National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-05-11
A SCHOOL SCANDAL
DEVELOPED ATTHE BOARD MEETING.
Spunky SchOolmarm Who Demands an Inyestiga-
LONESOME Rich Developments, Bringing
Jealous Wife and Suspected Hus-
band to the Surface.

The regular meeting of the Board OF
School Trustees last night was enlivened by the
developments i'll a rather curious scandal which
has caused much talk recently in the colored
schools. After the routine business of the month
had been disposed Of Williamson, one ofthe trns
for the colored schools, asked for reconsdera
ton of the vote by which the resignation of Miss
! Carrie E. Lewis was accepted, and, the motion
being complied with, he submitted the following
| communication from the lady:
WASHINGTON, D. c., May 10, 1881
To the Board of Trustees of the Public Schools of the
District OF Columbia:
! GENTLEMEN: am employed by your body as
teacher in Grammar School No. l, Sumner Building,
| from which was suspended by Mr.. John H. Brooks
on the 10th day of April utimo for reasons herein
stated. 1t has TRANSFERRED that without any fault of
mine have become party to q scandal which, 1t IS
said, reflects seriously upon my moral character
The facts in brief these On the 10th day of April
while returning home from church, was accosted in
the street by Mrs ]. G. B. Marshall, who
stated that her husband had become alenated
from her, and that in her opinion his visits
! to the house at which 1 boarding was
the cause of it. 1t is true that her husband had
been visitor to the house at which am stopping,
but never regarded his visits intended specially
for ME. He came 10 the house just any neighbor
would between whom there existed such friendinesS
as there was between Mr.. Marshals family and our
selves. saw him occasionally an ordinary &C
the gentlemen who have supervising charge of the
cOlOred schools, three Ofthen-Aessrs Brooks Smith,
and Pope-held an Informal consultation, at which it
was decided that having become a-ty 10 scandal,
whether guilty or innocent of the things whereof
was accused my usefulness in the schools was at an
end, and they united in a recommendation TO me to
forward Immediately my resignation or they would
request the general board 10 revoke appointment
Conscious of my innocence, and even, if necessary,
my ability to establish it, and my fitness for the posi-
i'm laH h,rro
twelve years. saw the gentlemen herenbefore men
toned and asked that, before taking action in this
matter, full investigation he held, and, if 1
failed 10 prove my innocence, then L would
be satisfied 10 have my name branded with
infamy- In the meantime Mrs. Marshall, having
pented of her hasty action, sent 10 the subboard
have been Informed, communication asserting that
she never intended to charge either directly or nd
recty, that there any improper conduct between
her husband and myself and, SO far as 1 can learn.
completely eNOnerating Inc. The subbOard duly
considered this letter. and concluded that the nvesti
CATION asked for could not be granted: First-Be
they did MOI possess judicial power and could
not require the attendance of witnesses. Second
That public opinion demanded my retirement from
the schools. Third-That though 1
succeeded in establishing my innocence, their
action in the premises would still be the
To objection No L stated that all the
parties Interested were willing to testify with
the usual requirements in judicial proceedings
almost an entire community were to be taken an
earnest ofpubic sentiment, public opinion demanded
my retention in school. The third objection seemed
opposed to AL principle of right and justice that
deemed reply useless They, however, advised me
to present my grievances 10 the Board of Trustees
and would in ali probability be anted the trial
seek
Now, gentlemen, 1 appeal to you 10 do me that |
justice which is accorded the viest criminal in !
this country. 1 believe there is a principle in |
shall be deemed innocent until proven guilty. This is
all ask. My reputation my character my all, is in
volved in this matter. If 1 thus dealt with be- |
cause of rumor which the prosecuting witness Denies
without the fair and impartial trial seek what pro-
tectiGn have innocent ladies in the schools? do not
ask for mercy; 1 wish justice. Accord me that,
and do not fear the result. beg therefore that |
there will be full examination into all the facts
latng TO this L also ask that the resignation
sent TO Messrs. Brooks, Smith, and Pope, dated April
10, be returned TO me- hold myself in readiness to
resume my duties in school when called upon doso
Very respectfully, c. F. LEWIS
WOMEN WHO STAND By HER.
Mr. Wormley presented the following petition in
to The matter:
WASHINGTON, May !, 1851.
To the Board of Trustees of the Public Schools of the
District of Columbia:
GENTLEMEN: Whereas we have learned that Miss
Carrie E Lewis, teacher in one of the public schools
)l IlS Guy mas DeeI Oruereu Dy the SuDDotru OF the
seventh district to resign, and in the of refusal
threatened with dismissal, for the verbally-stated
eason that her name is " connected with a rumor;"
md whereas Miss Lewis has successfully taught
II this city for twelve years. and has been refused
Ter Just and natural request for investigation
" the subboard, we, the undersigned women most
petition that the general board will grant
Hiss Lewis the right to be heard, privilege never
efused the lowest criminal Should Miss Lewis be
dismissed without hearing, no teacher is safe; for
uch precedent would render il possible for malice
any time TO rob lady of both her reputation and
Ter means of earning livelihood at one fell blow
We remain, very respectfully, your petitioners,
Z. VI. LANGSTON.
MAMIE L. HARLAN