National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-08-15
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
INTERVIEW BETWEEN THE DISTRICT
COMMISSIONERS AND THE SCHOOL

INTERVIEW BETWEEN THE DISTRICT
COMMISSIONERS AND THE SCHOOL
TRUSTEES.
Having been requested, the members Of the
Board Of Trustees Of Public Schools appeared at
the rooms of the District Commissioners at 10
O'Clock to-day, and had quite an extended inter-
view, when they took the oath Of ONCE. Those
present were Messrs. Geo. J. Mcclellan, W. &.
woodward, E F. French, Anthony Hyde, Solo
mon q. Brown, WV. Curtis, B. F. Lloyd, Henry
johnson, John H. Brooks, Geo. W. Dyer, o. B.
Smith and G. F. 7. Cook, superintendent oolored
schools.
Having been sworn IN by Mr.. John T. Cook, o
justice Of the peace, Mr.. Dennison announced
that the reasons why the Commission saw ut TO
make change in the old board was to inaugurate
less cumberson system, which they thought
would promote the efficiency Of the schools. This
could be done only By consolidation OF the
boards. .... .
The Commissioners thought they discovered an
absence Of the necessary discipline which could be
imposed by having but one board Of trustees, and
at the same time It would prove more economical.
1t was not the desire Of the board to deprive the
schools Of anything that would be necessary to
conduct them successfully or to impair the useful
oil the schools in any way, but only to facili.
tate proper administration.
The change did not contemplate Q reduction Of
the number Of teachers, or q change Of the inter
nal management Of the schools. Economy would
result in the purchase Of school supplies the cree
tion and repairs Of school houses, furnishing Of
books, &C., ct q much less cost than formerly.
1t was the single purpose Of the board to lend
their aid earnestly and vigorously, to build up the
school system, and they would feel gratihed If
the District school system should become q model
one.
In relation to the comments and suggestions Of
the press about mixed schools, the Commission
ers wish their position to be distinctly understood
They had no purpose to encourage anything in
the nature of mixed schools, and they would dis
countenance any proposition looking to that end.
Any suggestion Of such policy on the part OF
any Of the trustees would be not only in violation
of the purpose Of the Commissioners but very Of
Thew aid not desire to reflect on any past action
Of the old trustees personally or Officially; No 70
their removal Mr.. Blow, the absent Commits
siOner, fully coneurred In all the Commissioners
MF. Dyer desired to know If the Commissioners
would Indicate where the saving they proposed
MT. Dennison repliedi mot particularly; we
only supposed that q diminut1on Of expenses
would naturally follow simplicity Of system"
In reply to another inquiry, Mr.. DenniEon said
the Commissioners were only provisional officers,
and would very reluctantly make any extensive
improvements, or erect new buildings. They
would prefer that this be LETT until the establish
Mr.. Brooks desired to know II the accounts Of
the colored schools were to remain separate, and
also If moneys wereto be paid for their support in
accordance with the act ofCongress Of 1885.
Mr.. Brown, Of the county, inquired II the action
Of previous trustees relative to tho appointment
Of teachers were binding upon those now in Officer
Mr.. DennisOn replied that was matter for the
consideration Of the trustees, It was not the IN
tention Of the Commissioners to interfere with
the internal workings Of the schools.
As to the teachers, the board had no desire to
interfere with them in any respect, and the appro
priations for the white and colored schools would
be kept separate BY the comptroller, but all the
supplies would be purchased from the lowest BID
through the board they expected to derive in
formation that would enable them to tell Con-
gress what the schools need, and assume the re-
sponsibility there for all that had been done in
connection with those schools.
Mr.. Mcclellan asked what provision had been
made for rooms and furniture for the increase Of
schools, as they had proposed to establish four
new schools this year, and he desired Information
as to the wishes Of the Commission in regard to
music and drawing teachers, as expressed by them
Mr.. Dennison disclaImed any intention on the
part Of the Commissioners to Interfere with the
General Ketehum, explained that It was in no
sense an order, but simply reminder in the way
of unifying the school system.
Mr.. Dennison said they should report what Is
and they would be assisted to the extent Of the
means at command. No Job printing would be
allowed except on the order 1.-THE Commissioners,
as they did not propose to have any deficiency in
their adminlGtrRtion Of District afalrL. Y
In conclusion, Mr.. Dennison said the suggestion
has been made that the Commissioners have ex-
ceeded their authority In consolidating the school
boards into Qpe-the present board. 1t is 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,
has gove rned US, while concurrlng with our own
opinion, we did not hesitate to exercise, and we
have no doubt as to our right.