National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1876-08-04
EFFORT TO PROVE Mr.. THOMPSON A DRUNkARO

The committee on teachers of the white
schools of Washington and Georgetown re-
sumed last evening the examination in the
case of John E. Thompson, principal of the
Fourth district, whom it is proposed to drop
from the roll of teachers for the coming school
wear. Last evening finished the investigation.
The examination in the case of Mr.. Mckee, OF
the First district, will be resumed this even
ing, and soon be concluded. Probably the
committee will be able to submit a report in
both cases al the meeting of the board next
Tuesday evening. There were present of the
committee last evening Trustees Randolph
Dyer, Hovey and Lloyd.
Mr.. Thompson stated that he would like to
put in a sworn statement of the officers of the
building associations to which he belonged, and
in the matter Of the large income which he re-
ceived from the associations 10 show that he
paid into the associations $l25 month. The
only property in his possession was his house,
which was heavily mortgaged. The salaries
that he received from the associations were
paid back as part of the debt to the associa-
ton. He had two to assist him, and also was
assisted by accommodating treasurers.
Trustee Hovey said that he had asked the
questions about the building associations be-
cause he had been informed that the duties of
secretary of such an association were very con-
siderable, and required great deal of time.
Mr.. Thompson said that they required no
more time than the duties of a secretary of a
Masonic lodge, or than gentleman of religious
turn of mind would spend at his weekly
church meetings. Mr.. Thompson stated
further in reference to the written examina
tons that he had no ninth grade in his school,
and only the examination papers for the
eighth grade were us d. The comparison be-
tween the districts should be made between
the eighth grades only. 1t was very seldom
that boy remained in the school for more
than two years, and when one did remain it
was for the purpose of accomplishing thor
oughness. When a boy came back to his
school after finishing the eighth grade, as
there was no ninth grade, the work OF the last
year was reviewed to great extent.
Superintendent Wilson stated that the ex-
animation papers for the eighth and ninth
grades were different. There were two boys
in Mr.. Thompson's school who were a little in
advance of the eighth grade, but there were
not enough of them to form a separate grade.
He had examined most of Mr.. Thompson's
papers, and thought that rigid marking would
reduce the averages about ten per cent; would
not call the marking unreasonable, but liberal
Trustee Lloyd asked Mr.. Wilson his opinion
Of Mr.. Thompson both as a teacher and q.
principal.
Mr. Wilson thought that the question was
unfair. There could be but one opinion of
Mr.. Thompson's thoroughness of instruction.
Trustee Lloyd asked Mr.. Wilson if he re-
garded Mr.. T. as a failure as a supervising
principal
Mr.. Wilson replied that that was the part of
the question he considered unfair He said,
further, that the
CARE OF THE RITZ DTCc
and property had frequently been a matter of
conversation between Mr.. 7. and himself, and
Mr.. T. had always expressed a desire to have
careful attention paid to the matter.
Ex-Trustee McClelland testified that when
he came on the board he was much disguised
with the condition of the property and the
carelessness with which it was allowed to be
used and destroyed. He found that it was
almost impossible to keep the ater-closets in
good condition. Witness gave as great at
tention to it as anybody could, and he had
found it impossible. The janitor of the
Seaton building was instructed to be
about the water-closets as much as pos
sible while the boys were there. Wit
ness did not see how it was possible
for the principal of the school, in connection
with his other duties, to watch the conduct of
the boys in the water closets. In the Seaton
building the closets had been put inside the
building, to obViate the necessity of the bows
travelling across the yard. Thought that the
janitor should be about the building at all
times during school hours.
WITHDRAWALS.
Trustee Hovey said that he had list of the
scholars Of Mr.. Thompson's school at the be-
ginning of the school year, who numbered at
that time GO; at the end of the year there were
&C. during the year there were % Withdrawals.
He asked Mr.. Thompson to explain why these
scholars had withdrawn.
Mr.. Thompson went through the list. The
reasons for some of the Withdrawals he did
not know. The first on the list had been
withdrawn on account of a yard of tobacco
juice being found in his desk and other rea-
sons. Some had been withdrawn to help their
fathers in business.
One Of tie boys, Sam Melton, was present,
and explained that he had left the school,
having found employment, just before the ex-
animation.
Only one of the boys had left to 90 to an
other school, and be had so withdrawn be-
cause the other school was much nearer his
house.
Trustee Hovey said that he would call VI
the question Of the personal habits of Mr..
Thompson.
Mr.. Thompson said that he was willing to
answer any questions on that subject.
Personal HABITS.
Trustee Hovey. Are you in the habit of
drinking:
Mr.. Thompson. Yes, sir; drink water, tea
and coffee.
Trustee Hovey. Do you drink whisky.
Mr.. T. Yes, sir; occasionally.
Trustee H. And lager beer:
Mr.. T. Yes, sir; when feel like it.
Trustee H. Do you know where Johns res
taurant is!
Mr.. T Yes, sir
Trustee Lloyd here arose, and said he would
not agree to any testimony of that kind, as it
was not relevant to the question under exam
ination.
Mr.. Thompson said that he had drank more
at the invitation Of Mr.. Champlin than of any
other man living, and the last drink that he
bad taken at Johns restaurant was with Mr..
Hoyey himself.
He said that he could show that a trustee
who was physician had ordered him to drink
whisky as matter of life or death with him
Trustee Lloyd moved that the questions be
not admitted
Trustee Hovey said that it was not a matter
Of teacher drinking occasionally, but whether
a man who habitualIy frequented restaurants
was fit for the position of teacher. 1t was
not question whether Mr.. Lloyd or himself
Trustee H. ever drank.
GOOD EyAxPLE.
4Iuhtet LIOyu Sdlu that none OF MI. 1nOmp-
sons scholars ever drank with him or saw him
rink. He would say that Mr.. Champliu went
with the scholars on the Jefferson Debating
Society excursion and played cards with the
boys during the day.
Trustee Champlin claimed the protection of |
he board.
Trustee Hovey said that it was not matter
or that committee to consider.
Chairman Randolph asked Mr.. Lloyd If he |
considered that that disqualified Mr.. Champ
in as trustee.
Trustee Lloyd answered yes.
Trustee Randolph said in that case he Mr.. |
=. should make his charges before the board, |
md he (Mr. R. would second the motion to /
rave the matter investigated.
Trustee Champlin asked to make a state 1
nent. and said that be had been attacked sew
raj times during the examination causelessly |
md mal!ciouslY. He had no recollection of |
ne matter referred to. His object was to ex- i
rcise his duties as a trustee. He intended to |
ote against Mr.. Thompson il no one else did.
trustee Randolph said that he thought
'hen allegations were made affecting the Il
ablts OF teacher it was one of the most Sc
lous questions that they could consider, and
he matter should be investigated He then
ut Mr.. Lloyd's motion to postpone the hear
lg of the evidence.
7 Lon