decline to concur with you in the matter of his removal. 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 MR. GILMOUR PURPORTS TO APPOINT PROF. J. M. CASSETY, 
 VICE PRINCIPAL OF THE FREDONIA NORMAL SCHOOL, AS 
 ACTING PRINCIPAL AT CORTLAND— NOT RECOGNIZED BY 
 THE CORTLAND BOARD— THE BOARD OFFERS TO GO TO 
 THE SUPREME COURT. 
 
 The controversy was continued August -I, when the Board 
 was notified by Mr. Gilmour that he had appointed Prof. Cas- 
 sety, of Fredonia, acting Principal at Cortland. It should be re- 
 marked in passing, that Prof. T. B. Stowell assumed the acting 
 Principalship of the Cortland Normal School, in 1878, only up- 
 on concurrent action of the Board and the Superintendent. (See 
 Ch. VII.) But Prof. Cassety demanded of the Cortland Local 
 Board that he be recognized as acting Principal of the school 
 upon the approval of Mr. Gilmour, when the Fredonia Board 
 had u taken no action whatever in regard to him," and he knew 
 that the Cortland Board held that no vacancy existed in the 
 Principalship. On the 7th of August Prof. Cassety came to 
 Cortland and applied for permission to enter upon the discharge 
 of the Principalship. The Board declined to recognize him, and 
 submitted a proposition to Mr. Gilmour to agree upon a case and 
 go to the Supreme Court for an interpretation of the Statute. 
 
 Mr. Gilmour notified each member of the Faculty, as well as 
 the Janitor, to report to Prof. Cassety as Principal. 
 
 Prof. Cassety returned to Albany on the evening of August 
 7, having with him the resolutions adopted by the Board. 
 
44 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 No. 9. Mr. Gilmour to Prof. J. M. Cassety. 
 
 State of Iew York, Department op Public Instruction, ) 
 Superintendent's Office, Albany, August 4th, 1880 $" 
 
 Prof. J. M. Cassety, Fredonia, N. T.: 
 
 Sir — The Local Board of the State Normal and Training School at Cort- 
 land having neglected their diUyunder the law, by refusing to recommend 
 some suitable person as Principal of the school in place of Dr. James H. 
 Hoose, whose connection with the school has been severed by the withdrawal 
 of my approval of his employment, I have this day, exercising the authority 
 vested in me under chapter 18, laws of 1869, appointed you acting Principal 
 of said school, at a salary of $2,500 per annum, this appointment to remain in 
 force during the pleasure of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. You 
 will assume your duties as Principal of the school at once, and, at such time as 
 you may deem necessary make a demand on the Local Board, or upon the late 
 Principal, for such books, papers and documents as have been, or should be, 
 in the possession of the, Principal of the school. Should your demand for 
 such books, papers and documents be refused, you will notify me of the fact 
 at once. I have notified each member of the Faculty of your appointment as 
 acting Principal, and directed them to obey all your lawful instructions as 
 such Principal. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 Niel Gilmour, Superintendent. 
 No. 10. Mr. Gilmour to the Local Board. 
 
 State of New York, Department of Public Instruction. ) 
 Superintendent's Office, Albany, August 4th, 1880. [ 
 
 Norman Chamberlain, Esq., Secretary, etc., Cortland Village, N. Y. 
 
 Sir — Your communication of the 15th ultimo, in which you state that the 
 Local Board of the State Normal and Training School at Cortland decline to 
 comply with my instructions given under date of the 12th ultimo, to recom- 
 mend some competent person for Principal of the school in place of Dr. James 
 H. Hoose, was duly received. Inasmuch as I have withdrawn my approval 
 of the employment of Dr. Hoose, thus, in my own judgment, and in the opin- 
 ion of the Attorney-General, severing his connection with the school, it became 
 the plain duty of the Board to recommend some person to fill the vacancy. 
 
 I beg to call your attention to the provisions of Chap. 18, Laws of 1869, 
 and to the opinion of the Attorney General thereon, a cop} 7 of which opinion 
 is enclosed herewith. 
 
 In pursuance of the authority vested in me by the provisions of the act 
 above cited, I have appointed Professor J. M. Cassety, of Fredonia, acting 
 Principal of the State Normal and Training School at Cortiand, and have fixed 
 his salary at the rate of $2,500 per annum; this appointment to remain in force 
 during the pleasure of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. I have noti- 
 
XI. — Appointment of Prop. Cassety. 45 
 
 fled Prof, J. M. Cassety and the members of the Faculty of the Cortland Nor- 
 mal School of this appointment. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 Neil Gilmour, Superintendent. 
 
 No. 11. Mr. Oilmmir to Each of the Teacliers and to the Janitor of the Cortland 
 
 Normal School. 
 
 State op New York, Department op Public Instruction, \ 
 Superintendent's Office, Albany, August 4th, 1880. \ 
 
 * * The Local Board of the State Normal and Training School at 
 
 Cortland, having refused, as directed by me, to recommend any person as 
 Principal of the school in place of Dr. James H. Hoose, whose connection 
 with the school has been severed by the withdrawal of my approval of his em- 
 ployment, I have this day, in pursuance of the authority vested in me by 
 Chapter 18, Laws of 1869, appointed Professor J. M. Cassety acting principal 
 of said school. You will report to him as principal at the proper time, and 
 obey such lawful instructions as he may give you. 
 
 Neil Gilmour, Superintendent. 
 
 No. 12. Resolutions of the Local Board, adopted August 7. 
 
 Whereas; The Superintendent of Public Instruction in his letter of 
 August 4, 1880, has notified this Board that he has appointed Professor J. M. 
 Cassety, of Fredonia, acting principal of the Cortland Normal School ; and 
 
 Whereas; Dr. James H. Hoose was heretofore appointed principal of 
 this school by the Local Board with the concurrence of the Superintendent of 
 Public Instruction, to hold his place during the pleasure of the Local Board 
 and said Superintendent; and ' 
 
 Whereas; Dr. Hoose has never resigned his position, nor been removed 
 therefrom, and is now filling the position of principal ; therefore 
 
 Resolved, That this Board does not concur with the Superintendent in his 
 attempted removal of Dr. Hoose, and respectfully declines to recognize Pro- 
 fessor J. M. Cassety as acting principal of this school for the reasons set forth 
 in this preamble. 
 
 At the same meeting, the Board resolved to make the follow- 
 ing proposition : 
 
 No. 13. Proposition of the Local Board to Mr. Gilmour. 
 
 Whereas; The Superintendent of Public Instruction, in his official letters 
 to this Board, claims the right to remove Dr. James H. Hoose, from his posi- 
 tion as principal of the Cortland Normal School, without the concurrence of 
 said Board; and 
 
 Whereas ; The members of the Board acting upon their understanding of 
 the law, and under the advice of eminent counsel in other parts of the State, 
 deny the power and authority of said Superintendent to make such removal 
 without their concurrence; and 
 
46 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 Whereas: This Board is desirious that the question in difference should 
 be decided at the earliest moment possible by a court of competent jurisdiction, 
 to the end that the school may continue in the same line of prosperity and 
 usefulness which has hitherto distinguished its progress; therefore 
 
 Resolved, That the secretary of this Board notify the Honorable Superin- 
 tendent of Public Instruction that the Local Board will, with his concurrence, 
 agree upon a case containing a statement of the facts upon which this con- 
 troversy depends, in pursuance of Section 1,579 of the Code, and submit the 
 same to the General Term of the Supreme Court, for the Third Department. 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 CHANCELLOR ERASTUS C. BENEDICT, OF THE BOARD OF 
 REGENTS, DECLINES TO CO-OPERATE WITH MR, GILMOUR 
 TO REMOVE THE LOCAL BOARD WITHOUT A HEARING- 
 MR. GILMOUR DOES NOT CALL FOR THIS INVESTIGATION. 
 
 Rumors were afloat that Mr. Gilmour would apply to Chan- 
 cellor Benedict to remove the majority of the Board. The 
 Board had never taken any official action which it was not 
 willing to have examined. If Mr. Gilmour should formally cite 
 the members of the Board before the Chancellor, they would 
 cheerfully accept the investigation which might be instituted to 
 arrive at the merits in the case. Hon. R. H. Duell wrote to the 
 Chancellor to this effect. In due time the following letter was 
 received, which revealed the fact that Mr. Gilmour had made 
 application to remove the Board. It may be further remarked 
 that Mr. Gilmour never informed the Board of any attempt to 
 remove the members, nor of any desire to give them a hearing 
 before the Chancellor. 
 
 Letter from Chancellor Benedict to Judge Duell. 
 
 Cooperstown, N. Y. , August 14, 1880. 
 Dear Sir: — Yours of August 9th I received yesterday afternoon. I had 
 already informed Mr. Gilmour that I could not co-operate in removing either 
 the Principal of the school or the Local Board without giving them a hearing 
 if desired. Dr. Hyde sent me a printed copy of the proceedings of the Board. 
 I am so entirely ignorant of the merits of the question, both as a question of law 
 and one of expediency, that I cannot form any opinion on any of its points, and I 
 do not see that there is likely to be any call for any opinion or intervention. 
 I may be permitted, however, to express the wish that all the parties, and 
 especially the school, may come out of it without injury. 
 
 Respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 Hon. R. H. Duell. Erastus C. Benedict. 
 
CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 MR. GILMOUR OFFERS TO GO TO THE COURT, PROVIDED THE 
 BOARD WILL FIRST GIVE UP ITS CASE BY ALLOWING 
 PROFESSOR CASSETY TO BE PRINCIPAL— HE THREATENS 
 TO CLOSE THE SCHOOL.— PROFESSOR CASSETY OPENS AN 
 OFFICE AT THE MESSENGER HOUSE. 
 
 Mr. Gilmour finally answered the proposition of the Board 
 to go to the Courts, but insisted upon conditions that the Board 
 declined to accept, because it held that there was no vacancy. Mr. 
 G-ilmour threatened to close the school if his orders were disre- 
 garded. The Board immediately circulated notices in the village 
 that school would open as usual. Later, the Board was inform- 
 ed by Mr. Grilmour, that Professor Gassety was on his way again 
 to Cortland to open the school. He arrived, presented his 
 credentials, was respectfully but firmly refused possession of the 
 school. According to instructions from Mr. Gilmour, Professor 
 Cassety opened an office in the Messenger House, at which he 
 ordered the teachers to report to him. The Board authorized 
 Dr. Hoose to notify the Faculty to report to him for duty, as 
 usual, wdiich he did accordingly. 
 
 No. 14. Mr. Gilmour to the Local Board. 
 
 State of New York, Department of Public Instruction, ) 
 Superintendent's Office, Albany, August 19. 1880 \ 
 
 Norman Chamberlain, Esq. , Sec. , etc. , Cortland village, N. Y. : 
 
 Sir: — I am in receipt of copies of the proceedings of a meeting of the 
 Local Board of the State Normal and Training School at Cortland, held August 
 7, 1880, from which it appears that the Local Board refuse to recognize Pro- 
 fessor J. M. Cassety, whom I have, under the provisions of Chapter 18 of the 
 laws of 1869, appointed Acting Principal. I am also in receipt of the preamble 
 and resolutions adopted at the same meeting of the Board, proposing to submit 
 
XIII. — Direct Conflict of Authority. 49 
 
 to the general term of the Supreme Court, Third Department, a case contain- 
 ing a statement of the facts upon which controversy has arisen between the 
 Local Board and this Department. 
 
