The Key West Citizen Newspaper, May 6, 1953, Page 9

Wednesday, May 6, 1953 THE KEY WEST CITIZEN Page 9 SCHOOL BD. (Continued from Page One) Stark appeared. She was emo- tionally upset and in great ang- er. She started a tirade against , Billy. She said she was rooting ; for the Dade county contestant. { It was repeated loud enough for "the people assembled to hi the attorneys school board, | Judges.” t Applause greeted Romaguera’s Bpeech. Roberts was then asked by Chairman Gerald Adams if he had any further witnesses to subs- tantiate his accusations, Roberts “1 have proven conclusively my statements are correct.” Mrs. Stark, clad in a summery int dress then stepped inside the and addressed the crowd of teachers, parents, students and Legionnaires. “Let's look at the record,” she opened. “That's all | ask you to do. In January 1951 Billy Rob- erts, editor of the Snapper, print- ed @ tirade against the student ouncil but he signed Patsy Sehnson’s name to it. Later he printed an apology and it was accepted, In 1950 Billy. entered the ‘I Speak For Democracy Contest.’ | want Ed Irwin to tell ‘what happened then.” Irwin, who was chairman of the JayCee “I Speak For Democracy Contest” took the floor: “When Billy read his speech on the radio that night, it so happen- ed only one Judge was listening. We ad to record the speeches so that all three Judges could listen. As we finished the recordings, Will Roberts stopped me on Soyth- ard Street and said: ‘You are keeping Billy from winning.’ If it had not been on the street I would have not let that drop there. Any- how Billy went on to win the state contest and a scholarship at Flo- rida Souther College. Roberts has never apologized to me for that.” «Mrs, Stark continued with her statement on Billy Roberts. “in the fall of 1951 Billy Rob- an unspeakable == remark inst one of our nicest Cuban citizens, | won't even ropeat it. Again on March 17 - to April 17, Billy Roberts wes suspended from the’American History class three weeks for another un- .event, On the Senior were candidates {_. hoot honor ‘society, “$ their chance to » After the vul- UE went to Frank ue Americn Le- le x | however, School Board 8 avflair for ‘speek: Saies Earl Duncar moved that you wast him to enter g001 citizenship con. what y had Homeric of these wilt Romaguera didn’t bar ° “Then in 1952 spring I coached Bill for the American Legion. speech contest, I waited for him Sundays for three hours to private coaching. . Bill in Fort Lauderdale ALT REE iil t ; Fe : house, no answer, I call- grandmothers’, no answer, ealled his uncle, Mr. Roberis, who said Billy it 7 a, m. I said: al of Billy?’ on.up to Miami the El Commo- the contest was talked to Thomas y, who was a leader contest and a Charles American Legion Comdr, i, burned up.” she said. teaching, 1 saw Billy he went white, te Frank Romaguera, rank, in my 17 years of have never had such treatment anyone. | said the American Legion’.” Stark then read a letter from Thomas Lee, Miami Attorney gent on request to Superintendent ph tag Monday. The letter stat- ed Stark was upset because ghe couldn't find Billy, who had mot made himself known to Lee, chairman of the evening. Yee ‘said be did not know what on in the banquet room (where Romaguera seid she made Dade county state. id Lee, she appeared Billy in a neu said, when he wanted to take credit for Bill), that it should Romaguera.” letier read by Mrs ie Fil pit 4 Stark from one of the contestants said that the teacher had merely said she did not want to take credit for Billy’s winning. Another student’s letter said: “1 did not hear Mrs. Stark ‘make any degrading remarks. She refused to take credit for Billy's speech.” A letter from Charles Kearnes, the American Legion chairman of the contest said that he sat with Mrs, Stark all evening except dur- ing the time when the speeches were presented. “At no time did | hear her state or imply that she was at the contest to root for Dade. | am of the opinion that she made @ statement that she wanted no credit, because he ignored the arrangements made with her. | hope that those who started this vicious attack will see the light and really foster 100 per. cent Americanism.” A burst of applause greeted the reading of this letter from the Miami Legionnaire. Mrs. Stark then went on to des- eribe her loyalty to the U. S.; her grandfather’s death in the Civil War, her brother’s death in ser- vice in World War I, and her own efforts to become a WAVE. “T have tried to fight the battles of these kids. And many of them will tell of that. I think Billy could be saved it he were taken out of a certain siutation. I contacted the FBI after his father’s attacks. They said ‘rubbish - that’s a poli- tical fight.’ I hope they are look- ing in my record. I have not changed. Why isn’t Billy in the Honor Society? I know things that even his father doesn’t know. I think his*mother is a fine person. She has nothing but my pity.” At, this point Roberts tried to break in, but was called out of order by the Chair. Mrs. Stark stressed that the reason the Communism had been deleted from Biliy’s speech was that the American Legion contest rules order that a constructive exposition of democracy, net_a destructive attack on other gov- ernments should be given in the Americanism speeches. She wound up her speech saying that Roberts’ plan of action in at- tacking her fellows the Pasadena Pattern she had studied, “Am ‘right teachers?” “Yes," came the shouts from the packed courtroom. “don't want that to happen to Key West, do you?” Loud apatause followed her as she left the bar, Roberts tried to get the floor to offer refutation, he said. Before he the Board give Mrs. Stork a vote of complete confidence. It was un- animously adopted. Cheers. applause and congratu- lations filled the courtroom as the meeting adjourned at 9:30. CARRY ANCHOR {Continued trom Page One) a way of dying and leaving the occupants faced with doom. An anchor would have saved one Key West business man from drowning two years ago. Life jackets would have ensured ‘his safety, Boat owners, however, do not take the ordinary precautions with they do in their cars on the high- way. They seem to throw caution‘ to the winds when they make their first boat payment, i Instead of a healthy respect for the waters of the Straits of Flori- jda and the Gulf of Mexico, these } amateurs have to learn the hard way. “ A lot of these accidents could be prevented if the moment a man or woman buys a boat he would send to the Coast Guard in Miami for “Motor Boat Regulations” | which give the do’s and don'ts of: boating. This valuable litt!e book- jlet is available free at the Office of Merchant Marine Inspection, (Coast Guard, Miami, Fla, This is the booklet that charter |boatmen, and all who carry pas- | Sengers for hire must know prac- tically by heart before they quali- fy for their examinations, It is only after they have answered exam questions orally, shown their moral, physical and mental fitness that they can obtain a license to (operate a boat to. carry gers. This license, free | Pass, is goed for five yea | Coast Guard has licensed boat opera’ only does it qualify can revoke the license fer ' | out. any official reprimand. ; the Coast Guard has the right to! board any vessel, it does not in- spect these private s Tule, since it has no jurisdiction over then, lise belts. Fer tia larger yachts, fire fi-hting egu’sment ise must, | ©5 ars _paviegational Hinyts,pre- | per vontifatien ef the engine sc]7e8 and the bilge. Proper panes should be carried by prover boat (owners at all times, showing the Neense of the vesse! ard the boat. revistration, ‘to a deat over at feet in leng’S | theirs and their families lives that | ROBERTS’ TALK (Continued from Page One) bordering on hatred for my son. Regardless of this personal ani- mosity, he was the. representa- tive of Monroe County and our lo- cal American Legion Post. Her be- havior was unbecommg a member of our high school faculty. It was a glaring example of emotional in- stability. She has admitted insist- ing that he delete portions of his oration and replace them with Stark style concoctions prior to her disgraceful and spiteful act. How- ever, she denies insisting that he delete reference to God and Com- munism. I have herewith me this evening, the draft of Billy’s speech, on which it can plainly be seen, in Stark's handwriting, these sug- gested changes. “With reference to her imagined attack on her religious enterprise, I can only agree that’ she is indeed very active in her church. She was one of the ringleaders, who, not too long ago, crucified a wonderful man and pastor of that church, Is this the kind of daily God like liv- ing she teaches our children? “The sly, Stark style implica- tion that a member of Arthur Saw- yer post, American Legion, name- ly, myself, was a communist, fur- ther embarassed our organization. “This ridiculous implication, er- upting from a person who has ex- Pressed admiration for the Legion, especially its program on Ameri- canism. She praises our organiza- tion in one breath, and in another, implies that it is harboring a com- munist, “The entire world is aware of the fact that the American Legion is waging, and will continue to wage relentless warfare upon com- munism until it hzs been complete- ly destroyed in these United States of America. It is with great pride that I boast membership in this great American organization. Fur- ther, my Army. peace time and war records speak for themselves, In addition, on August 14, 1950, after