The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-05-14
WILL NOT CLOSE.
The Mayors Views on the
CogswelI School.
A LETTER THAT HE SENT.
He Demands of the Trustees an Ac-
count of the Financial Standing
of TIE Institution.

Mayor Ebert since his visit to the Cogs-
well Polytechnic School on Friday has
become very much interested in the school.
Speaking yesterday on the subject he said:
Il was surprised at the fine character of
the work taught and the bright intelligence
OF the pupils. Such an institution ought
not to be closed and certainly will not il
the Mayor has any power.
You ask me If the Mayor has any pow
er to prevent its closing. l hold that he
has. In my opinion the school cannot be
closed. 1t does not belong TO DR.. Cogs-
well any more than it does to you. He
has legally given it 10 the city for a certain
definite purpose and it can be used for
none other. The purpose was very laGd-
able one. and the city ought to be grateful
TO the donor
What l shall do in the matter 1 cannot
say yet, until | am in possession Of all the
data connected with the school. There has
never before been any formation fur
nished the Mayors office. Ii the funds
have been injudiciously expended, there is
way to prevent that by removing lncom-
petent trustees. But | do say | do not
know tile facts yet until get the report l
am entitled to under the law. But the
pupils may rest assured the Mayor Will do
all in his power to keep that school open"
The following is communication which
Mayor Ebert had sent to every member of
the Board of Trustees of the Cogswell
School yesterday:
To the Trustees of the Co1slCeU POlytech-
nicdt Sch0OL-GESTLEMEN: l am informed
that there is a disposition on The part OF the
trustees OF the Cogswell Poiytechnical School
10 close II at the end of the present term ths
reason being that IL Will be impossible 10 MAIN
tain it longer owing To a lack Of funds.
Section of the trust deed reeltes that "the
Board Of Trustees shall publish annual re-
port showing The condition OF the institution
ana Shall account al least once year 10 the
Mayor OF the city aud county OF San Francisco
II such accounting is required by him."
lna,much as | am unable TO ind In the
records Of this Office any mention OF any Such
accounting ever having been made, and as l am
maintenance Of this school is an important
matter that requires careful consideration i
wish To request Of the trustees that they nave
prepared aud present TO me statement show
lug In detail
ta) Tie amount OF money received and from
what sources since organization.
tb) The amount of money expended and for
what purposes since organization.
lc) he present condition OF .he finances OF
the school.
(d) description of the property belonging
TO Tue trust and the yeaIly revenue therelrOm.
(el The present monthly expenses aud the
monthly revenue.
~ Such other data as may have direct bear
ing on The subject.
The purpose OF this inquiry is.iin case re-
trenchment IL necessary on account OF any
contingent liabilities. that the same may be
considered without closing the school or inter-
changes as Will enable the school 10 be main
tanned with the available revenue.
An early reply Is desired. Yours truly,
l.. II. ELLkRT, Mayor OF san Francisco.