Negro on Camden Education Board

CAMDEN, Jan. 23.—Dr. Clement T. Branch, a negro, was appointed a member of the Camden Board of Education by Mayor Ellis last Monday. He is the first negro member. That night E. E. Read, president of the board for many years, resigned. Yesterday Harry C. Dole, for 11 years a member, sent his resignation to the Mayor. Dr. Charles P. Tuttle, another member, yesterday said: "I also have been considering the matter of resigning." Unconfirmed rumors were current last night that other members are also contemplating sending their resignations to the Mayor. Doctor Branch said he would not decline to serve on the board because his presence was objected to. Mayor Ellis, who made the appointment, was out of the city. He appoints members of the Board of Education. When the end of the term of William J. Fox drew near, it was rumored he would not succeed himself. His friends endeavored to learn the reason, but were not told. In their resignations, neither Mr. Read nor Mr. Dole gave as the reason the naming of a negro on the board. Mr. Dole assigned his health and "other reasons" as the cause for his resignation, while Mr. Read found his business duties were pressing. Those who object to the appointment do so on the ground that the Mayor had not consulted with the members of the board. They allege the appointment was purely political and that the retirement of Mr. Fox was forced, to make a place for Doctor Branch, who has taken an active part in Seventh Ward politics.