Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-10-14
Mr.. BROOKS STATEMENT.

Mr.. BrOokS was finally permitted to read his
report, setting out the various papers and let
tiers, bearing upon the question. The cutting
down of the appropriation to $500. 900 was, he
said, mistake, and caused the present en-
barrassmentS He combatted the idea that the
salaries of the lower grade teachers could not be
touched, maintaining that it was within the
power of the board to reduce salaries when
necessary to bring them within the appropria-
ton. He read the letter he had received from
the Commissioners, in which they said that
there Shoul6 be no thought of again vexing
Congress with the matter. He showed also that
the difference between the amount of salaries If
all teachers received the maximum i'm their
grades, and the amount in case all received the
minimum was $5S,60O. He said that the board
had succeeded in establishing weIl-equipped
High school. The fact that they had to pay
$4,000 a year for the High school had i'm
creased the average salary. They had TO do the
best they could to secure good teachers for the
High school. The average of S670 would have
been sufficient under the present appropriation
if it were not for the needs of the High school,
which was established by the board in response
to the demands of the public.
MAKING A MOUNTAIN OUT OF A MOLE HILL.
DR.. Purvis asked about going to Congress for
a deficiency appropriation; the Commissioners
seemed to have interdicted such step.
Mr.. Curtis said the board had got into a
dilemma through the best OF intentions. Now,
ii struck him, there was nothing for them to do
but TO prepare the estimates for next year.
"YOu would not abandon the effort to secure
this defce.cy?" asked DIR. Purvis.
at is stated in that report" said Mr.. Curtis,
referring to Mr.. Brooks statement that we are
pledged to ask Congress for the deficiency. /
do not so understand it,
Mr.. Curtis proceeding said that this was an
unfortunate affair but not calamity. Such
things bad occurred before i'm the DIS
trict. He remembered when Mr. Cor
coran had advanced money from his private
means TO pay the teachers of Georgetown. He
mole hill The board had done the best they
could, and he thought it would be more be-
coming in the teachers to accept the situation
m FDnr n
1t was finally voted TO print Mr.. Brooks
statement or report in the record.
A COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE THE SUBJECT.
Mr.. Baum moved that a special committee of
three be appointed TO look into the matter OF
salaries from legal point of view. He thought
many of the teachers had the idea that they
had just claims. This committee he suggested,
should consult with the law officer of the Dis
trict and report next Monday evening.
Mr. Birney thought, in view of the inform a
ton they had from the District Commissioners,
that the action proposed was unnecessary. As
to going to Congress for Il deficiency the teach
ers and trustees had probably friends among
congressman, to whom they could talk. Con-
gress was not subordinate TO the District Com
missioners. He thought the deficiency would
be voted by Congress-
Mr. Brooks said there was no difference as to
law between the Commissioners and the board
ut ali: the Commissioners had said that what
the board had done was right.
Or. Purvis thought the paper or protest from
the teachers of the first division had merit. He
was on the side of the teachers.
MIR. Baum expressed his view that the teach
ers OF the first eight grades had rights under
the order of 1876 resi- Getting salaries which,
should be considered. lie thought there was
much confusion upon the legal status of the
question. Finally it was decided that IA special
committee OF three should investigate the sub
ject of teachers salaries and report at the next
meeting of the board. Mr.. Baum asked that he
should not be put upon the committee
Mr.. Smith offered resolution which was re
feTred to the committee on ways and means, re-
questing that committee TO report plan estab-
fishing IA fixed salary for each grade. and doing
away with the present longevity pay.