 I Avill agree with the Board in submitting such a statement provided that 
 without prejudice to the rights of the Board, or of Dr. Hoose, the late Princi- 
 pal, pending a decision of the case, Professor Cassety shall be recognized as 
 the Acting Principal of the School, and be permitted to discharge the legitimate 
 duties of the position without opposition or hinderance on the part of the 
 Local Board. 
 
 If this proposition shall not be accepted, and Professor Cassety shall be 
 obstructed in the performance of his duties as Acting Principal by the Local 
 Board, or by persons acting or assuming to act under their authority, I shall 
 direct the closing of the school until such time as the lawful orders of the 
 department are obeyed and respected. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 Neil Gilmour, Superintendent. 
 -# 
 
 No. 15. Advertisement of the Local Board. 
 
 NORMAL SCHOOL. 
 
 In order to correct any misapprehension that may exist in the community 
 concerning our school, we take this occasion to announce that the Normal 
 School will open its next term on Wednesday, September 1st, at 8:45 a. m. 
 The committee on building and grounds are placing additional seats in the 
 rooms of the Primary and Intermediate Departments in order to accommodate 
 the children. 
 
 Feederick Hyde, President Local Board. 
 
 N. Chamberlain, Secretary Local Board. 
 
 Chas. C. Taylor, Treasurer Local Board. 
 Cortland, N. Y., August 21, 1880. 
 
 No, 16. Mr. Gilmour to the Local Board. (Telegram). 
 
 Albany N. Y., 2:30 p. m., August 23, 1880. 
 Norman Chamberlain, Secretary, Cortland, N. T. 
 
 Professor Cassety will reach Cortland this evening about nine o'clock, to 
 begin his duties as Acting Principal of the Cortland Normal School. 
 
 Neil Gilmour, Superintendent. 
 
 No. 17. Mr. GKlmoar to Professor Cassety. 
 
 State of New York, Department of Public Instruction, / 
 Superintendent's Office, Albany, August 23, 1880. ) 
 
 Professor J. M. Cassety: 
 
 Dear Sir: You will proceed at once to Cortland village and enter upon 
 
 the discharge of your duties as Acting Principal of the State Normal and 
 
 Training School at that place. Should you be unable owing to the hostility 
 
 of the Local Board, or from any other cause, to obtain access to the building, 
 
 7 
 
50 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 or possession of such books, papers and documents as should be in the hands 
 of the Principal, you will establish a temporary office at some convenient 
 place in the village, and cause public notice of the location of such office to be 
 given. 
 
 See at once as many members of the faculty as possible, explain the situa- 
 tion to them fully, and cause it to be distinctly understood that my approval 
 of the employment of any teacher who resists lawful authority and refuses to 
 report to you will be promptl} r withdrawn. 
 
 Present yourself at the school at the time of opening, show or explain 
 your appointment, and thereafter govern your conduct by your own judgment, 
 reporting to me at once all facts of importance. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 Neil Gilmour, Superintendent, 
 
 No. 18. The Local Board to Dr. Hoose. 
 
 Office of the State Normal and Training School, ) 
 Cortland, N.' Y., August 24, 1880. \ 
 Dr. J. II. Hoose, Principal, &c. , Cortland, N. Y. : 
 
 Dear Sir: In order to correct misapprehensions, we notify you that you 
 are hereby commanded to continue your duties as Principal of the Cortland 
 Normal and Training School in this place, and you will open the school 
 September 1, 1880. You are hereby directed to notify at once each member 
 of the Faculty to report to you in time for duty for beginning the term, or 
 at such time before September 1 as you shall name to them. 
 
 You will be at special pains to explain to them that under the statute no 
 salaries can be lawfully paid to teachers except the} r be first audited by the 
 Local Board, as the statute says, of accounts, Chapter 466, Laws of 1866, 
 Section 7, that they must be " verified by the oath of affimation of the local 
 board of each school." You will further say that they will be paid their 
 salaries provided they report to you for duty, and that in case any should re- 
 fuse to do so, other teachers will be immediately appointed to said positions. 
 Respectfully yours, 
 
 P. Hvde, President of the Local Board. 
 N. Chamberlain, Secretary of the Local Board, 
 Chas. C. Taylor, Treasurer of the Local Board, 
 R. H. Duell, Chairman of Teacher's Com. 
 
 Thursday evening, August 26th, the Board met and made a 
 formal answer to Mr. Gilmour's letter of August 19. 
 
 No. 19. The Local Board to Mr. Gilmour. 
 Whereas; Professor J. M. Cassety, of Predonia, claiming to be Acting 
 Principal of the State Normal and Training School at Cortland, under in- 
 structions from the Superintendent of Public Instruction, dated August 19, 
 1880, applies a second time to this Board for possession of the office, books, 
 etc. , of said school ; and 
 
XIII. — Direct Conflict of Authority. 51 
 
 Whekeas; Dr. J. H. Hoose was duly appointed Principal of said school 
 and has never resigned his position, nor been removed therefrom, and is now 
 in the full and active discharge of all the duties of his office: therefore 
 
 Resolved, That this Local Board does not concur with the Superintendent 
 of Public Instruction in his attempted removal of Dr. J. H. Hoose, and 
 respectfully declines to recognize Professor J. M. Cassety as Acting Principal 
 of this school. 
 
 Resolved, That the Secretary be instructed to transmit a copy of the above 
 preamble and resolution to Professor Cassety and to the Superintendent of 
 Public Instruction. 
 
 On August 28, two petitions were put in the hands of messen- 
 gers to circulate in the village. 
 
 The first was directed to Chancellor Benedict, of the Regents 
 of the University. This petition urged the Chancellor to unite 
 with Mr. Gilmour in removing the Local Board, hut it got no 
 signatures. 
 
 The second begged the Board to accept Mr. Gilmour's propo- 
 sition to allow the school to open under Professor Cassety, and 
 carry the case to the courts. By Monday night the number of 
 names obtained was about twenty-seven, and both petitions were 
 suppressed. 
 
CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 THE CORTLAND NORMAL SCHOOL OPENED SEPTEMBER 1, 1880, 
 BY THE BOARD AND DR. HOOSE, AS USUAL— PROFESSOR 
 CASSETY AND SIX TEACHERS WITHDRAW FROM SCHOOL 
 —MR. GILMOUR'S ORDER TO TEACHERS TO WITHDRAW. 
 
 Before the day of opening school, Professor Cassety informed 
 those teachers whom he met, that Mr. Gilmour had instructed 
 him to report to them that their salaries would not be jeopardized, 
 even though the school should be closed — provided they should 
 obey the order of Mr. Gilmour to withdraw from the school 
 upon the day of opening, ixi case the Board should open the 
 session under Dr. Hoose. How Mr. Gilmour alone can do this 
 under § 7, Ch. 466, Laws of 1866, Professor Cassety failed to 
 make clear to all the teachers. 
 
 The school was opened September 1, at the usual hour, under 
 Dr. Hoose as Principal. Each student entering the building 
 was handed the following : 
 
 No. 20. Announcement by the Local Board. 
 
 NOTICE TO STUDENTS. 
 
 1. Former students will proceed immediately to fill out the "office mem- 
 orandum," and go to the office and obtain a " permit to classes." 
 
 2. New students will go at once to room No. 85, west hall, aud enter upon 
 their examinations. , 
 
 3. The text-book library will be open at 3:30 p. M v in order to give out 
 books to all students who have secured " permits to classes," by that hour. 
 
 4. Office hours : A. m.— 8 : 30 to 11 : 30. P. M.— 1 : 30 to 3 : 30. 
 
 Wednesday, September 1, 1880. 
 
 J. H. HOOSE, Principal. 
 
 F. Hyde, President, ) 
 
 N. Chamberlain, Secretary. ) 
 
XIY. — Opening- of the Fall Term. 53 
 
 Prof. Cassety entered the building, applied to the Board for 
 possession of the office, and was refused. 
 
 " Then I must follow my instructions further," said Prof. 
 Cassety, " and before doing so I wish to say that I am simply 
 acting under orders, and that I have no personal feeling what- 
 ever. From this Board I have received courteous treatment' and 
 I believe they are acting as they consider- themselves bound by 
 their official relations. But according to instructions given me, 
 I must read the following telegram, dated at Albany at five 
 o'clock last evening." 
 
 Accordingly he read the following : 
 
 No. 21. Mr. Gilmoitr to Prof. Cassety. 
 
 Albany.K Y. August 31, 1880. 
 To Prof. J. M. Cassety, Acting Principnl, Cortland, New York. 
 
 If you are not permitted to act as Principal, direct all teachers to withdraw 
 until further instructions. I will cause the removal of every teacher who re- 
 ports to anybody but you as Principal, or who acts under any other person as 
 Principal. Send me their names. 
 
 Neil Gilmour, Superintendent. 
 
 Prof. Cassety then ordered all the teachers to leave the build- 
 ing, and withdrew to his office at the Messenger House. He 
 was followed by these six teachers, to wit : Prof. F. S. Capen, 
 employed February 23, 1869 ; Miss Martha Roe, employed Feb- 
 ruary 23, 1869 ; Miss M. F. Hendrick, employed July 22,1869 ; 
 Miss Clara E Booth, employed July 12, 1872 ; Mrs. Lottie T. 
 Corlew, employed November 22, 1876 ; and Prof. J. M. Milne, 
 employed the last time June 11, 1877. 
 
 The following six teachers and Dr. Hoose remained under the 
 instructions of the Board: Prof. T. B. Stowell, employed Feb- 
 ruary 23, 1869 . Miss Emily E. Cole, employed March 12, 1872 ; 
 Miss Sarah A. Saunders, employed December 2, 1873 ; Mrs. E. 
 P. Halbert, employed January 28, 1874; Miss Elizabeth Rase, 
 employed November 22, 1876 ; Prof. S. J. Sornberger, employed 
 the last time September 2, 1878. 
 
54 Cortland Formal School Controversy. 
 
 Resuming the history of the day, Prof. Cassety informed Mr. 
 Gilmour of the result of his attempt to open the school and re- 
 ceived the following telegram : 
 
 No 22. Mr. Gilmour to Prof. Cassety. 
 
 Albany, N. Y., September 1, 1880. 
 Prof. J. M. Cassety, Cortland. 
 
 Send written report as soon as possible, and remain in Cortland till further 
 instructions. Neil Gilmouk, Superintendent. 
 
CHAPTER XV. 
 
 THE BOARD DEMANDS OF PROF. CASSETY THE APPOINTMENTS 
 OF NORMAL STUDENTS— HE DECLINES TO DELIVER THEM 
 TO THE BOARD— THE COMMITTEE ON TEACHERS WAIT UP- 
 ON THOSE TEACHERS WHO REFUSED^ TO SERVE UNDER 
 THE BOARD. 
 
