Page 122 - Cornelius Hedges Story

109 The Cornelius Hedges Story

Hedges’ third term as Superintendent expired in January, 1878.
On January 14, Hedges entered in his journal:

“Astonished by news from Mills that Governor had appointed
Clarke Wright my successor. Kept growing madder all day
over it. Changed many plans - Hope it may prove for the best.
That I may seek only noble revenge - Clearing out my desk to
turn over to successor.”352
And reaction came from Virginia City and Bozeman. The
Democratic Madisonian went on record with compliments for Judge
Hedges:

“Laying all political antipathies aside, we are free to say
that Judge Hedges has been the best Superintendent of Public
Instruction Montana has ever had, and his efforts for the increase of
educational facilities were rendered more effective for the fact that
he was heartily devoted to the cause, and it was to a great extent a
“labor of love” on his part.”353

In an article in the Bozeman Times, Rev. Clark Wright was
bitterly criticized. The reporter believed that Rev. Wright was
involved in the “Indian Ring.” The article, in essence, claims
Hedges was a victim of politics designated to bring greater fame
and favor to Governor Potts, who made the decision even though it
was carried out by Acting Governor J. H. Mills.354

Evidently, Hedges also held Potts responsible for deliberate
action. On June 12, 1878, he noted in his diary: “Wrote on Potts as
a Herald editorial - news came today of his re-nomination… Sending
off telegram to prevent Potts confirmation.” And on June 15, he was
gravely concerned because the telegraph wires were down, Potts
will be confirmed before we can send a protest.355

Hedges had served three terms as Superintendent and had
accomplished much. He had started the first Teachers’ Institutes, and
had gotten a law requiring those counties with ten or more schools to
have an institute annually. He had made the first complete report of
the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction that had ever been
made in Montana. He also had major influence in getting adequate,
new schools built at Helena, Virginia City, Bannack, Blackfoot, and
New Chicago.356 But most of all he succeeded in keeping the need
for education in the public view. He had served three full terms,
more than all his predecessors combined, and his work therefore had
more continuity than any previous efforts.