National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1876-08-03

and it would not require much more. At the
former visit he had examined the furniture,
and had again Examined it that day, and
was surprised to find it in such good condi-
ton. He had examined the water closets
two years ago and again that day,
and found them in the same relative condition.
He had no doubt that much damage was dons
by outsiders. The building to-day was in
better condition than it was two years ago
Considering the circumstances, the water
closets at the jefferson building were always
inferior to those of the other schools. There
was playground between the building and
the water-closets. He had reported to The
Commissioners the fact that the water-ctosets
could never be kept in proper condition Whlle
they were in their present location. No re-
pairs to the water-closets had been made
recently.
FORBIDDEN GROUND.
Trustee Lloyd. Do you know of any prop
erty having been taken from that district!
Mr.. Plowman. The window guards were
taken away by Mr.. Champlin.
Trustee Hovey objected Immediately, saying
that there was persistent attempt to attack
Mr.. Champlin.
Trustee Lloyd stated that he wished to show
that Mr.. Champlin had given away $500 worth
of school property, but he submitted to the
committee, and the testimony was not heard.
Ex-Trustee Joseph M. Wilson stated that
the condition of the Jefferson building, when
he was trustee two years ago, was satisfactory,
but he had not been in often since; had been
there at the last examination, and saw no in
dication of earelessness or destructiVeness.
When witness was trustee of the board he
had recommended Mr.. Thompson three sue
cessive times, and that was a reflection of his
opinion of Mr.. ThoTpson. Witness was en-
tirely satisfied with Mr.. Thompson all the
time he was trustee. Mr.. Thompson was not
supervising principal at that time. Witness
took charge of the last closing examination,
and the examination was perfectly satisfactory
to him. The boys were respectful and orderly,
and answered promptly and satisfactorily.
Ex-Trustee W. II. Cook testified that dur
ing his service on the board he had regarded
Mr.. Thompson as an efficient teacher; remem-
bered the printed rulis which were furnished
about 1878. At that time the sub board gave
Mr.. Thompson TO understand that he was re-
sponsible for the discipline of the school, but
not for the care of the buildings; believed that
if the people of the Island were consulted
three fourths, and perhaps alsIger pro portion,
of them would vote to retain Mr.. Thompson.
Joseph L. Pearson testified that be had
been living on the Island twenty or thirty
years. Visited the jefferson building occa-
sionally, but never saw any destruction of
property. He had talked about the matter
good deal, and was unable to find r,ore than
two or three who opposed Mr.. Thompson.
Trustee B. F. Packard was recalled by
Trustee Hovey.
Trustee Lloyd objected to Trustee Packard's
retailing private conversation.
Trustee Hovey explained what Trustee
Packard would testify to, and said that he
wanted to show that Mr.. Thompson had made
threats and YVES willing to spend money to
control the board.
Trustee Lloyd held that what Mr.. Thompson
had said in the warmth of conversation had
nothing to do with his competency or incom-
potency as teacher.
A CONSPIRACY.
Trustee Hovey read the following closing
portion of a communication filed with the com
mittce by Trustee Champlin, and showing his
re. sons for not voting for John E. Thompson:
A. Mr.. Thompson has announced that his
friends, if he is not reelected, will take the
tatter ia hand, and will have a certain trustee
(mearing me) put out of Office in less than ten
days. l don't propose TO black Champlin's
boots, and will spend $500 to show him up and
maintain my cause.
B. His "next friend" Mr.. Crosby Noyes,
has already begun the ''showing up business
by printing ard publishing in his newspaper a
scurrilous attack on me.-Stdr, July l.
c. His "next iriend' has also taken the
whole board in hand, and has printed and
published in his newspaper injurious allega-
lions against its members Unfortunately,
Ono one is named,) which allegations are, 50
The article referred to, (Star, June SO,) and
others subsequently printed and published, in
licate a conspiracy between MIR. John E.
Thompson and his "next friend'' to coerce the
boaId into the reelection of said Thompson,
whether they can conscientiously do so or not.
THAT CONVERSATION.
Trustee Packard was then allowed to testify,
beginning where lie was interrupted Tuesday
evening. He said that Mr.. Thompson used
the following language to him, which he i'm
mediately afterwards wrote down; "If Am not
reelected, or put back in that school, my
friends will take the matter in their hands,
and have Mr.. ChampIin out of office in less
than ten days. l don't propose to black
Ckamplin' s boots, and will spend five hundred
dollars to show him up and maintain my
cou1ce.'
Mr. Thompson stated his version of the con-
verfation to the effect that he had said that
the relations between himself and Mr.. Champ
lin were entirely personal; that he believed
that if Mr.. c. continued to misrepresent the
facts connected with his school the people
down there would effect his removal; had not
said that he would spend money to effect his
removal: might have said that he would not
spare money to expose the falsehOOds which
Mr. Champlin originated; generally felt ex-
element VIXEN speaking of Mr.. Champlin:
thought that the reference about backing Mr..
Champlin'S boots was an eutire fabrication;
was not in the habit of talking in that way;
the whole drift Of the conversation was to try
to convince Mr.. Packard that the matter be-
tween himself and Champlin was entirely
personal matter.
He denied the assertion about spending $780,
He thought at that time that Mr.. Packard was
friendly to him, but at present his opinion was
Qune the reverse. If he had spoken of spend
ing money it was to show up certain things in
the newspapers, not by buying editors, but by
paying for space. He indicated the sentiment
that he would not beg anything.at Mr.. Champ
Inns hands.
AFJNERAL.
Trustee Lloyd read letter from ex-Trustee
Joseph Z. +. Holland, who was absent from
the city, testiiying to Mr.. Thompson's high
character as teacher, and a conversation be-
tween the writer and Nj. Champlin, wherein
the latter had said that there would be funeral
between himself and Mr.. Thompson.
Trustee Dyer examined Mr.. Thompson as to
his employment outside of his school duties.
II was elected that he was a member of three
building associations, which occupied three or
Jour evenings of bis time during the month.
He was secretary of all, and received salaries
altogether amounting to 81 go.
Mr.. John Joy Edison was called by Trustee
Hovey, as an expert, to show how much time
was usually employed by secretaries of build
ing associations, but objection was raised and
he was not allowed 70 proceed.
Charles living, colorcd, testified that the
Toys of the Jefferson building habitually an
noyed him by throwing stones. Had pointed
out the boy at one time, but Mr.. Thompson
told him that he would have to set a warrant.
After some discussion the committee adj
journed until this evening.
Potomac Fruit Growers.
TuCsday at u o'clock a meeting of the