CLASS OF 1878

From a recently published appreciation of Dr. Andrew W. Edson, written by his colleague in the New York superintendency, Clarence E. Meleney, the following is quoted: "For several years Mr. Edson held the responsible position as committee to nominate, promote, and transfer principals and teachers in elementary schools throughout the city. In the performance of this duty he was impartial, just, and firm. No position in the board is more subject to solicitation and pressure by candidates, by principals seeking strong teachers, by members of the Board of Education, and by influences outside the professional field, in behalf of friends seeking special favors. Mr. Edson maintained a policy and established a procedure that was based upon merit and fairness to all and could not be severed from established rules. . . Dr. Edson has stood firmly for the independence of the teachers, for initiative and progress, for the freedom of principals in development of problems of school administration. He has contended earnestly for the integrity of the Board of Superintendents and for its freedom and unestraint in the performance of the duties and responsibilities conferred or imposed by the education law. He has opposed all attempts to curtail its powers, legitimately exercised, to usurp its functions, or to influence its action contrary to professional aims or policy. He was unwilling to submit to improper pressure from powers outside of the department where used for ulterior motives. He was loyal to his superiors, and expected loyalty to the school system by all under authority. . . .His frankness, unselfishness, and genial companionship have endeared him to all who have been associated with him, and his influence upon the New York city school system and upon the teaching and supervising force will be enduring and beneficial."

Secretary, William D. Parkinson, State Normal School, Fitchburg, Mass.