 On the 1st of September, after the school opened, a demand 
 was made by the Board upon Prof. Cassety to deliver to the 
 school the appointment of students that Mr. Grilmour had sent to 
 him. He refused to deliver them to the Board. These appoint- 
 ments are made to a given Normal School, signed by a School 
 Commissioner, and approved by the Superintendent of Public 
 Instruction. These appointments, or recommendations, are 
 needed by students once during the entire time of their connec- 
 tion with a Normal School. They are the property of the school 
 to which they are sent, and do not belong to the Principal any 
 more than any other public document ; they' belong to the official 
 correspondence with the Secretary of the Board. The commit- 
 tee on teachers waited upon most of those teachers who had 
 withdrawn from the school in the morning with Prof. Cassety, 
 but they still refused to serve under the Board. 
 
56 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 No. 23. Form of Appointment of Normal Students. — (Face.) 
 To NEIL GILMOUR, Supt. of Public Instruction : 
 
 (Tins will ®evtify t That.... 
 
 of .in the County of 
 
 aged years, is recommended as a suitable candidate for appointment as a pupil 
 
 in the State Normal School at .from the 
 
 Assembly District in the County of 
 
 School Commissioner 
 
 of the County of 
 
 Dated 188 . 
 
 The recommendation in each case should be sent to the Supt. of 
 Public Instruction for approval. 
 
 No. 24. Form of Appointment. — (Back.) 
 
 Name 
 
 Dist. County 
 
 Approved, subject to Preliminary Examination b3 T the Faculty. 
 
 Supt. of Public Instruction. 
 
 No. 25 . Prof. Cassety to Local Board. 
 
 dl, Acting Princ 
 Cortland, September 1, 1880. 
 
 State Normal School, Acting Principal's Office, ) 
 
 Norman Chamberlain, Esq., Secretary, 
 
 Dear Sir : — I hereby acknowledge the receipt of a copy of a resolution 
 adopted by the Local Board of the Cortland Normal and Training School ask- 
 ing if any certificates are in niy hands, etc 
 
 In reply to the resolution, I will state that I do hold several certificates of 
 that kind but I decline to deliver them to the Local Board. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 James M. Cassety, Acting Principal. 
 
 Up to this date (December 8, 1880,) Dr. Hoose, nor any 
 officer of the Local Board has received a single appointment this 
 term, although the School Commissioners of 18 counties have 
 recommended, in the aggregate, 100 new students to Mr. Gil- 
 mour for appointment to the Cortland Normal School, and some 
 of the Commissioners have sent duplicate recommendations to 
 him. Compare this fact with the Statute of 1866. 
 
CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 THE MODE IN WHICH THE SCHOOL HAS BEEN CONTINUED 
 SINCE SEPTEMBER 1, 1880— THE VACANCIES ARE IMMEDI- 
 ATELY SUPPLIED. 
 
 There were six vacancies in the Faculty. Neither Mr. G-il- 
 mour, nor the teachers who withdrew, informed the Board when 
 they would return to work. The Board possess the authority to 
 employ teachers temporarily. For Mr. Gilmour, writing to the 
 Board about permanent teachers May 28, 1877, says: •' This will 
 not, of course, apply to those who are employed to fill some 
 place temporarily." In fact, on the 23d of November, 1872, the 
 Local Board was authorized, in its discretion, to employ tempo- 
 rary teachers to supply the places of those unable to perform 
 service. 
 
 Notwithstanding this authority, the Board deemed it more 
 expedient to supply the vacancies upon the voluntary system, 
 trusting that the* Legislature would compensate the teachers, in 
 case their employment should not be subsequently approved, nor 
 
 their salaries certified to by Mr. Gilmour. 
 
 8 J 
 
CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 MR. GILMOUR WITHDRAWS HIS APPROVAL OF THE SIX MEM- 
 BERS OF THE FACULTY WHO REMAINED WITH THE 
 BOARD— THE BOARD ASKS FOR CHARGES— MR. GILMOUR 
 NEVER ANSWERS THE REQUEST. 
 
 Six teachers and the Principal remained faithful to the school 
 and the Board. Mr. Gilmour purported to withdraw his appro- 
 val of the employment of these six teachers, thus claiming to 
 terminate their connection with the school. The Board imme- 
 diately met, and requested Mr. Gilmour to state why they were 
 thus treated, but he has never answered the request. 
 
 Mo. 26. Mr. Gilmour to the Board. 
 
 State op New York, Department op Public Instruction, { 
 Superintendents' Office, Albany, September 2, 1880. ) 
 
 Norman Chamberlain Esq., Secretary, &c, Cortland Village, N. T.; 
 
 Sir — I hereby withdraw my approval of the employment of the following 
 named teachers in the Cortland Normal and Training School ; Thomas B. 
 Stowell, Samuel J. Sornberger, Emily P. Halbert, Elizabeth Rase, Emily E. 
 Cole aDd Sarah A. Saunders. 
 
 The Local Board are hereby directed to recommend to me, at their earliest 
 convenience, and without unnecessary delay, some suitable persons to take the 
 places of the teachers displaced as above stated. Under no circumstancee will 
 the Local Board recognize any of the above named as teachers in the Cortland 
 Normal School after the date of this order. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 Neil Gilmour, Superintendent. 
 
XVII. — Purported Discharge of Teachers. 59 
 
 No. 27. Mr. Gilmour to each Teacher under the Board. 
 
 Albany, September 2, 1880. 
 —Cortland Village, N. ¥.: 
 
 I hereby withdraw my approval of your employment as a teacher in the 
 State Normal and Training School at Cortland. This order of withdrawal to 
 take effect immediately. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 Neil Gilmour, Superintendent. 
 
 No. 28. The Board to Mr. Gilmour. 
 
 At a meeting of the Local Board, held at their office in the 
 Xormal Building, Tuesday evening, September 7, the following 
 resolution was adopted: — 
 
 Whereas, The honorable Superintendent of Public Instruction has noti- 
 fied this Board that he has withdrawn his approval of the employment of 
 Thomas B. Stowell, S. J. Sornberger, Emily P. Halbert, Elizabeth Rase, 
 Emily E. Cole and Sarah A. Saunders as teachers in the Normal and Training 
 School ; and 
 
 Whereas, The Superintendent, in his sanctioning the employment of 
 these persons, declared in writing, and in accordance with the Statute, that 
 they would hold their positions during the pleasure of the Local Board and 
 the Superintendent; and 
 
 Whereas, The members of this Board have known from personal obser- 
 vation that these teachers have ever been earnest, faithful and efficient in the 
 discharge of their duties, and can see no just cause for their attempted dismis- 
 sal; therefore 
 
 Resolved, That the honorable Superintendent of Public Instruction be re- 
 quested to inform this Board whether any, and if so, what charges have have 
 been preferred against the teachers above named, to the end that this Board 
 may take further action in the matter. 
 
 Some hints having been dropped as to the serving of an in- 
 junction, the Board issued the following circular : 
 
 No. 29. Announcement of tlie Local Board. 
 
 It is rumored upon the streets to-day, that papers are to be served upon Dr. 
 lloose and the Local Board this afternoon or Monday, to close the school. 
 
 Immediately upon the service of the papers, if served, a large number of 
 handbills, already printed and bearing the signature of Prof. Cassety, will be 
 at once distributed in town, directing students to leave Cortland and go to 
 other Normal Schools, and stating that their expenses will be paid. 
 
 This is the last card of a desperate and unscrupulous faction to destroy 
 the Normal School, and to injure the town and its inhabitants. The Local 
 
60 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 Board desires to say to students, and all others, that if such papers are served 
 measures will be taken to set aside such papers, and the School will be kept 
 open. 
 
 We hope no students will be frightened at this, nor leave town, for they 
 will be carefd for by the Board. 
 
 F. Hyde, President Local Board. 
 N. Chamberlain, Sec'y Local Board. 
 C. C. Taylor, Treasurer Local Board. 
 Cortland, September 4, 1880. 
 
CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 MR. GILMOUR ORDERS THE SCHOOL TO BE CLOSED— THE 
 BOARD DECLINE TO CLOSE IT OR ALLOW IT TO BE CLOS- 
 ED BY OTHERS— THE LEGISLATURE ALONE CAN CLOSE A 
 NORMAL SCHOOL— THE BOARD RENEWS ITS OFFER TO GO 
 TO COURT, WHICH MR. GILMOUR DOES NOT ANSWER, 
 
 Mr. Gilmour next caused to be served upon the President of 
 the Board an order to close the school. This the Board declined 
 to do, holding that only the Legislature has power to do this; 
 The Board renewed its offer to go to the Courts, but Mr. Gil- 
 mour did not answer the offer. 
 
 No 30. Mr. Gilmour to the Board. {Order). 
 
 State of New York, Department of Public Instruction. 
 Whereas, on the 28th day of June, 1880, I, as Superintendent of Public 
 Instruction, requested Dr. James H. Hoo^e to transmit to me his resignation 
 as Principal of the State Normal and Training School at Cortland, which 
 request the said Hoose refused to complj- with; and, whereas, on the 12th day 
 of July, 1880, I, as such Superintendent, withdrew my approval of the appoint- 
 ment of said Hoose as a teacher in said school, notified the Local Board of the 
 fact, and directed them to recommend to me some suitable person as principal 
 in place of the said Dr. Hoose ; and whereas, the Local Board, at a meeting, 
 thereafter held, did adopt a resolution refusing to recommend any person as 
 principal in the place of said Hoose. and stating that they still recognized, and 
 should continue to recognize, the said Hoose as principal of the school, not- 
 withstanding my orders in the matter and the official opinion of the Attorney 
 General sustaining the legality *of such orders ; and whereas, I, as such 
 Superintendent did, on the 4th day of August, 1880. acting under the authority 
 conferred upon me by Chapter 18 of the Laws of the State of New York, pass- 
 ed in 1869, appoint Professor J. M. Cassety Acting Principal of said school, 
 
62 Cortlaotd Normal School Controversy. 
 
 and did notify the Local Board of the fact, and did further instruct thern to 
 cause to be delivered to Professor Cassety all books, papers and documents 
 that should be in the possession of the principal of the school, and to give him 
 at all times access to the school building and grounds ; and whereas the 
 Local Board have refused, and still do refuse, to obey these instructions, and 
 refuse to recognize Professor Cassety as Acting Principal of the school; and 
 whereas, the said Local Board still recognize the said Hoose as principal of 
 said school, and have put him in possession of the school building, and caused 
 him to open the said school; and whereas, the Local Board continue to recog- 
 nize as teachers in said school the following named persons, from whose 
 employment as teachers I, as such Superintendent, have withdrawn my 
 approval, viz. : Thomas B. Stowell, Samuel J. Sornberger, Emily P Halbeft, 
 Elizabeth Rase, Emily E. Cole, Sarah A. Saunders; and whereas the Local 
 Board have, without the approval of the Superintendent, and in violation of 
 the provisions of Chapter 466 of the Laws of 1866, entitled " An Act in Relation 
 to Normal Schools," assumed that the authority to employ teachers in the places 
 of those teachers who have, pursuant to my orders, reported to Professor 
 Cassety; and whereas, the Local Board of said school have thus set at defiance 
 the duly constituted State authorities, and have refused to be governed by the 
 lawful directions of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in their manage- 
 ment of the school, and have caused said school to become partially disorgan- 
 ized, and a portion of its Faculty to become insubordinate: 
 
 Now, therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Superintendent 
 of Public Instruction, I hereby order and direct that the State Normal and 
 Training School at Cortland be closed until such time as the lawful orders 
 and directions of the Department of Public Instruction in reference to the 
 management of said school are obeyed by the Local Board of said school, and 
 until said school shall be reorganized and opened in conformity to the laws of 
 this State relating to Normal Schools, 
 
 Given under my seal and the seal of the Department of Public Instruction, 
 at Albany, this 7th day of September, 1880. 
 
 [L. S.] Neil Gilmour, Supt. of Public Instruction. 
 
 To Norman Chamberlain, Secretary of the Local Board of the State 
 Normal and Training School at Cortland. 
 
 The Local Board met Wednesday evening, September 8, and 
 passed the following resolutions : — 
 
 No. 31. The Board to Mr. Gilmour. 
 
 Whereas, The Honorable Superintendent of Public Instruction has 
 served upon the President of this Board an order, under his hand, dated 
 September 7, 1880, in which he assumes to 'close the Cortland Normal and 
 Training School; and 
 
 Whereas, The said school was opened in due form on the first day of 
 September, 1880, as a Normal and Training School, and is now in successful 
 
XVIII. — Mr. Gilmour Attempts to Close the School. 63 
 
 operation, with a competent corps of teachers and an attendance of nearly six 
 hundred pupils, many of them from remote parts of the State ; and 
 
 Whereas, The Hon. Milo Goodrich and the Hon. John I. Gilbert and 
 the Hon. O. U. Kellogg, counsel for the President of this Board, agree in 
 opinion that the laws of the State of New York give to the Superintendent no 
 right or authority to close said school, which opinion is held and entertained 
 by other distinguished counsel to whom the question has been submitted : 
 therefore 
 
 Resolved, That the Board, relying upon the opinions so given, and upon 
 their own convictions of duty, and in pursuance of the power vested in the 
 several Local Boards of the Normal and Training Schools of the State of New 
 York, by the provisions of Chapter 466 of the laws of 1866, and the provisions 
 of Chapter 348 of the laws of 1880, and believing that to close the doors of 
 this school against uearly six hundred pupils, now receiving instruction therein, 
 would be a wrong and an outrage, they, the said Local Board, must respect- 
 fully but firmly decline to close said school, or allow it to be closed by others. 
 
 Resolved, That this Board, still anxious for the earliest possible settlement 
 of the question in difference (which it is conceded is for the Courts to decide) 
 hereby renew the offer heretofore made to agree upon a case containing the 
 facts, and obtain at once the judgment of the Supreme Court thereon. 
 
CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 EXTRAORDINARY EFFORTS TO DISPERSE THE STUDENTS — 
 TO SEND THEM TO OTHER NORMAL SCHOOLS-UNSUC- 
 CESSFUL. 
 
 Professor Cassety, expecting that he would not be permitted 
 to open the school, and anticipating the order to close it, had 
 prepared printed handbills to distribute among the students, 
 explaining to them the mode in which they could obtain trans- 
 fers to other Normal Schools. He, and those teachers who 
 followed him were very active in attempting to disperse the 
 students to other Normal Schools. The} 7 circulated reports 
 among them that what work they did in the school the present 
 term would not count in their advancement towards graduation. 
 The students were advised that if they left Cortland, their ex- 
 penses to other Normal Schools would be met for them. But very 
 few of the students left, and a portion of those returned soon. 
 No. 32. Announcement by Pofessor Cassety. 
 
 NOTICE TO STUDENTS IN THE NORMAL DEPARTMENT OF CORTLAND NORMAL 
 
 SCHOOL. 
 
 By direction of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, notice is hereby 
 given to students in the Normal department of the Cortland Normal and 
 Training School, that during the temporary closing of the school, the} T may, 
 upon application to the Acting Principal, receive certificates of transfers to 
 such other State Normal Schools as they may elect. Such transfers will 
 enable Normal students to continue their regular course of study without 
 interruption. James M. Cassett, 
 
 September 8, 1880. Acting Prin. Cortland Normal and Training School. 
 
 No. 33. Transfer to students given by professor Cassety, to leave Cortland to go to 
 
 another Normal School. 
 State Normal School, Cortland, N. Y. , September 2, 1880. 
 Br. Wm. J. Milne, Principal, Oeneseo, N. Y., 
 
 Dear Sir : — With your concurrence I transfer the bearer, Mr. 
 
 , of. — , N. Y., from this Normal School to your School. His 
 
 rank this term is F classical, minus Rhetoric. His character and record here 
 are good. Truly Yours, James M. Cassety, Acting Principal. 
 
CHAPTER XX. 
 
 MR. GILMOUR NOTIFIES THE BOARD THAT HE WILL GO TO 
 THE COURTS— A COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD MEETS HIM 
 AT ALBANY— NO RESULTS. 
 
 The school was proceeding quietly when there sprang up a 
 
 telegraphic correspondence between Mr. Gilmour and the Board, 
 
 It explains itself. 
 
 No. 34. Mr. Gilmovr to the Local Board. 
 
 Albany, N. Y., September 16, 1880. 
 To Dr. F. Hyde, President of the Loral Board. Normal School, Cortland, N. Y. : 
 By advice of the Attorney-General, I will agree with the Local Board upon 
 a statement of the facts in controversy for submission to the General Term. 
 Let some members of the Local Board, with their counsel, come here at once, 
 in order that a statement may be made up with a view to submitting it to the 
 General Term now in session at Saratoga Springs. 1 am informed that if the 
 case can be agreed upon, it can be heard next Aveek. Answer if you arc com- 
 ing at once. Neil Gilmour , Superintendent. 
 N08. 85, 36. The Local Board to Mr. Gilmour. 
 
 Cortland, N. Y., September 16, 1880. 
 To Hop. Neil Gilmovr, Albany, N. Y. : 
 
 Our counsel is out of town. Will meet this evening and take action, and 
 inform you promptly. F. Hyde. 
 
 Cortland, N. Y., September 17, 1880. 
 To Hon. Neil Gilmour, Albany, N. Y. : 
 
 We accept the proposition to submit. Our counsel caunot go to Albany 
 this week. Will meet you at/Ltica on Monday, and agree on the case. Will 
 this do? Answer. F. Hyde. 
 
 No. 37. Mr. Gilmour to the Local Board. 
 To Dr. F. Hyde, President of the Local Board, Cortland : 
 
 It is entirely satisfactory to Attorney-General and myself to meet you and 
 your counsel on Monday. It is, however, difficult for the Attorney-General 
 to leave his office to go to Utica, and you had better when you get started come 
 on to Albany. The records are all here to which it may be necessary to refer. 
 Clerical force sufficient here to do any copying. We can go direct to Saratoga 
 from here, and arrange a day for argument. Answer. 
 
 Neil Gilmour, Superintendent. 
 9 
 
66 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 Nos. 38, 39 . The Local Board to Mr. Gilmour. 
 
 Cortland, September 17, 1880. 
 To Hon. Neil Gilmour, Albany, N. T. : 
 
 Will see our counsel about going to Albany, and inform you in the 
 morning. F. Hyde. 
 
 Cortland, September 18, 1880. 
 To Hon. Neil Gilmour, Albany, N. Y. : 
 
 We will meet you at Albany on Monday afternoon. 
 
 F. Hyde. 
 
 No. 40. Mr. Keyes to the Local Board. 
 
 Albany, N. Y.. September 18. 1880. 
 To Dr. F. Hyde, President of the Local Board : 
 
 Upon further consideration, it is believed that serious legal difficulties 
 exist as to submitting the Cortland Normal School case to the Supreme Court. 
 If in view of these facts the counsel for the Board conclude to come to Alban} r 
 Monday, the Superintendent will be glad to consult with them at the Attorney- 
 General's office, as to the best manner of relieving your situation. Answer at 
 First street, Albany, to-night or to-morrow. 
 
 Addison A. Keyes, Deputy Superintendent. 
 
 No. 41. The Local Board to Mr Keyes : 
 
 Cortland, September 19, 1880. 
 Hon. Addison A. Keyes, 35 First street, Albany, N. Y. : 
 
 We regret that you see legal difficulties in the way of proposed submission. 
 Perhaps on consultation we may remove the difficulties. Will meet the 
 Superintendent on Monday afternoon. F. Hyde. 
 
 Accordingly Dr. Hyde and Judge Duel! went to Albany, 
 only to find that Mr. Gilmour had no new proposition to sub- 
 mit. They therefore returned home, no efforts having been 
 made by Mr. Gilmour to make up a case to submit to the court. 
 
CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 MR. GILMOUR BRINGS THE CASE INTO COURT— THE ISSUE AS 
 STATED IN THE ARGUMENTS— MR. GILMOUR CLAIMS ABSO- 
 LUTE POWER OVER THE NORMAL SCHOOL— DENIED BY 
 THE BOARD. 
 
 Mr. Gilmour brought the case into the Supreme Court, Special 
 Term, at Bingham ton, October 26, 1880, upon an application 
 " for an order granting a peremptory writ of mandamus — com- 
 manding — the Local Board of the State Normal School at Cort- 
 land, that you immediately terminate the employment by you of 
 James H. Hoose, as principal teacher in the said State Normal 
 School at Cortland, and that you no longer procure or permit him 
 to perform the duties, or otherwise to act in said school as the 
 principal or other teacher therein ; and that you officially recog- 
 nize James M. Cassety as the principal teacher in said school, 
 and permit him, without hindrance or obstruction on your part, 
 to enter upon and perform the duties of such principal teacher in 
 said school. " (Official Doc.) 
 
 The issue as these joined took substantially this form : Mr. 
 Gilmour raised no questions regarding the prosperity of the 
 school, or the* excellency of its present condition, or the ability, 
 efficiency and ample qualifications of the Principal, Dr. Hoose, 
 and the six teachers who remained with the Board ; he granted 
 all these points ; but they have nothing to do with the case, which 
 is one of law purely, and resides in that portion of the Statute of 
 1866, which says of the Board, Section 3, " Subject, however, to 
 
6S Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 his general supervision and to his direction in all things pertaining 
 to the school." Mr. Gilmour claimed to be the Creator, the Board, 
 the Faculty, and the School, being merely creatures of his will ; 
 he is absolute over all. 
 
 RE-STATED, THE CLAIMS ARE THESE I 
 
 1. Mr. Gilmour claims that he has absolute power over the 
 Normal schools in the State; that the schools, their appointees 
 and employees, are only and simply the creatures of his will. 
 
 2. Mr. Gilmour claims that he is not responsible to the local- 
 ities which donated to the State the property belonging to the 
 Normal schools, nor to the State as represented in its students 
 in these schools, nor to the Boards which are endowed by State 
 authority to have " the immediate supervision of these schools." 
 
