158 JOHN C. ALMACK
unusual for heated discussions of the normal school issue to be heard on the trains, in hotels, and on the streets. At their annual institute in September, 1910, the Lincoln County teach- ers passed this resolution :
"Whereas, it is the universal opinion of educators that a system of professional training is necessary for teachers in the public schools, therefore be it Resolved, That we urge upon the people the necessity of establishing normal training at once. Be it further Resolved, That we sympathize with the alumni and friends of the Monmouth Normal school in their efforts through the initiative to provide for the permanent support of that institution, thus removing the question of maintenance from politics."
Monmouth seemed to be the favorite in educational circles. This was borne out in the returns. When the votes were counted it was found that Monmouth had won by approxi- mately 10,000 votes. 51 Weston and Ashland were defeated. The thorough organization of the alumni of Monmouth was a strong factor in determining the success of the Polk County school. The voters of Polk County returned a majority against Weston and Ashland, while Jackson and Umatilla Counties voted strongly for Monmouth. Of the election, the Weston Leader on November 18 said:
"Wallowa County voted against the normals because she has a new county high school and is afraid some of her students would go to Weston. Salem and Marion were against the normals by a three to one vote as were Clackamas, Linn and old Yamhill. Portland gave a majority for Monmouth, had 93 votes to spare for Weston, and was against Ashland by a majority of 117."
Oregon was committed for the time being to the principle of one normal school.
On November 26, 1910, Monmouth celebrated her reopening. The doors had been closed since June, 1909, and the celebra- tion was in the nature of a grand occasion. The program of
51 The vote stood: For Monmouth 50,191, against 40,044; for Ashland 38 473 against 48,655; for Weston 40,898, against 46,201.