the Korean outbreak, I vol- unteered my services to the Adjut- ant General, Washington, D. C., to' serve in any capacity the War Department may deem necessary. At that time, no inactive reserve officers were being placed on the active list and ordered to duty in my category, 2 “IT am still ready at any time to answer a call to further serve my country, I do not classify my- self a good American with mere words. é “I would like to take this op- portunity to clarify my position egncerning the statement released by the executive board of the Mon- roe County Couneil of Parent Tea- cher association. This statement ‘was a confused jumble of pure un- adulterated nonsense and’ misinfor- mation. Obviofsly, it is they, who are exposing our ‘school system to danger when they publicly advo- cate undemocratic tactics of hush hush, and-one ‘sided attacks, “Why ‘should good ‘teachers be in fear of the spotlight of public “What protection is actordéd our malice and spite of a teacher? “What parent would want any teacher to remain in our school LELAND MARCH (Cont:nued from Page One) Board at the closed session pre- ceeding the open meeting, instead of waiting for an audience of teachers, public and press to hear his smear attack on two men. The Board has the power to act offi- cially, while the public does not. As an ex-educator she should re- call it is difficult to prevent pupils from chewing gum when the teach- er sets the example himself by doing what he asks them not to do. . “New the purge has been ex- tended to innocent teachers. Mrs. Elne A. March, wife.of the ob- ject of Mr. O‘Bryant’s public smear attack on April 15th, learned from her Principal that she was not being recommend- ed to be rehired as a teacher next year. He charged her with “Unprofessional, attitude and conduct,” but was unable to say exactly what she had done to cause the charges, as he had ob- served nothing himself, but was going on “things he had heard.” Again, heresay and gossip was the weapon. She had had no pre- vious warning until the axe had fallén, “Nothing destroys the morale of a school system quicker, or makes a. city or county an undesirable Place in which to teach than the use of Russian methods of firing efficient personnel for personal reasons, and the use of gossip and hearsay as the only evidence need- ed to fire a teacher. If that con- tinues, teachers will be afraid to say more than “Read page 15” when in a school building, and only “Good Morning” when on the street lest anything else be con- structed as “disloyal” or indicat- ing an “unprofessional attitude.” It is not good administration nor good public relations to perman- ently expel a pupil without first warning him his conduct or atti- tude is unsatisfactory, and giving him a chance to change. Teachers, Principals and Supervisors are en- titled to the same consideration. Naturally, when there are no real causes for dismissal it is difficult to warn a teacher to change her attitude or conduct. The same is true for Principals and Supervi- sors, “Before I was pubicily smear- ed, I was offered this choice by a spokesman who said they were. speaking for Mr. O’Bryant. “If you will resign, you will be given a fine recommendation for a job elsewhere. If you do not resign, you will be smeared out of the teaching profession.” When I re- tion against which the parent is denied adequate defense? “Why encourage the belief of certain teachers that they are hand ergy by GOD, and can do no evil? “T have always respected and held the PTA in high esteem, and sincerely believe that if the mem- bership had been given anf oppor- tunity to cast a vote on the issue, bert it pode would have been |, at least long enough to gather together facts before its Presentation to the public, “Mr, Chairman, members of the School Board, in closing, I would like ‘to tefresh your memories. Webster defines the word “disloy- system if he or she’ were living | *!”. and I quote, “as being false with a guilty conscience? our children, “They, of all people, know and realize what conditions, good, or bad, that exist behind the wails of a4 Erg = EAEflF Feet Es sleujiliir| Faads to one’s obligations.” This person as a teacher in our school system, certainly was obligated to support this student in his competition against all other entries, regard- | less of her personal feeling toward him. »my charge of dis- loyalty to our school system stands. It ig now up to you to decide what -| disposition is to.be made im this case.” ALL SIZES BEMBERGS — Special for ‘ Mother's Day - fuged to resign, Twas asked to ‘take a year’s leave of absence.” In other words, I was good enough to come back a year from now, but not next year. “Counting Mr. Schweitzer’s re- signation, an employee fired with one day's notice, a Principal, a