 The Board claims a history of eleven and one-half years of 
 precedent of concurrent action under the Statute, and claims that 
 it is endowed with discretionary powers ; it also claims that the 
 localities have rights of representation in the administration of 
 these schools ; it claims that these points are intended by the 
 Statute, else why does it provide for a Board of many, and then 
 make provisions for an examination and removal of members of 
 the Board by concurrent action of the Superintendent and Chan- 
 cellor of the Regents \ The whole Normal school system, cre- 
 ated by the Laws of 1866, is dual in its conception. The localities 
 erect the buildings, and are represented by a Board endowed 
 with authority by the State ; the State at large is represented by 
 the Superintendent, and the current expenses of the school are 
 met by the State. In ease of a conflict between the Board and 
 the Superintendent, provisions were made for adjudicating those 
 differences before the Chancellor of the Regents. This dual con- 
 ception appears further in this : The administration of the cur- 
 rent affairs of the school is concurrent between the Board and 
 the Superintendent, as the Statute provides ; matters relating to 
 the Board itself are concurrent between the Superintendent and 
 the Chancellor of the Regents ; nowhere, in the general scope of 
 
The Question at Issue. 69 
 
 the administration of affairs, does the Statute provide for an ex- 
 ecutive authority that resides in one single person or body ; the 
 auditing of all accounts must begin by the action of the Board ; 
 the prescribing of a course of study ; the adopting of regulations 
 for the school ; these initiatory actions of the Board are subject 
 to approval by the Superintendent ; the diplomas must be signed 
 by the Superintendent, the Principal, the President and the 
 Secretary of the Board. There are but very few special duties 
 of administration that are given alone to either the Superinten- 
 dent or the Board. Nowhere in the statute is authority given 
 to the Superintendent either to employ a teacher in a Normal 
 school, or to dismiss one. All goes to show the duality within 
 the Statute of 1866. 
 
CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 STATISTICS OF THE CORTLAND NORMAL SCHOOL, READ JUNE 
 28, 1880— SHOWING THE WORK OF THE GRADUATES— TABLES 
 OF STATISTICS OF ATTENDANCE, INCLUDING THE PRES- 
 ENT TERM, BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 1, 1880. 
 
 The Committee appointed by the Alumni Association to col- 
 lect and collate statistics submitted the following report. It ex- 
 hibits the fidelity of the school to the trusts assigned to it by the 
 State ; and it indicates the ability of its graduates, as shown by 
 the important positions to which they have been called. 
 
 The tables exhibit the statistics of the school, including the 
 present term. It will be seen that the school has sustained the 
 shock of Mr. Gilmour's attack with but very little apparent harm. 
 
 FACTS CONCERNING THE CORTLAND SCHOOL. 
 
 Statistics concerning the Alumni of the Cortland State Nor- 
 mal School. Presented at the public Alumni exercises held 
 June 28th, 1880, by Sarah A. Saunders, committee for the asso- 
 ciation. 
 
Statistics of the School. 71 
 
 The value and efficiency of a school are measured by the result of its 
 labors as seen in the attainment and rank of its graduates. This is especially 
 true in the case of a professional school, and the intrinsic worth of such a school 
 is only determined by the subsequent work of those who sought preparation 
 within its walls. 
 
 Perhaps none amoDg the professional schools are so thoroughly criticised 
 and questioned, concerning merit, as are the Normal Schools, which claim as 
 their distinctive field, the preparation of persons for the profession of teaching. 
 
 The Cortland Normal School has its part to bear in proving that these 
 schools are accomplishing a work that is of great value, if not indispensable, 
 to the best interests of education. 
 
 * With a a view to answer the question so frequently asked. "What are 
 your graduates doin • ? " and also to inform ourselves as members of the Alumni, 
 the following statistics have been prepared, from blanks, which were sent to 
 all members of the Alumni Association last March, for their answers to cer- 
 tain questions contained in them. 
 
 The school was organized March 3, 1869. The first class graduated July 
 1, 1870, and to date, including the class of June 29, 1880, the graduates num- 
 ber 275—56 gentlemen and 219 ladies. 
 
 During the ten years which have elapsed since the first class went out, 7 
 members of the Alumni have died, viz., 1 gentleman and 6 ladies, leaving a 
 membership of 268. 
 
 Taking out the 32 members who form the class of June, 18S0, there re- 
 main 246 graduates. To this number the blanks above mentioned were sent. 
 Fifty-eight of the number did not return their blanks (in time to have the re- 
 ports used), hence the statistics now given pertain to the 188 who did reply. 
 Forty three of this number are gentlemen and 145 are ladies. The statistics 
 in all cases refer to the time since graduation. 
 
 Of the 43 gentlemen who report, 20 or 46£# have taught all the time since 
 graduation; 20 or 46£# have taught only a portion of the time; 3 or 7% have not 
 taught at all ; 93£ have taught more or less. 
 
 The highest yearly salary any one of the number has received for a series 
 of years averages $1,500, while the lowest salary averages $400. 
 
 Of the 40 gentlemen who have taught, 34 or 85# have taught in New 
 York State; 6 or 15£ have not taught in New York State; 8 or 20£ have taught 
 both in New York State and also in other States. 
 
 The following are the States in which the 14 who have given service to 
 States other than New York have taught : 
 
 New Jersey, Pennsylania, Iowa, 
 
 Ohio, Connecticut, Illinois, 
 
 Michigan, Rhode Island, Virginia, 
 
 Georgia, North Carolina. 
 
72 
 
 Cortland Nokmal School Controversy. 
 
 The following are the places in New York State where the 34 gentlemen 
 have taught: 
 
 Binghamton, 
 
 Medina, 
 
 Weedsport, 
 
 Accord. 
 
 Pompey, 
 
 ChittenaDgo, 
 
 Cuyler, 
 
 Moravia, 
 
 Washingtonville , 
 
 Mexico, 
 
 Lee Center, 
 
 Chenango Forks, 
 
 Rockaway, 
 
 Elmira, 
 
 Jamaica, L. I., 
 
 Holland Patent, 
 
 Marathon, 
 
 Harpersville, 
 
 Ilorseheads, 
 
 Rosendale, 
 
 Sloatsburg, 
 
 Theresa, 
 
 East Pembroke, 
 
 Fredonia, 
 
 Carthage, 
 
 Havana, 
 
 Lockport, 
 
 Georgetown, 
 
 Cortland, 
 
 Union, 
 
 Truxton, 
 
 Lisle. 
 
 Monroe, 
 
 Washington Mills, 
 
 Newfield, 
 
 Morrisville, 
 
 Northport, 
 
 Manlius, 
 
 Scipio, 
 
 Booneville. 
 
 Of the 34 gentlemen mentioned above, 26 have been Principals of Union 
 Graded Schools; 4 have been Principals of City Ward Schools; 4 have served 
 as Superintendents of public schools in cities or in large villages; 2 have been 
 Principals of City High Schools; 4 have been in Faculty of City High Schools; 
 4 have been members of the Normal School Faculty; 1 has held the office of 
 Count}' School Commissiouer; 1 l^as been Principal of an Academy; 1 has the 
 chair of Music and Modern Languages in a Female College; 1 has had the chair 
 of Mathematics and Natural Scieuces in an Academy; 1 has had the chair of 
 Natural Sciences in a City High School. 
 
 During the school year ending July, 1880, 27 gentlemen or 63$ have been 
 teaching at an average salary each of $812; .$2,000 being the highest salary, 
 and $500 the lowest. Of the number 27 — 13 arc Principals of Union Graded 
 Schools; 3 are Principals of City Ward Schools; 4 are Principals of City High 
 Schools; 1 is Principal of a department in a High School; 2 are Superinten- 
 dents of public schools; 1 is Principal of a department in a Normal School; 
 1 holds the chair of English Physics and Latin in a Normal School; 1 has the 
 chair of Mathematics and Natural Science in an Academy; 1 is Director of 
 Music Department and Professor of Modern Languages in a Female College. 
 
 The following are the statistics pertainiug to the ladies since graduation 
 and refer only to the 145 who returned blanks. 62 ladies, or 43;V have taught 
 all the time since graduation; 74 ladies, or 51% have taught only a portion of 
 the time; 9 ladies or 6$ have not taught at all; 94$ of the ladies taught more 
 or less. 
 
 The highest yearly salary any one has received for a series of years 
 averages $911 : the lowest averages $150, this latter being in a rural district 
 school. 
 
 Of the 116 ladies who have taught more or less, 128 or 94$ have taught in 
 
Statistics of the School. 
 
 73 
 
 New York State; 8 or 6# have not taught in New York State; 14 or 10# have 
 taught in New York State and also in other States. 
 
 The following are the States in which the 22 who have not remained all 
 the time in New York State have taught: — 
 
 Connecticut, Michigan, Minnesota, 
 
 New Jersey, Illinois, Vermont, 
 
 Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, 
 
 Tennesee, California, Pennsylvania, 
 
 Nebraska. 
 
 The following are the places in New York State where the 128 ladies have 
 taught: — 
 
 Summer Hill, 
 
 Elmira, 
 
 Binghamton, 
 
 Dresserville, 
 
 Glen Haven, 
 
 Sidney Plains, 
 
 Georgetown, 
 
 Green Island, 
 
 Homer, 
 
 Oneonta, 
 
 Speed ville, 
 
 North Pitcher, 
 
 New Warwiok, 
 
 Coventry, 
 
 McLean, 
 
 Syracuse, 
 
 Buffalo, 
 
 Taylor, 
 
 Port Jervis, 
 
 West Eaton, 
 
 Medina, 
 
 McGrawville, 
 
 Poolville, 
 
 Fabius, 
 
 Harford, 
 
 Marathon, 
 
 Norwich, 
 
 Lansing, 
 
 Andes, 
 
 Greene, 
 
 Of the 128 ladies mentioned above, 77 have taught in Union Graded 
 Schools; 20 have taught in City Ward Schools; 6 have taught in High Schools; 
 11 have taught in Normal Schools; 1 has taught in a College; 5 have taught 
 10 
 
 Jordan, 
 
 Carthage, 
 
 Niles, 
 
 Middletown, 
 
 New York city, 
 
 Morris ville, 
 
 Chittenango, 
 
 Balmville, 
 
 Scott, 
 
 Moravia, 
 
 Lakeport, 
 
 Kattelville, 
 
 Harpersville, 
 
 Kingston, 
 
 East Homer, 
 
 Horseheads, 
 
 Clyde, 
 
 Deposit, 
 
 Owego, 
 
 Auburn, 
 
 West Monroe, 
 
 Newark Vallej% 
 
 Truxton, 
 
 DeRuyter, 
 
 Virgil, 
 
 Groton, 
 
 Berkshire, 
 
 Triangle, 
 
 Free ville, 
 
 Peruville, 
 
 Cortland, 
 Onondaga Valley, 
 Canaudaigua, 
 Glen Head, L. I., 
 Ithaca. 
 
 South Cortland, 
 Clark's Ferry, 
 Vassar College, 
 Cincinnatus, 
 Windsor, 
 South Orange, 
 Washingtonville. 
 Lincklaen, 
 Bethlehem, 
 Newark, 
 Cazenovia, 
 Geneseo, 
 Cuyler, 
 Nyack, 
 Lisle, 
 Unadilla, 
 Newfield, 
 Dry den, 
 Hamilton, 
 East Watertown, 
 Scipio, 
 Fulton, 
 Lapeer, 
 Killawog, 
 Etna. 
 
