Independent Statesman

BRADFORD. Reports from school meetings in different parts of the State are matters possessing some general interest just at this time, in the first year of the "new departure," and a few words in regard to ours in Union School District No. 1, which comprises the principal village portion of our town, may not come amiss. The meeting was called for the 18th, and assembled accordingly. Women were present in nearly or quite equal numbers with the men, most of them voting. There was also a rowdy element well represented, having suddenly become deeply interested in the cause of education, who did what they could to make the meeting unpleasant, and turn it into a farce. They thought by smoking and other disorderly proceedings to make the women realize in what an exceedingly improper place and position they had put themselves, and no doubt believed the rash act would never be repeated. But thanks to the good sense and ability of the moderator, who proved himself equal to the occasion, and to whose courtesy the ladies are much indebted, all the grosser forms of disorder were soon checked, and no serious disturbance occurred. But the spirit was not subdued, and lost no opportunity of showing itself. It was a tedious process voting by check-list. The women (and the men as well) had no general understanding in regard to candidates for committees, consequently much time was lost in voting for persons who would not accept the office, and in combatting the obstacles constantly thrown in the way by those who were determined the meeting should be a failure. But after holding to a late hour, all the committees were chosen, with not one woman on the board where for three years past they have acted. It seemed to be the especial purpose of the opponents of woman suffrage to bring about this result, and to all appearances they had succeeded. There was other business to be acted upon, and it was voted to adjourn till the following evening. At the second meeting the unfinished business was attended to with a little less disturbance and interruption than at the previous one, but when this was completed, all the persons but one who had been chosen the night before to act as committees declined to serve, so five new ones had to be elected. Confusion reigned at once, and the friends of law and order moved to again adjourn, which was done. By this time a strong spirit of determination was roused in the better portion of the community, to overcome the small but unscrupulous majority. The women had learned something by experience, and saw they had failed for want of organization, and the next day was well improved in securing unity of action among themselves and having votes ready. The result was eminently satisfactory. The women were out in much larger numbers than at either of the other meetings, very quiet, but determined, and everything was orderly and business-like as could possibly be desired. The women's ticket prevailed, being sustained by a majority of the men as well as by themselves. Of the three composing the Superintending Committee, two are women. The party of law and order, decency, and equal rights, has triumphed here, and we do not think the battle will need to be fought over again in this district. The world will move, and all efforts to stop it are impotent.

L.