The morning call., 1892-09-14
A LADY TEACHERS TRIALS.
Mrs. Prill's Charges Against
President Sprague.
Alleged Cruel Treatment at Peralta Hall.
Suit to Be Brought-The President Says
He Has a Complete Defense.

A case possessing some sensational fea-
lures will, it is understood, soon occupy the
attention Of the courts.
The plaintiff, Mrs. Frankly Prill teacher
of modern languages, before leaving the
city on Friday last TO fulfill two-month
engagement at Flagstaff. AriZ., instructed
hur attorney TO commence suit against
Homer B. Sprague, president of Peralta
Hall, Berkeley.
The cause Of action Is alleged breach of
contract The fair plaintiff claims that she
was engaged for year by Colonel Sprague
as teacher of modern languages at Peralta
hall; that without justifable cause Colonel
Sprague summarily dismissed her after two
or three weeks service.
She will, therefore, claim $780, being
$780, the years salary. $500 for services rem
dered prior to the opening Of the present
term. and $1,000 damages.
Certain allegations will be made Of cruel
treatment, consisting of being locked up in
her room without food for day and night
and of other acts equally paint full and I'M
pleasant.
A reporter OF THE CALL visited Colonel
Sprague at Peralta Hall yesterday and in
formed him OF the contemplated suit.
IF that is so, said he, II am really sorry
for Mrs. Prlll.
she attacks me or my institution.
"She has been treated by me with the ut
most kindness and consideration, and my
instructions to all the teachers and every
body about the establishment when she was
here were to show her every kindness aud
attention.
Il have complete answer to any claim
or allegations she may make against Inc,
and viii make it public when l am called
upon 10 defend myself
ANY story she may tell Of cruel treat
ment is not true.
That is ali l feel disposed to say at
present"
One of the lady teachers was hunted up
by the reporter, and she was asked if she
knew anything about Mrs. PrilI being
locked up in her room without food.
''Such a statement" Indignantly replied
the lady, us utterly false.
when President SpTague found 1t inn
possible to continue her services and so in
formed her, she was very insulting in her
language. She spoke loudly and every one
n the vicinity Of the presidents room
couldn't help hearing what she said.
''She bounced out Of his room and flew
upstairs to her own room, where she acted
like crazy woman.
''She did not come down TO dinner, and
the president asked me to see If she were
i'll. / went to her room and found her
walking about the corridor.
Il asked her why she hadn't come down
to dinner and she said she didn't want to
eat at the same table With people who were
not her friends.
Il did all l could TO get her 10 come and
have some dinner and then went down.
stairs and told Mr.. Sprague. He asked me
TO take something TO her that she could eat,
and did so.
1--WE were all afraid that in her excited
state she might lock herself in her room
and do some bodily harm To herself. and
one of the other lady teachers. while she
was walking about the corridor, slipped in
her room and took out the key.
Mrs. Prill tried to get il back again, but
the teacher would not give it up, telling
her the reason.
"Sne did not come down to breakfast next
morning, and when l went TO her room 1
found she had barricaded the door with her
bedstead.
"She refused to come down to breakfast.
and took some eatables to her room. She
left the hall that day.
AS far as | know she had no reason to
complain OF her treatment while here"