74 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 id Private Schools; 7 have taught in Academies; 49 have taught m district 
 schools. 
 
 During the school year ending July, 1880, 81 ladies or 56$ have been 
 teaching at an average salary of $380; the highest salary being $1,000 and the 
 lowest $150. 
 
 Of the 81 ladies who have taught during the year, 40 have been in Union 
 Graded Schools; 19 have been in City Ward Schools; 10 have been in District 
 Schools; 6 have been in Normal Schools; 3 have been in High Schools; 1 has 
 been in a College; 1 has been in an Academy; 1 has been in a Private 
 School. 
 
 A summary of items pertaining to the 188 persons who returned blanks 
 gives the following: One hundred and seventy-six persons or 94$ have taught 
 since graduation ; 12 persons, or 6$ have not taught since graduation ; 82 per- 
 sons or 44$ have taught all the time since graduation; 94 persons or 50$ have 
 not taught all the time since graduation ; 162 persons or 86$ have returned 
 service to New York State; 14 persons, or 8$ have given their services entirely 
 to States other than New York; 103 persons have taught in Union Graded 
 Schools; 24 persons have taught in City Ward Schools; 10 persons have 
 taught in High Schools; 15 persons have taught in Normal Schools; 50 
 persons have taught in District Schools; 8 persons have taught in an 
 Academy; 2 persons have taught in a College; 5 persons have taught in Pri. 
 vate Schools. 
 
 Of the 58 persons who did not send in reports, the following is correct as 
 far as known: All but 6 have taught more or less; 18 have taught in Union 
 Graded Schools; 13 have taught in City Ward Schools; 15 have taught in 
 District Schools ; 2 have taught in Normal Schools ; 1 has taught in an Acade- 
 my; 1 has taught in a Private School; 36 persons have taught in New York 
 State; 10 persons have taught in States other than New York. 
 
 The following table exhibits the history of the Cortland 
 Normal School from its beginning, March 3, 1869, down to 
 October 1, 1880, the close of the 12th, or last, school year. The 
 exhibit shows the total number of normal students enrolled each 
 year, the average attendance, the average age, the percent of 
 of attendance of the whole number registered, and the percent 
 of students who dropped out of school during the year, thus 
 indicating approximately the proportion of students of the school 
 who teach annually in the public schools. The school graduated 
 38 normal students during the year ending October 1, 1880. 
 
Statistics of the School. 75 
 
 < i 
 
 Av. 
 
 Ape. 
 
 
 -3 u 
 % * 
 
 * s 
 
 i 
 
 d 
 
 
 *5 a 
 
 si 
 
 53 
 
 19 
 
 19 
 
 46 
 
 54 
 
 123 
 
 19 
 
 19 
 
 39 
 
 61 
 
 162 
 
 20 
 
 19 
 
 41 
 
 59 
 
 161 
 
 19 
 
 19 
 
 44 
 
 56 
 
 163 
 
 20 
 
 19 
 
 42 
 
 58 
 
 177 
 
 20 
 
 19 
 
 45 
 
 55 
 
 179 
 
 20 
 
 22 
 
 49 
 
 51 
 
 157 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 42 
 
 58 
 
 177 
 
 20 
 
 19 
 
 45 
 
 55 
 
 197 
 
 21 
 
 20 
 
 55 
 
 45 
 
 153 
 
 21 
 
 20 
 
 48 
 
 52 
 
 320 
 
 21 
 
 20 
 
 50 
 
 50 
 
 YEAR. i 
 
 is 
 
 1— March 3, 1869, to October 1, 1869 116 
 
 2— October 1. 1869, to October 1, 1870 322 
 
 3— October 1, 1870, to October 1, 1871 401 
 
 4— October 1, 1871, to October 1, 1872 370 
 
 5_October 1, 1872, to October 1, 1873. 390 
 
 6— October 1, 1873, to October 1, 1874 399 
 
 7_Octobcr 1, 1874. to October 1, 1875 370 
 
 8— October 1, 1885, to October 1, 1876 377 
 
 9_October 1, 1876, to October 1, 1877 398 
 
 10— October 1, 1877, to October 1, 1878 361 
 
 H_October 1, 1878, to October 1, 1879 324 
 
 1 2_October 1, 1879. to October 1, 1880 449 
 
 An examination of the above table shows that the last year 
 was the most largely attended in the history of the school, some 
 fifty different students having been enrolled over and above that 
 of any previous year, and an advance of one hundred and twenty- 
 five over the preceding year, with an increase of sixty-seven in 
 the average attendance. 
 
 Up to the date of this writing, December 1, 1880, the rolls of 
 the school have registered a total of 267 students who are pur- 
 suing the normal courses of study. Deducting 10 who are to be 
 normal students but are under 16 years of age, or are selecting 
 special studies, the remainder gives 257 normal students, of full 
 age, who are pursuing the courses on towards graduation. Of 
 these 257 students, 88 are gentlemen, and 169 are ladies; 101 of 
 them are new students this term, 64 ladies and 37 gentlemen. 
 
 The total number of students and pupils enrolled by the 
 school at this date (December 1,) is 622 in all the departments. 
 
 During the present term, beginning September 1, 1880, the 
 24th in the history of the school, eighteen counties are repre- 
 sented by- new students in attendance ; nineteen counties are rep- 
 resented by students who have attended previous terms. The 
 
76 
 
 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 following counties are represented by students the present term ; 
 25 in all, Or nearly half the counties' of the State. 
 
 Allegany, 
 Broome, 
 
 Herkimer, 
 Jefferson, 
 
 Orange, 
 
 Oswego, 
 
 Cortland, 
 
 Lewis, 
 
 Otsego, 
 
 Cayuga, 
 Chemung, 
 Chenango, 
 Delaware, 
 
 Madison. 
 Montgomery, 
 Oneida, . 
 Onondaga, 
 
 Schuyler, 
 
 Tioga, 
 
 'Tompkins, 
 
 Ulster, 
 
 Greene, 
 
 Ontario, 
 Yates. 
 
 Wayne, 
 
CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 BRIEF RECAPITULATION OF THE ATTITUDE OF THE DEPART- 
 MENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION TOWARDS THE CORTLAND 
 NORMAL SCHOOL— FIRST, UNDER SHUT. WEAVER— SECOND, 
 UNDER SUPT. GILMOUR 
 
 A brief recapitulation of the attitude of the State Superin- 
 tendents, as shown by their official acts towards the Cortland 
 Normal School, gives the following- points : 
 
 I. — Administration of Supt. Weaver: 
 
 1. Mr. Weaver, under whose administration the school opened 
 
 March 3, 1869, and continued until April, 1874, always 
 recognized the concurrent authority of the Local Board. 
 He so interpreted the Statute for the Board. 
 
 2. He used but one form, substantially, when consenting to the 
 
 employment of all teachers. It was as follows: " hereby ap- 
 proved and continued. " He first acknowledged the pre- 
 ceding action of the Local Board in nominating the 
 names to him. (See Ch. VI.) 
 
 3. He never visited the school or the village without consult- 
 
 ing with some officer of the Board about the welfare of the 
 school ; or practically, with the Board itself. 
 II. — Administration of Supt. Gilmour : 
 
 1. Mr. Gilmour uniformly respected the recommendation of 
 
 the Board down to September 12, 1876, when he set it 
 aside without explanation. He continued this in October, 
 1879. He has never respected it in the matter of filling 
 vacancies in the Board as he has with other Normal 
 Schools in the State. (See Ch. III.) 
 
 2. Mr. Gilmour conceded in practice, January, 1877, that dis- 
 
 missals of teachers were initiated and carried out by the 
 Board, subject to his approval ; in this he granted concur- 
 rent authority to the Board. (See Ch. IV.) 
 
78 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 3. Mr. Gilmour suddenly assumed to direct the Board to renom- 
 inate all the Faculty, when there were no vacancies, and 
 none were created. The Board declined to comply with 
 this order. (See Ch. V.) 
 
 5. The form of confirmation in the employment of teachers 
 
 used by Mr. Weaver was adopted substantially by Mr. 
 G-ilmour from his entrance into office, April, 1874, to 
 June 11,1877. (See Ch. VI, p. 25. ) 
 
 6. Mr. Grilmour recognized the concurrent authority of the 
 
 Cortland and the Fredonia Local Boards when Dr. Hoose 
 was detailed to the Principalship of the Fredonia Normal 
 School, August,1878. (See Ch. VII, p. 27.) 
 
 7. Mr. G-ilmour has met the Local Board of Cortland Normal 
 
 School but once during his entire administration ; from 
 April, 1874, to date of this writing ; he has rarely con- 
 sulted the officers of the Board ; he has never expressed to 
 them any opinions or hints that the school or the Princi- 
 pal was failing in any respect ; he has expressed entire 
 satisfaction with them. (See Ch. VIII, p. 32.) 
 
 8. Mr. Gilmonr, immediately following Dr. Hoose's efforts in 
 
 behalf of another candidate for the office of Superintend- 
 ent, suddenly demanded the resignation of Dr. Hoose, who 
 refused, being approved by the Board. (See Ch. IX .) 
 
 9. Mr. Gilmonr purported to dismiss Dr. Hoose, but his action 
 
 was not concurred in by the Board. (See Ch. X, p. 33.) 
 
 11. Mr. G-ilmour purported to appoint Prof.Cassety acting Prin- 
 
 cipal at Cortland, but the action was not concurred in by 
 the Board. The Board offered to take the case to the 
 Courts. (See Ch. XI, p. 44.) 
 
 12. Mr. Gilmour failed to secure the co-operation of the Chan- 
 
 cellor to remove the Board without a hearing. Mr. Gil- 
 mour never called for this investigation. (See Ch. XII.) 
 K>. Mr. Gilmour offered to go to the Courts, provided the Board 
 would accept his terms ; otherwise he threatened to close 
 the school. (See Ch. XIII, p. 49.) 
 
Recapitulation. 79 
 
 15. Mr. Gilmour, through Prof. Cassety and the six teachers 
 who followed him, did not succeed in preventing- the open- 
 ing of the term. September 1. 1880; nor in breaking it up 
 and dispersing the students after it began. (See Ch. X1Y.) 
 
 15. Mr. Gilmour purported to dismiss six teachers, without assign- 
 
 ing any reason for the action. The Board non-concurred, 
 and the teachers remain. i^See Ch. XVII, p. 58.) 
 
 16. Mr. Gilmour. just one week after the term had opened, as 
 
 sumed to order the closing of the school. The Board did 
 not permit this to be done. (See Ch. XVIII, p. 61. ) 
 
 17. Mr. Gilmour. September 1G. 1880. suddenly accepted the 
 
 proposition to go to the Courts, made by the Board August 
 7, 1880 ; but a conference with him proved of no avail. 
 (See Ch. XX, p. 65. ) 
 
 Mr. Gilmour finally brought the matter into Court, October 
 26, 1880, on an application for a mandamus to command 
 the Board to set Dr. Hoose out of the school and to rec- 
 ognize officially his own appointee of July 24. See Ch. 
 XXL p. 67.) 
 
