Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1874-08-14
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Interview between the District Com
missiOners and the school Trustees.

Interview between the District Com
missfoners and the school Trustees.
MIxkD SCHOOLS NOT INTENDED.
According to previous appointment, the new
Board of School Trustees met at the office of
the District Commission this morning at
O'Clock, for the purpose of being qualified, and
receive their commissions; also, to confer with
the District Commissioners as to the condition
Of the schools, and to receive Instructions as TO
their duties. OF the new board there were pre-
sent Messrs. Anthony Hyde, Edward +. French,
Henry johnson, VIM. Il. Woodward, q. F. Nc
Lellan, John ii. Brooks, Solomon G. Brown,
George W. Dyer, &. b. Smith, w. W. Curtiss,
and Il. +. Lloyd. After the introductions were
over and the members of the new board had
en- sworn in by Mr.. John F. Cook, justice
OF the peace, Ex-Governor Dennison stated
that when himself and colleagues OF the Dis
trict Commission entered upon the consIdera-
ticn OF the public school system they were i'm
pressed with the necessity for making it less
cumbr0us. They -concluded with some reluc-
lance that the efficiency would be greatly hro-
NOTED by the simphtcatiOn consequent upon
consolidation of the four boards of trustees.
They thought they discovered laxity of neces-
sJ discipline and were of opinion they could
improve this cOndi ton of things, which In their
optniOn arose from diverse machinery, and they
made the consolidation only TO facilitate admin
istratiOn, with the hope that the new plan will
prove to be more economical. 1t was not the
object to deprive the system OF any Of its prOper
limitations, nor to impair it in any way, but to
facilitate administration. The change does not
contemplate the lessening OF the number of
teachers, or in any manner change the internal
management of the schools. They thought
economy would result in the puschase OF schOo'
supplies: the erection and repairs of school
houses, furnishing of school books, &c, at less
cost than formerly. 1t was the single purpose
OF the Commissioners to lend their powers ear
nesdy and vigorously to build up the school
system of this District, and they would feel
gratItied II this shall become the model one for
the United States. In relation to the sugges-
tons and comments of the press upon the sub
j c. OF mixed schools, the Commissioners wish
their position to be distinctly understood. They
had no purpose to encourage ANYTHING In tbs
nature Of mixed schools, and thew discounten-
Snce any proposition looking to this end. After
full and thorough undeTsta 1ding OF the case.
taey are unanimously opposed TO such a change
in the present system, and it would DE yeryOf
fepsive tO them should such proposition be en-
tertsined or in any way enter into the delibera-
tons OF the new Board OF Trustees, and any
suggestions of such policy on the part of the
trustees would be not only violation of the
purpose OF the Commissioners, but extremely
offensive 10 them. They do not desire TO reflect
in any manner on the action Of the old Board of
Trustees, either personally or officially, in their
management OF the school interests. They can
see how the gentlemen who had occupied posi-
lions on the old Board OF Trustees mi ht think
that their summary removal reflects on them.
Nothing OF the kind had been intended, aud
they desired 1t to be understood that the action
taken in recognizing this system was prompted
on Tie grounds OF economy, and met the hearty
concurrence of the absent Commissioner-Mr
Blow. They desired these changes solely on the
and harmony.
Mr.. Dyer inquired how there was to be a ma
terisl saving to be made OF 800 900? Have the
Commissioners given this matter such attention
as Will enable them to indicate where the cav
ing can be made?
Mr.. Dennis0n.-"Not particularly. They
only suppose that diminution of expenses
would materially follow simplicity OF system"
Mr.. Dyer inquired whether there was any
means available for the erection of new school
buildings.
Mr.. Dennison said this was a question for
future consideration.
Mr.. Dyer said there were many scholars in
unit leased buildings, and il was very desira-
bic, If possible, to have new school houses.
Mr.. Dennison remarked that they are only
provisional Off GERS, and they would very Ielnc-
family make any extensive improvements in this
direction not absolutely necessary, but prefer
that this shall be left until the establishment of
the future District government.
Mr.. Brown asked whether or rot il IL In the
power OF the new board to make changes in the
teachers Of the schools.
MIR. Dennison replied that the Commissioners
have no desire to interfere with the appoint
ment OF the teachers.
Mr.. Brooks called attention to the law about
the colored school appropriations. and desired
are 70 be kept separate, according to the pro-
portion Of white and colored population.
MT Dennison said that would be done by the
Controller.
Mr.. Brooks asked If the supplies, such as fuel
books, and stationery, are to be kept separate?
Nr. Dennison replied that the accounts and
SaPchutuEcc euOulu DC kept separate, but the
Commissioners will, upon estimates and bids
advertised through the public press, furnish all
the supplies. They expect through the school
board to derive Information as to its needs 30
that they may be enabled to tell the next Com
Rress that they know the occasion for every ex-
Renditure made, and to feel that they can assume
the responsibility.
Mr.. Mcclellan asked what provision, IL auv.
had been made for rooms and furniture for the
increase OF the schools, as the purpose of the old
board was to establish four new schools this
year.
Mr.. Dennison replied that the new board must
report what aid u necessary to increase the
efficiency Of the schools, and they would be
assisted TO the extent OF their needs no printing
or job printing will be allowed except upon
authority Of the Commissioners, a. they do not
propose TO show to Congress any dedciency
during their administration OF the affairs Of the
District.
In conclusion, Mr.. Dennison said the suzpes-
ton has. been made that the Commissioners
have exceeded their authority in consolidating
TIE school board into one-the present board II
vas proper to say that the subject was carefully
investigated by the attorney for the District
whose opinion affirming the power to be in the
Commissioners had governed them; and while IL
concurred with their own opinion they did not
hesitate to exercise their right. They have no
doubt As to their right.
~ The Brooklyn scandal lovers are no longer
on TIE ragged edge Of anxiety.
Wells, Me-, man tied an anchor to his
mad Ina