Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-11-02
THE COLORED SCHOOLS.
What is Said of the Plan of Abolishins
the superintendent Office.
coLoRED MEN WHO DO NOT AGREE WITH TRUSTEE
FRANCIS Ex-rRUsrEE BROOKS THINKS DIR.
FRANCIS WAS AT FAULT IN THE BRowS-cAR-
DoZo MATTER

TRANcIs-Ex-rRUsrEE BROOKS THINKS DIR.
FRANCIS WAS AT FAULT IN THE BRowS-cAR-
Dozo MATTER
The suggestion Of School Trustee Francis at
The last meeting of the school board that the
offices of superintendent of the white and
colored schools Of the District be consolidated,
has created considerable discussion among the
coiored people. A STAR reporter, in converse
ton with number Of colored citizens OF promi-
hence, found that the general impression
seemed to be that such a consolidation meant
white superintendent. One man, who did not
wish his name mentioned said, "If the colored
superintendency of the schools is abolished,
that, in my opinion, will only be the opening
wedge to replace all the colored teachers with
white teachers. The only consolidation am
in favor of is mixed schools"
Mr.. Lewis II. Douglass was Of the opinion
that the present system was the best. He
thought that the conduct of the schools was
now generally satisfactory, although he was
aware that there were differences of opinion
as to methods, but that could hardly be other
wise.
Mr.. John H. Brooks, who was identified with
the school management in former years as
member Of the school board, and who is deeply
interested in the schools, said:
The report made to the school board in the
Brown and Cardozo affair is regarded by the
colored people, with whom have spoken to on
the subject, as a shameful abandonment of a
plain duty imposed upon those appointed on it.
The white members generously referred the
matter to the colored members of the board
with full power to settle the matter. and it was
an occasion to try the integrity, ability, and
courage of the colored members to do their
duty in the interest of the schools. without fear
or favor. The investigation was prolonged be-
yond all reason, and finally resulted in a most
disgraceful compromise and a thickly white
washed report / agree with Mr.. Fish that it
was a withdrawing report. / understand Mr..
Cornish had a manly report, but was begged
out of making it, and induced to sign the
one presented, which he is now ashamed
of. The supplementary paper presented
by Mr.. Francis is simply an exhibition
of his personal dislike Of Mr.. Cook.
There is nothing, nor was there anything de-
veloped in the testimony taken by the COM
mittee which implicated Superintendent Cook.
The enly school officer implicated was Mr..
Francis, who was charged by Mr.. Brown with
having induced him to get up petition for
Cardozo's place, promising that he Francis)
would remove Cardozo and appoint Brown to
the place. As regards the one-superintendent
proposition of DIR. Francis, the better class of
the colored people want no such change, for
the reason that mixed schools not wanted
by either white or colored at this time, and
the autonomy of the colored schools can only
be maintained by having a perfect organiZa-
ton. So far as the present superintendent is
concerned, he is a scholar and a gentleman,
and the Commissioners and white members of
the board appreciate him fully. The trouble is
that he is not treated well by some of the col
Ored members of the board. and 1 have no
doubt that since certain remarks and state
ments have been made by DIR. Francis at the
meeting of the board that Superintendent
Cook viii officially address the board on the
subject. When the facts are known it will be
shown that the parties abusing Mr.. Cook and
complaining are the very people who are, by
doubtful WAYS, doing the mischiefn