 19. Mr. Gilmour has, up to this date, December 1, 1880, refused 
 to certify to any of the bills to pay the financial liabilities 
 of the school which have been incurred by the Board 
 since July 1, 1 SS« >. The bills were sent to him, in the 
 regular process and form, jthe middle of Xovember. 
 These bills are for the ordinary expense.-, as for janitor's 
 services, fuel, gas, repairs, postage, stationery, etc.. etc : 
 no teacher has been paid, yet the money for the teachers 
 and for all these bills, now lies in the State Treasury, 
 awaiting only the signature of the Superintendent. Mr. 
 Gilmour, bv his official acts, has assumed that his inter- 
 petation of the Statute is law for the Board and School, in 
 advance of the construction to be given by the Courts, al- 
 though he has conceded that there is a difference of 
 opinion regarding the meaning of the law. 
 
CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 NECESSARY CONSEQUENCES RESULTING FROM THE CLAIMS 
 MADE BY MR. GILMOUR— THE ENTIRE NORMAL SCHOOL 
 SYSTEM OF THE STATE PLACED IN JEOPARDY— ANTAG- 
 ONISTIC TO THE SPIRIT OF AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS. 
 
 1. Mr. Gilmour's course towards the Cortland Normal School 
 
 since 1876, has been tending to work the disintegration, 
 and ultimate destruction, of the whole Normal School 
 system of the State. 
 
 2. Concede to Mr. GHlmour the absolute powers which he 
 
 claims, and they can be wielded again by subsequent 
 State Superintendents. Such powers would soon convert 
 the Normal Schools practically from their high educa- 
 tional character into institutions to be filled with partisans 
 of the Superintendent. 
 
 3. These partisan Faculties would not be representative educa- 
 
 tors ; high standing and liberal progressiveness in the 
 teachers would be wanting ; for the uncertainty of the 
 tenure of position would not secure men and women of 
 proper learning and experience ; their necessary subordi- 
 nation to the will of the Superintendent would stifle 
 manly and womanly independence and dignity ; teachers 
 could buy them no homes where they taught, they 
 would be liable to be turned out at any whim or purpose. 
 
 4. These Faculties in the Normal Schools would fail to elevate 
 
 the tone of independent manhood and womanhood of the 
 
Necessajjy Consequences. 81 
 
 young men and women students, who attend these Schools 
 in order to prepare to teach in the public schools of the 
 State. 
 
 5. Then teachers of the common schools, in their turn, would 
 demoralize that sterling tone of moral independence and 
 integrity which are at once the essence and the glory of 
 
 • American civilization. Thus the demoralizing influence 
 
 of such absolute powers as are claimed by Mr. Gilmour 
 would extend directly into every family of the State. 
 
 7. Mr. Gilmour's assumptions practically advocate "taxation 
 
 without representation," for the localities have taxed 
 themselves heavily for the schools, expecting a voice 
 through the Local Boards in the administration of the 
 affairs pertaining to the schools, by means of concurrent 
 authority with the Superintendent. Mr. Gilmour resists 
 this claim of the people, and this principle of govern- 
 ment. 
 
 8. Mr. Gilmour's course in the Cortland Normal School 
 
 controversy is calculated to harm the whole public 
 schoool system of the State ; it sets the example to all 
 school officers and trustees of making uncertain to teachers 
 of all grades the tenure of their positions. A crying 
 evil of our schools now is the frequent change of teachers ; 
 Mr. Gilmour's course encourages the evil, already so 
 great, by proposing to dismiss able and faithful teachers 
 for personal reasons alone, and without either a hearing 
 being granted or charges being made. 
 
 9. Mr. Gilmour's course strikes dangerously at the great 
 
 Profession of teaching. If men who devote their lives 
 and energies to the profession, and are eminently success- 
 ful, can be cut down any moment at the pleasure of a 
 single supervising officer, where is there any encourage- 
 ment to enter the profession, or to ennoble it, once being 
 
 in it I 
 
 11 
 
CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 LEGISLATION ASKED FOR BY THE CORTLAND LOCAL BOARD- 
 THAT THE LOCAL BOARD INITIATE THE EMPLOYMENT 
 AND DISMISSAL OF TEACHERS, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY 
 THE SUPERINTENDENT— THE NORMAL SCHOOL SHOULD 
 BE CLOSED ONLY BY THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 The Case is now in Court, but not decided, (Dec. 1, 1880), 
 and by appeals is liable to go to the Court of Appeals, unless the 
 Legislature come to the relief, and thus save the school from the 
 embarrassments resulting from delay, which must attend the 
 case should this happen. The Board is desirous of the welfare 
 of the school ; it has an ambition to serve the State ; it asks that 
 the statute relating to Normal Schools be so amended that con- 
 troversies like the present will be made impossible. The Board 
 desires that the school shall be placed where its usefulness will 
 be increased ; where its teachers can not be suddenly stricken down 
 in the midst of their progress and usefulness ; where salaries due 
 teachers and moneys due debtors can not be withheld at the will 
 of one man ; where the students from the many counties of the 
 State shall be undisturbed in their pursuits; where Faculties 
 can not be broken up at the pleasure of a single individual ; 
 and where the Local Board shall be encouraged by respectability 
 to the public, to foster and protect the interests of all who are 
 related to the school. 
 
 The Cortland Normal School controversy has grown out of a 
 difference in interpreting the law of 1866, Ch. 466. The issue 
 
Legislation Asked For. 83 
 
 is between the Board and Mr. Gilmour over the statute. The 
 Local Board has taken but one uniform construction, that given 
 by Superintendent Weaver, January 19, 1869 (see Ch. II.), 
 which is this, to wit : that the Board possesses powers that are 
 concurrent with the Superintendent's authority. No Superin- 
 tendent questioned this in practice until June 28, 1880, when 
 Mr. Gilmour began to introduce changes in practice and theory. 
 1. He claimed that he could withdraw his official approval once 
 given, (see Ch. IX, X, XVII.). 2. Then he claimed to act over 
 the Board, under Ch. 18, Laws of 1869, although the Board had 
 never refused to act, and had always acted promptly, and with 
 a quorum, (see Ch. XL). 3. Then he claimed the authority to 
 order the closing of the school, (see Ch. XYIIL). 4. He 
 finally claims absolute power of direction over the schools, recog- 
 nizing no responsibility to any power as siiperior to or concurrent 
 with his ; the Local Boards are servants, who have no right to 
 ask him, u Why doest thou so ? " 
 
 To the end that the welfare of the Normal Schools of the 
 State shall be more secure in the future from the introduction of 
 radical measures in the administration of their affairs ; and to 
 the end that these schools shall be removed from the evils of per- 
 sonal and partisan influences, as was the evident design of the 
 Statute creating them; to these ends your petitioners call especial 
 attention to the following points, recommending that they, to- 
 gether with such others as the Legislature shall deem wise, shall 
 be embodied in the laws govering the Normal Schools, namely : 
 
 1. The Local Board should be explicitly empowered to employ, 
 
 and, for cause, dismiss all teachers, subject to the ap- 
 proval of the Superintendent of Public Instruction ; the 
 initiatory movement to be commenced in all cases by the 
 Board. 
 
 2. A Board of Appeals should be constituted under some form, 
 
 to which both the Local Board and the Superintendent^' 
 Public Instruction can directly apply to adjust differences 
 between them. 
 
84 Cortland Normal School Controversy. 
 
 3. No Normal School should be ordered closed except by di- 
 rection of the Legislature. 
 
 We respectfully urge expedition in this matter upon your 
 Honorable Body. The present term of our Normal School will 
 close on Tuesday, January 18, 1881 ; the next term will open 
 on the second Wednesday of February following. It is impera- 
 tive to the continued welfare and prosperity of our school, that 
 the teachers and students, and the public at large, should know 
 definitely the state of our school at the earliest day practicable. 
 Hence the urgency of our request. 
 
 With great respect , we have the honor to subscribe ourselves, 
 most truly yours. 
 
 Frederick Hyde, R. Holland Duell, 
 
 Chas. C. Taylor, Norman Chamberlain, 
 
 William Newkirk, Henry Brewer, 
 
 Robert B. Smith. 
 
 Members of the Local Board. 
 State Normal and Training School, 
 Cortland, December 1, 1880. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 (The following was mislaid until too late to be incorporated 
 into the history. It belongs at the close of Chapter XIX, 
 p. 62.) 
 
 Mr. Gilmour's attitude toward the Cortland Normal School, 
 its students, the Local Board, and the Principal, is further 
 shown by the subjoined letter. It is dated two days after 
 the Cortland school opened. Mr. Gilmour conveys the 
 idea that the students were desiring to leave Cortland ; he 
 ignores and attempts to abrogate the universal and 
 permanent practice which prevails among the Normal 
 schools, to-wit : that students can go from one formal 
 school to any other upon a statement by the principal con- 
 taining the record of studies passed, and the class-rank to 
 which the student is entitled. This has been the law of 
 transfer. Compare these facts, and the statistics of the 
 prosperity of this present term, given elsewhere, with this 
 letter, and the full force of it will appear. 
 
 Here is the letter of instructions sent to other Normal 
 schools, dated five days before the date of his letter to 
 close this school : 
 
 Albany, September 3, 1880. 
 Principal, &c, N. T. 
 
 Sir: — The State Normal and Training School at Cortland is temporarily 
 disorganized, and certain pupils in the Normal department are making appli- 
 cation for transfers to other schools. It is my wish that the young people who 
 have in good faith entered the Cortland School should be permitted to com- 
 plete the course of study upon which they entered. 
 
 You will, therefore, receive into the School under your charge any pupil 
 from Cortland who presents my certificate of transfer. 
 
 No pnpil from that school should be admitted who does not present the 
 regular evidence of transfer. Classify such pupils according to your own 
 judgment, giving them as a matter of course every advantage to which they 
 are entitled by reason of previous study in the Cortland School. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 Neil Gilmour, Superintendent. 
 
THE LEGISLATURE OF 1881. 
 
STATE OF NEW YORK-LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT, 
 
 LIST OF MEMBERS 
 of the Senate of the State of New York for 1880-1. 
 RON. GEORGE G. HOSKINS, Lieutenant-Governor and President of 
 the Senate. 
 
 HON. WM. H. ROBERTSON, President pro tempore. 
 
 District Number One John Birdsall, Glen Cove, Queens Co. 
 
 District Number Two William H. Murtha, Brooklyn. 
 
 District Number Three Frederick A. Schroeder, Brooklyn. 
 
 District Number Four John C. Jacobs, Brooklyn. 
 
 Dietrict Number Five Edward Hogan, New York. 
 
 District Number Six Jacob Seebacher, New York. 
 
 District Number Seven Ferdinand Eidman, New York. 
 
 District Number Eight Robert H. Strahan, New York. 
 
 District Number Nine Francis M. Bixb} r , New York. 
 
 District Number Ten William W. Astor, New York. 
 
 District Number Eleven George H. Forster, New York. 
 
 District Number Twelve W. H. Robertson, Katonah, West. Co. 
 
 District Number Thirteen Edward M. Madden, Middletown, Orange Co. 
 
 District Number Fourteen Charles A. Fowler, Kingston. 
 
 District Number Fifteen Stephen H. Wendover, Stuyvesant, Col. Co. 
 
 District Mumber Sixteen I. Y. Baker, Jr., Comstock's Land'g. Wash. Co. 
 
 District Number Seventeen Waters W Bramam, West Troy, Albany Co. 
 
 District Number Eighteen Webster Wagner, Palatine Bridge, Mont. Co. 
 
 District Number Nineteen ...... W. W. Rockwell, Glens Falls, Warren Co. 
 
 District Number Twenty Dolphus S. Ly r nde, Hermon, St. L. Co. 
 
 District Number Twenty-one Bradley Winslow, Watertown. 
 
 District Number Twenty-two James Stevens. Rome. 
 
 District Number Twenty-three .. Albert M. Mills, Little Falls, Herkimer Co. 
 
 Distric Number Twenty-four Edwin G. Halbert, Binghamton. 
 
 District Number Twenty-five Dennis McCarthy, Syracuse. 
 
 District Number Twenty-six William B. Woodin, Auburn. 
 
 District Number Twenty-seven. .Ira Davenport, Bath, Steuben Co. 
 District Number Twenty-eight _ .George P. Lord, Dundee, Yates Co. 
 
 District Number Twenty nine Edmund L. Pitts, Medina, Orleans Co. 
 
 District Number Thirt3' James H. Loomis, Attica, Wyoming Co. 
 
 District Number Thirty-one Benjamin H. Williams, Buffalo. 
 
 District Number Thirty-two Loren B. Sessions, Panama, Chautauqua Co. 
 
THE ASSEMBLY. 
 
 List of Members of the Assembly of the State of New 
 
 YORK FOE 1881, WITH PoST-OFFICE ADDRESS OF EACH. 
 
 [Republicans in Roman, Democrats in Italic, Independent Democrats f.] 
 
 ALBANY. 
 
 1 Miner Gallup, Westerlo. 
 
 2. Andrew S. Draper, 51 State street, 
 
 Albany. 
 
 3. Aaron B. Pratt, 94 State street, 
 
 Albanv. 
 
 4. George Campbell, Cohoes. 
 
 ALLEGANY. 
 
 *Samuel H. Morgan, Cuba. 
 
 BROOME. 
 L. Coe Young, Ringhamton. 
 
 CATTARAUGUS. 
 1 Samuel H. Bradley, Olean. 
 2. *Joseph M. Congdon, Gowanda. 
 
 CAYUGA. 
 1 Thomas Hunter, Sterling. 
 2. *Hector H. Tuthill, Moravia. 
 CHATAUQUA. 
 
 1. Albert B. Sheldon, Sherman. 
 
 2. Milton M. Fenner, Fredonia. 
 
 CHEMUNG. 
 
 *Henry C. Hoffman, Horseheads. 
 
 CHENANGO. 
 Solomon K. Bemis, Pitcher. 
 
 CLINTON. 
 Shepard P. Bowen, Plattsburg. 
 
 COLUMBIA. 
 *John E. Gillette, Hudson. 
 
 CORTLAND. 
 
 Albertus A. Carley, Marathon. 
 
 DELAWARE. 
 
 William Lewis, Hamden. 
 
 DUTCHESS. 
 
 *Isaac D Carpenter. Shekomeko. 
 
 James E Dutcher, Poughkeepsie. 
 
 ERIE. 
 Jeremiah Higgins, 89 Scott, Buffalo. 
 *Frank Sipp. 514 William street, 
 
 Buffalo. 
 Arthur W. Hickman, 8-10 E. Eagle 
 
 street, Buffalo. 
 George Bingham, Lancaster. 
 *Harvey J. Hurd, El ma. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 James W. Sheehy, Port Henry. 
 
 FRANKLIN. 
 
 * William D. Brennau. Malone. 
 
 FULTON AND HAMILTON. 
 
 *David A. Wells, Johnstown. 
 
 GENESEE. 
 
 J. W. Holmes, Wheatville. 
 GREENE. 
 
 Orlando L. Newton, Westkill. 
 
 HERKIMER. 
 
 * William D. Gorsline, Miller's Mills. 
 
 JEFFERSON. 
 
 *Charles R. Skinner, Watertown. 
 Henry Binninger, Dexter. 
 
 KINGS. 
 *John Shanley, 548 Henry street. 
 
 2. *John Me Ternan, 93 Washington-st. 
 
 3. * Lawrence J. Tormey, 82 Dean-st. 
 
 4. *Jo?tn M. Clancy, 165 Sands-st. 
 
 5 Thomas J. Sheridan,] 478 Smith-st. 
 6. *Patrick J. Tully, 333 4th-st. 
 
 1. 
 
Members of Assembly. 
 
 91 
 
 7. John Reitz, 113 Graham avenue. 
 
 8. Moses Enael, 133 Norman avenue. 
 
 9. Charles H. Russell, 239 South 9th-st. 
 
 10. ^Richard J. Newman, 591 Vander- 
 
 bilt avenue. 
 
 11. William H. Waring, 215 Green-av. 
 
 12. Jacques Stilwell, Gravesend. 
 
 LEWIS. 
 *Charles A. Checkering, Copenha- 
 gen. 
 
 LIVINGSTON. 
 
 Kidder M. Scott, Geneseo. 
 
 MADISON.. 
 D. A. Jackson, Madison. 
 MONROE. 
 
 1. *George L. G. Seely, Fairport. 
 
 2. John Cowles. Rochester. 
 
 3. ^Frederick P. Root, Brockport. 
 
 MONTGOMERY. 
 Cornelius Van Buren, Amsterdam. 
 NEW YORK. 
 
 1. Michael C. Murphy, 272 West st. 
 
 2. Constantine Donohue, 82 Elm st. . 
 
 3. Thomas Smith, jr., 178 Hester-st. 
 
 4. *John H. McCarthy, 223 Madison st. 
 
 5. * Thomas Bogan, 313 W. Houston 
 
 street. 
 
 6. Matthew Patten, 36 Attorney-st. 
 
 7. *Isaac I. Hayes. Sinclair House. 
 
 8. *John E. Brodsky, 8-10 Center- st. 
 
 9. John W. Browning, 57 Grove-st. 
 
 10. Charles B. Brelun, 320 Sixth-st. 
 
 11. Robert R. Hamilton, 104 Broadway. 
 
 12. *Lewis Cohen, 200 Broadway. 
 
 13. Arthus D. Williams, 320 Broadway. 
 
 14. John Murphy, Marks place. 
 
 15. * Michael J. Dougherty, 552 W. 37th 
 
 street. 
 
 16. Francis B. Spinola, 216 E. 18th-st. 
 
 17. James Fenning, New York. 
 
 18. Joseph D. McDonouyh, 7 1 Second 
 
 avenue. 
 
 19. William F. Finley, 357 W. 53d-st. 
 
 20. * Frederick Thilemann, jr., 113 E. 
 
 69th-st. 
 
 21. William J. Trimble, 878 Lexington 
 
 avenue. 
 
 22. Wm. S. Andrews, 201 E. 71st-st. 
 
 23. Charles W. Dayton, 3 Broad-st. 
 
 24. William W. Mies, Fordham. 
 
 NIAGARA. 
 1. Elijah Adams Holt, Lockport. 
 %, *James Low, Suspension Bridge. 
 
 ONEIDA. 
 
 1. James Armstrong. New Hartford. 
 
 2. David G. Evans, Rome. 
 
 3. Thomas D. Roberts, Floyd. 
 
 ONONDAGA 
 
 1. *Thomas G. Alvord, Syracuse. 
 
 2. *Albert Howland, Jordan. 
 
 3. *Henry L. Duguid, Syracuse. 
 
 ONTARIO. 
 John Raines, Canandaigua. 
 
 ORANGE. 
 
 1. Joseph M. Dickey, Newburg. 
 
 2. W. H. Clark, Minnisink. 
 
 ORLEANS. 
 
 ^Marcus H. Phillips, Hulberton. 
 
 OSWEGO. 
 
 1. *Patrick W. Cullinan. Oswego. 
 
 2. *William H. Steele, Williamstown. 
 
 OTSEGO. 
 
 1. J. Stanley Browne, Sche nevus. 
 
 2. David Russell, Fly Creek. 
 
 PUTNAM. 
 
 S. H. Everett, 104 Vesey st., New 
 York city. 
 
 QUEENS. 
 Townsend D. Cock, Locust Valley. 
 George E. Bulmer, Jamacia. 
 
 RENSSELAER. 
 Charles E. Patterson, Troy. 
 Richard A. Derrick, Center Bruns- 
 wick. 
 *Barnis C. Strait, Greenbush. 
 
 RICHMOND. 
 Erastus Brooks, W. New Brighton. 
 
 ROCKLAND. 
 John Cleary, Haverstraw. 
 ST. LAWRENCE. 
 
 *Daniel Peck, Gouverneur. 
 *Worth Chamberlain, Canton. 
 *Ebenezer S. Grasper, Stockholm 
 Depot. 
 
 SARATOGA. 
 
 *Benjamin F. Baker, Ballston Spa. 
 *Delcour S. Potter, Schuylerville. 
 SCHENP;CTADY. 
 
 George Lasher, Mariaville. 
 
 SCHOHARIE. 
 
 John J. Dominie, Gallupville. 
 
 SCHUYLER. 
 
 *Lewis Beach, Tyrone. 
 
 1. 
 
 2. 
 
 1. 
 
 2. 
 
 3. 
 
 1. 
 
 2. 
 3. 
 
 1. 
 
 2. 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS •] 
 
 022 152 652 1 
 
 92 
 
 Members of Assembly. 
 
 SENECA. 
 
 Samuel R. Wells, Waterloo. 
 
 STEUBEN. 
 
 1. Charles 8. Longwett, Bath. 
 
 2. *Russell M. Tuttle Hornellsville. 
 
 srFFOLfc. 
 *Everett A. Carpenter, Sag Harbor. 
 
 SULLIVAN. 
 
 Edward H. Pinney, Jeffersonville. 
 
 TIOGA. 
 
 *Edward G. Nowlan, Newark Val- 
 ley. 
 
 TOMPKINS. 
 Truman Boardman, Trumansburg. 
 
 ULSTER. 
 
 1. *George H. Sharpe, Kingston. 
 
 2. Marius Turck. Rondout. 
 
 3. *Thomas E. Benedict, Ellenville. 
 
 WARREN. 
 Benjamin C. Butler, Luzerne. 
 
 WASHINGTON. 
 
 1. *Hiram Sisson, Eagle Bridge. 
 
 2. James E. Goodman, Hartford. 
 
 WAYNE. 
 
 1. Rowland Robinson, Sodus. 
 
 2. Addison W. Gates, Maeedon. 
 
 WESTCHESTER 
 
 1. William F. Motter, Youkers. 
 
 2. * William H CatUn, Rye, 
 
 3. "James W. llustcd, Peekskill. 
 
 WYOMING. 
 George M. Palmer, Pike. 
 
 YATES. 
 
 *Asa P. Fish. Dundee. 
 
 "Members of last Assembly. 
 
 f Independent Democrats. 
 
 Republicans - 81 
 
 Democrats 46 
 
 Independent 1 
 
 128 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 
 
 022 152 652 1