Supervisor and a teacher, that makes five staff members lost to the school system in the recent Purge. It makes teachers wonder who is going to be purged next, and what you have to do to hold a job in the Monroe County Public Schools, Certainly, doing a good professional piece of work, pleas- ing the public and parents and bringing honor to:the County is not enough. It seems impossible for such things to heppen this side of the Iron Curtain, but it has hap- pened right now in Monroe Coun- ty. Respectfully yours, Leland S. March General Supervisor of Instruction (On Leave)” - CITY SELLS SEWER (Continued trom Page One) today that he is cunfident the ac- tual work on the sewer sysem ex- pansion will start before June 1. The bonds must be printed, val- idated and final approval obtained from the government before the contractors, the Joe Reinertson and the Powell Construction Com- Panies* start. work. First phase cf the project is ex- pected to be the construction of the disposal plant and outfall line near, Fort Taylor. The complete project will require. about 13 months for completion. King and a representative of Clifford and Cooper Associates, the city engi- neers will supervise closely all phases of the work. Gus Eriksen, coach of Syracuse University’s crew, was an alter- nate on the U.S, Olympic rowing squad of 1936. Forms designed to save time, priced to save you The right forms can streamline your opera- tions. Why not get our suggestions and prices «+ both make sense! THE Artman Press ACHOSS FROM CITY HALL — GREENE ST. Chic Apparel | 826 DUVAL STREET | LATEST STYLE IN D FROM 9. 53 / MECCE dtm ww co $5.98 Also... Slirs - Hose - Blouses Skirts and Scarfs Men's Shirts - Belts - Shorts and Slacks KofC To Meet Thursday Night A special meeting of the Knights of Columbus has been announced for 7:30 Thursday evening at St. Ann’s Hall, Windsor Lane. Purpose of the meeting is to lay. final plans for the charter instal- lation and to elect delegates to the convention. Officers of the local group will be installed May 17. Revival Is Slated At Church Of God A revival service will be held tonight at the Church of God fea- turing the famed young evangel- ists, Joan L. Ashby and Betty Craughan of Portland, Oregon. The girls have been travelling for two years, preaching, praying and singing in many states. Joan is a girl baritone while Betty plays the accordian and sings. The public is invited. A SIZE FOR EVERY USE FIRST TIME © Guaranteed Two Years Against Heat Breakage. F Auto BABY’ SEAT © Fits Over Front Seat Back ¢ Prevents Sticky Valves «Mere Pep ond Power LUBRICANT. so= 13" | THIS SPECIAL PRICE) . LEGION GIVES (Continued from Page One) States -Constitution by the stu- dents of high school age. We be- lieve that we have accomplished our mission in this respect. Of course, when the recent charges of disloyalty on the part of a member of the. High School Fac- ulty was made by the father of the representative of the Key West, High School and our Post at the American Legion District Oratorical Contest, March 13th, we naturally ‘should be con- cerned. “Relative to Item No. 2 of our} purpose here this evening, under date of April 25, 1953, the Key | West Citizen carried a statement of Mrs, Marian Stark, which, in our opinion, was an indirect im- Plication that-these attacks upon her by Mr. William E. P. Roberts was following ‘the same pattern of Communists-inspired individ- uals. Inasmuch as Mr. Roberts is a member in. good standing of Arthur Sawyer Post No. 28, we, of course, are concerned, relative to this indirect implication that we might have a Communist as a member. Perhaps, this state- eeceoeeeoeeeeoeeeseeseed QUANTITIES LIMITED ... . DOM'T MISS THES CHANCE TO SAVE ° COOCHHHOHESEAAHREROEGCOEOOE SHEESH OE Long Mileage Tire... Firestone CHAMPION Reg. 34-68. COOSHSHESHOHSHHEHSHHOHOCHOLE SEE ES Jap Prince'In Scotland | EDINBURGH, Scotland = Crown Prince Akihito of Japan, in Britain for the coronation, arriyed today ‘for a four-day visit to this Scottish capital, ment may have been made dur- ing a moment of excitement without. much thought as to its meaning. However, if the state- ment» was based on facts known to Mrs. Stark, Arthur Sawyer Post No. 28 would like to be fa- miliarized with those facts. “Please be assured that we are not here tonight to crucify any- one or td embrace any individ- uals, or individual. The Ameri- can Legion only requests you, as members of the Monroe County School. Board, make a fair and non-biased but complete investi- gation of these charges, and on the. basis of the. .evidence pre- sented by both parties involved, take whatever action is n to resolve the situation, which is indeed a serious one. 3 “VANCE C. STIRRUP, SALE eeoeeeocesessece Firestone TREBLETONE| TABLE RADIO: