Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 21.djvu/134



124 JOHN C. ALMACK

was illegal. The supporters of the two schools could not rally enough strength to pass the bill over his veto. Accordingly Drain closed her doors and never opened them again. Mon- mouth turned again to private support. The new board of regents administered the affairs of the Central Oregon Nor- mal at Drain, leasing the buildings and equipment to school district number 22. A few years later the district was given full title to the property. Drain Normal had also ceased to exist. 29

But the normal school issue was still very much alive. Mon- mouth had considerable prestige, a strong working alumni, many friends, a strategic location, and in all an ambition to continue to function as a state supported training school for teachers. It had already been suggested by educators that the question should be settled once and for all, and if the normals were needed they should be given adequate funds without the necessity of lobbying, or engaging in political deals. A millage tax bill was recommended, carrying per- manent support for the three schools. Before this could be brought to public notice the legislature met again, and the same bone of contention was before the assembly. Governors and school superintendents had by this time become discreetly silent on the normal school question.

The new board of regents 30 had some suggestions to offer A committee of three city superintendents was selected by the board to visit the normals and to render a report on conditions and needs. This committee was composed of J. A. Churchill, Baker City, J. M. Powers, Salem, and R. R. Turner, Grants Pass. The committee faithfully performed its duty. On the basis of the information -furnished and their own knowledge of the normals, the board of regents made two recommenda-

appropriation bill after a prolonged siege of trading votes on other measures, and after other performances which have been thoroughly discreditable to those who have taken part therein. There is no question in the minds of any that there is a public demand for reducing the number of normal schools to two. It was the duty of the legislature to select two and abolish two, but it failed by slight majorities to do its duty. What was the purpose of the omnibus appropriation? It may have been brought about by cowardice which I regret to say, a majority of this body have shown in reference to the whole normal school question."

29 Drain voters met and voted a four-year high school as soon as word of the defeat in the normal reached them.

30 The regents were E. Hofer, Salem, E. E. Bragg, La Grande, W. B. Ayer, Portland, Henry J. Maier, The Dalles, Stephen Jewell, Grants Pass, and C. E. Spence, Canby.