National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-09-30
TIE c0LoRKD SCHOOLS.
Views Of an Ex-supsrintsndent on the Subject

Views Of an kx-supertntendent on the Subject
To the Editor of the National Republican:
SIR: am no lawyer, and hsVe,no desire to Be
arrsyed on either side Of this controversy, but l
feel an interest In the schools Of District and
especially in the schools for colorei children.
Allow me TO make few suggestions in relation
to the subjsct, which now seems to perplex some
of our colored friends, in regard to their rights
and powers In making investments for schools and
school buildings, SC. They do not seem to Dc
satisfied with Mr.. Stsnton's opinions, ano' per-
haps, with some reason not because he 10 not cor
rect In most respects, but because he mas not
brought out all the facts which bear upon the
case. There is probably no difference OF opinion
as to the rights and powers previous to the "or-
ganie act, Of March 8, 1871. Mr.. Stanton would
not, probably, say that the trustees OF coiored
public schools acted Illegally when they made in
the organic sct say, and what does It meanP SEQ
ton constitutes the District Of Columbia o body
corporate for municipal purposes, with power 70
plead and implesd, and exercise all other powers
Of municipal corporation, not inconsistent with
the Constitution and laws Of the United states
and the provisions Of this act.
Can there be any doubt that all power over all
municipal affairs, and over schools especially, was
Schools are n siwsys supscs 70 Municipal IsSsa
tion, and all schools, colored as well as white,
were clearly turned over to that District govern
Section s vests all legislative power and au.
thofityIin q Legislative Assembly, subject to the
approval of Congress, of course. Section Is says
that the legislative power Of the District shall eX
tend to all rightful subjects Of legislst
said District, consistent with the Cons
the United States and the provisions
subject to all the restrictions and limi
posed upon States, &C., and, Of course, to the sp-
proval Of Congress.
Section q declares "that It shall be the duty Of
of free schools for the education of the youth OF
said District, and all moneys raised By general
taxation, or arising from donations by Conk ress,
from other sources, except BY beQuest or devise
for school purposes shall be appropriated for the
equal bensft OF all youths Of said District bstween
certain ages, to be defined by law" Here no dis
tincion is allowed in reference to the schools for
colored and white children.
Section 10 requires shat all moneys drawn from
the treasury of the District must be in pursuance
OF an appropriation made by law, (" and section II
provides that the Legislative Assembly shall
provide for all appropriations necessary for the
ordinary and contingent expenses of the District
government"
This act alone would prevent the trustees Of
either colored or white schools from expanding
money without special legislation. Nov, are not
these acts OF Congress for our new government
substitute for all previous legislation in reference
But the District Legislature has acted under
the organic act, and it passed an act August q,
ISL list ses, chap. los, Sec 49, describing the
mode of paying all the accounts of the trustees of
public schools without any distinction as to the
colored or white schools.
The act of June g. 1873, 10 regard to simulta-
schools does not change the law suiring special
legislation for appropriations, but 1t defines the
mode OF drawing the moneys which have been
appropriated by special law. A proper interpre-
tation Of these acts must make It evident to all
who are open to conviction that there is no power
except the District Legislature or Congress, which
can authorize Investments or appropriations for
school purposes or for any other purposes in this
District. II is further evident that In the organic
act" Congress did not intend to allow any distinc
ton to be made, so far as the white and colored
schools are concerned, in legislation for appropr-
lions, payments Of money, or for Investments. All
schools supported by public taxes are to be pro-
Vided for in the same manner, and all the school
officers of the four different systems, heretofore
recognized, should account for moneys received
and paid out in accordance with the same rules
and laws.
As to the legislative powers of the present
Commissioners, cannot, II were disposed, pre-
sune to decide. If they have no legislative power
conferred upon them, then they are simply the
executive officers Of the present laws, and all
other subordinate officers Of the District govern
ment must perform their duties in accordance with
the present laws until Congress decides other
wise,
Yours, &C., z. RICHARDS.