Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-06-30
The School Board Unpleasantness.


WHAT GEN. BIRNEY SAYS
A reporter for THE STAR called on Gen. Birney
and asked him II he had anything to say In regard
to the interview published in yesterdays Repuo-
lican.
Al have avoided all wrangling In the board and
shall not engage in it in the newspapers. The
Commissioners have examined closely believe,
into all the matters touched upon. They have the
power to decide.
R-Have they acted upon the Brieht 6 Hum
Al don't know that they have It was before
them, with the papers, and Mr. Loyejoy, who had
nad Cne possession OF the papers, was present to
push 1t. There is nothing in it to act on. Bright
made two bids; Hutchinson made two. Neither
have been no harm in it. might have brought
them together and had them bid against each
other. l recommended Hutchinson because he is
the other. Money was saved and the job well
R-Win Messrs. Hayward & Hutchinson be
Mot out Of the approximation made for the
work That was s., COO Out Of this Hayward s.
for the purchase of other things necessary for the
chemical and physical laboratories. Hayward &
Hutchinson did their work In September and Octo-
Der, anu presented their bill This should have
been examined into, adjusted and the 81 $50 paid
as soon as H. & H. made the work confoTm to the
d. iatS ihs p anG 70
were placed In the hands OF Mr.. Lovejoy.. He held
them until week or two ago. While they were
should have been paid to the contractors, was ex-
pended on acquisitions signed by Mr.. Lovejoy. My
first knowledge OF this was May 9Th. wnen It was
stated In substance, In the board, By Mr.. Brooks,
Of the committee on supplies. For the exhaustion
OF the fund on which H. & H. had an equitable
sponsibiiity: Il is perfectly understood that Mr..
LOveloy Is the prompter and advocate OF the com.
plants OF Bright & Humphrey. For several
sOnal enmlty to me.
board? '-D''' - wv
A.-The same cause which has existed for mapy
years-the Independent powers OF the board and
superintendent. Given board, Of which
permanent superintendent with the limits of their
respective powers not defined, and you have the
fertile germ OF intrlgues without end. This is the
boards, OF the driving out OF former boards or the
dropping out OF such men as Messrs Curtis Dodge.
onr Loya Raees ana Others The fact
several other cities. 1t has been superintendent
not 10 death. but into routine, and all the evils OF
crammng. This has caused O revolution In New
York city. For the causes see an article In the
June number OF the Century Magazine" That
Will apply mere. Every man who represents pro-
gressive ideas In the board Is cause of alarm to
the superintendent, and the object OF incessant
SSs ,or Tne onslaught on me- simply
really no more obnoxious than three other mem
bers Of the board. We are taken singly. The war
does not appear openly.
R-What about MI. Dietrich's statements?
A.-Ihat gentleman heads the petition for res
ident trustee He is, probably, the active agent in
RetIlng IL up HOW the signatures were procured
! know not, except In one case. .feeiong-time
was aimed at or that It was In erect to displace
me. He thought 1t was tor my friend. Mr.. Warner
That was adrOie We're the other SIGNATURES OH
tained In the same way? Mr.. Dietrich talks glibly
about me as II he knew me well am not aware
that ever exchanged words with him. do not
things which he would have done well to see me
about before uttering. He charges NE with being
an "1nndeL" He does not define this very general
*rm. IL ne means that my "dOxy" Is not his s'dOxy"
l think II probable. have not compared views
with him, nor am amenable to him in any way
for my belief But lest any good friend of mine
should be grieved without Cause by the lfbelous
nings OF Mr.. Dietrich will state that wrote adj
v0cated and voted for the only school rule which
recognizes the existence of the Deity.
NOW, as TO the right principle of management
Mr. Dietrich II I understand him, advocates the
singing OF Protestant sectarian hynhs in the
schools am decidedly, positively ana unfinch-
1nRly opposed to it. =
The public schools are the common -property OF
all There are Hebrew and Catholic chifdren as
wen as protestant. and the religious convictions OF
none should De trampled upon. The religion OF the
Child should be left to the family and tie church:
the teacher should not profit by her position to
proselyte the young persons under her charge
Catn0nc or Hebrew child should never hear in the
scnools any slur upon the faith OF itS parents.
ol0gy. The fact that Protestants have an Is acct
dental majority" should lead them 70 f3e Darticu.
larry carelul TO respect the Fights of the nresant
Minollty. When the majority Is the other way ali
VII pc sale. so long as remain In the board
1, snau act on the rule OF respecting the rights