New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-11-08
Mr.. DEBEVOISE is READY.
HE WILL DEFEND HIS OFFICIAL ACIS.

CHARGES MADE AGAINST HIM BY THE BoAAD
OF EDUCATION.
Rumors have been in circulation for more than
month among the teachers Of the public schools anu
the Commissioners Of the Board of Education that the
Committee on Buildings intended to prefer charges
against George W. Debevodse, who was up TO July
Superintendent Of School Buildings, and TO ask him 10
explain certain transactions alleged 10 have uHeh
place during his ncumbency Of Office At the execu'
tive session which followed the meeting Of the Board
of Education last Wednesday the charges were lald
before the Board. The session lasted more tnan TWO
hours and il was decided TO ask Mr Debevolse W
come before the Committee on Buildings at It's next
meeting which will be held either tomorrow or tues
day.
II was alleged that Mr.. Debevoise. while saperin-
t.ndent had used materials Of quality inferior TO
those called for I'm the specifications in several build
Ing. elected or repaired under his SUPERVISION Among
these schools said 10 DO Grammar Seh0ot NO. DIV
AZ No l13 East Elghty-scventh.st, In the TWeiitn
Ward The specifications for that school had called
for lead pipes, 1t was said, but lhat, III their
stead. cheap galvanized iron pipes had been
used throughout the building. The same statement
was made regarding Primary School No. Al, Concord
ave. and One hundred and forty ftst, in the twenty
third Ward. II further alleged that In several
instances inferior slate had been used in the toilet
rooms OF the school buildings As to Grammar school
No 49, at One-hundred and thirty fourth-st and Lewis
for that contracted for.
But other reflections, II Is said were also cast upon
Mr. Debevoises administration. lie was held nspoh'
sibe by several Commissioners for the condition OF
Grammar Schools Nos. 50 and and Primary school
No o. which were closed several weeks ago because
they were unsafe and dangerous. He should have re-
ported their condition TO the Board 1t was said, and
thus have prevented the condemnation to which the
Commissioners had been subjected on account OF the
compulsory abandonment of the schools. lie had been
in a position 10 know of the bad condition OF the
schools and it had been his duty to report such facts
To the Board lie had bocn remiss, therefore. IN lbs
duty in falling to attend TO such matters.
Mention WAS also made Of the fact that Mr.. Debe
vose,s name had been mentioned as possible member
OF the Board TO succeed one OF the Commissioners
whose term expires In few weeks. AS the Mayor
was Obliged TO appoint the new members before the
third Wednesday of The present month"; II was heces
sary that the charges against Mr. Debevolse should be
investigated at once, according to the Commissioners
Mr. Dcbevoise himself when seen yesterday by
TriIure reporter was not ut all Disconnected by the
action OF the Board OF Education. lie denied the
charges empha,icaly.
deny specifically be added. all the allegations
All alterations If there any, ac In writing, among
the records of the Board The inspector OF buildings
whose duty it was 10 examine the buildings was ap-
pointed BY the Board OF Education and not by me-
had also the advantage Of the examinations OF the
Board of Health made upon oil buildings which l
erected as superintendent. Before any building was
accepted or paid for I received a report from the IN
spcctor and Health that the specifications had
been complied with. Those repor,s are on record.
Il am ready at all tines added Mr. Debevoise'
TO give the members of the Board all the information
I'm nv power regarding the school buildings or
ANYTHING else. I have nothing to keep back,
no. hing to conceal suppose / am TO suffer
like all other public officials who do their duty.
II is bny wonder TO me that the people can get men
10 attend to their welfare when such things follow
the fuhmcnt OF duty.
Regarding the suggestion which has been made
that am to lie tried for malfeasance in Office, only
wish to say that should welcome such trial and
hope that il will be made l am ready for it,
Taking up the charges In detail Mr.. Debevose said
that he had made various reports to the Board OF
Education regarding Grammar schools Nos. 30 and z
and Primary school No D.. and had pronounced them
unsafe and unfit for Use several times. Efforts had
been made in each case to obtain other property for
school purposes You remember the long fight over
No Z, at Hester and Chrystie sS." he added, and
what was then said regarding it,
As TO School NJ Az continued the disappointment
cni and the charges that galvanized iron pipes had
been used instead OF lead pipes, wish to say that
the plumbing in that building was finished after left
the service OF the Board. As to the substitution Of
different kind OF stone in Grammar School No. 80, that
Is true. But there a reduction In the cost of
81 200 and the building cost Just 81 200 less than ID
would have done had the specified stone been used
But the substitution made with the knowledge and
consent OF the trustees Of the ward and the consent Of
tho Committee Buildings.
Regarding School No. 81, say nothing now, |
because do not remember just what done with |
II. ! must look up the records. when 1s5 schools |
are repaired 1t is somewhat difficult TO re-
member what was done In each. or In any |
particular one. But whatever was done the certih.
Gates on file will show. Nothing was done in any
school, or changed In any school. without placing Il
As 10 the assertion that Mr.. Debevose desired to
secure the appointment Commissioner OF Education,
he said yesterday that II untrue. that he had |
no desire 10 become member OF the Board as IL was
constituted n: the present time. Concerning the
statement that he had resigned his place IN the
Board because tho present Committee Buildings
had not been submissive To his will, Mr. DebevOse
yad that 1t was without foundation. II had no
trouble whatever" he added, with tho present chair
man OF the Committee on BuldinEs We are good
1euds and members Of ths SEINE societies. resinsd