The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-11-19
LACKED DISCIPLINE.
Mr.. KHOwlton Reduced to q
Grammar Grade.
The Board Of Education Found the First
Charge True-Robertson Ordered
Reinstated.

A special meeting OF the Board of Edu-
cation was called last night to finish the in
vestigation OF the charges against Professor
Ebenezer Knowlton that had been dragging
along since about the middle OF August
The only testimony given was by Knowl-
ton himself to conclude a few subjects not
thoroughly cleared up at former hearings,
and he was permitted to explain what took
place at class recltatlons, which were constru-
ed by Blanchard, now teacher in the Boys
High School. out at the time in question a
pupil CT knowlton's, as grossly immoral
and indecent 1t appeared that everything
complained of was contained in the text
books. and they were read off by the profess
s0r one after another.
MR.. JoRDAN's ARGUMENT.
Mr.. Jordan's argument was a concise
summary of the evidence, contending that
only two witnesses had brought any posi-
tive testimony to sustain any Of the charges,
while fifty in behalf of the defense had de-
clared Professor Knowlton a competent,
thorough and efficient teacher, and man of
great learning and ability. But Mr.. Jor-
dan mercilessly castigated Blanchard. the
teacher who, he said, mounted the witness
stand with the profession on his lips that
be was the friend of the accused, and never
alterward opened his mouth but to belch
venom and Islander at him. His sole en-
deavor was perfectly apparent. In his fer
vent zeal to get the professor out of the
Boys High School, he was willing to
blacken his character, defame his name.
disgrace bis family, and kick him into outer
darkness, ruined and lost. IF this is the
mercy of friend" added the attorney. in
conclusion, GOD deliver US all from our
friends"
REMOVED FROM THE SCHOOL.
The board went into executive session to
deliberate, and 1t WAS apparent from the
time consumed that the result was not read
lily reached. In about forty minutes the
members returned and reported that they
found the accused guilty of the first charge
against him Qack of discipIue), and recon-
mended that he be removed from the Boys
High Sch DOL, and instructed to report to the
Secretary, and TO be assigned to class duty
in school OF grammar grade, the first suit
able position that shall be found vacant. a.
Professor knowlton was very much dis
appointed and chagrned at this decision.
He had hoped, in view of his good showing,
for better result and he regards it as
equivalent to dismissal from the depart
ment.
1t is understood that the verdict was
reached by a bare majority, there having
been but ten Directors present, and Culver,
Decker and Dunn voting 10 dismiss the
charges.
ROBERTSON TECHNICALLY GUILTY.
The Committee on Rules reported in reIa-
tion to the suspension Of Principal Robert
son of the Hamilton Grammar School for
brutally Furnishing pupil. that it had
found him guilty of technical violation of
the rules. but as it was under extreme prov
ocation recommended that the charge be dis
missed and the accused Eeinstated. The re-
port was approved, but the accused will lose
his salary during the period of suspension.
Miss Mary Doyle, Miss Helen NJ Ruther-
ford, Miss Della E. Page, Miss Minnie A
Monahan and Miss Bertha NJ. Bretz were
recommended to the State Board of Educa-
ton for State educational diplomas.
Miss Florence Fairchild was elected to the
day school substitute class.