The herald., 1894-06-01


Der of the Los Angeles bosrdS We have
much testimony to show that the pro-
posals to pay com missions to members
OF this board were not resented in such
q manner as to show O high degree Of in
tegrity in some OF them.
The testimony OF teachers Ia that such
a state OF unce rtainty continually exists
as to the tenure OF their positions that
they cannot apply themselves at their
best to the school work. The condition
OF anxiety under which they are op
pressed com muncates itself to the
scholars, and their work is impaired
thereby.
1t appears in evidence that majority
OF the mem bers Of the present BOARD of
education agreed that each member
should select the teachers from his par
ticular ward. Such rule we consider
reprehensible in theory and vicious in
practice. Its tendency has been to lead
applicants to bring influence to bear on
some particular member, instead OF al
lowing fitness to weigh with the entire
board. This rule. however, is the legit.
innate result of that portion OF the city
charter which provides for the selection
of the members of the board by wards
There is no good reason for it, and its
elimination from the charter cannot be
too quickly accomplished.
IN GENERAL.
In addition to the facts already recited.
there is testimony before US to indicate
that the head janitor has officially ap-
proved work as done for the schools,
when he had directed the men to work
for individual members of the board,
and not only that, but himself assisted
in such private work, although he was
at the time in public service.
The evidence OF these dishonest trans
actions rarely consists of more than one
witness in each case. 1t was deemed by
the Jury insufficient to warrant the find
ing OF indictments, but against two of
the members of the board, Messrs. Plat
and Buehler, we have brought accusa-
tione based upon evidence which to us
seems to warrant a demand for their re-
moval from Office.
The entire evidence collectively con.
sidsred, however. ia conclusive of a dis
position on the part of attaches Of the
schools, as we'll as some members of the
board, to unlawfully dip their hands
into the public treasury.
Ignorance cannot properly form q
plea for esaspe from severe public criti-
Glenn on the part of these evildoers. The
newspapers alone from time to time
have given out facts sufficient to place
all upon their guard and Inform them OF
their duties. The total amount expend-
ed through the board of education was,
in round numbers, $270, 900. For this
lar9e sum the people do not receive a
fair return. Such mem bers OF the board
as have resisted all attempts at spolia-
ton of the public treasury deserve the
unqualified appreciation OF the commu-
nifty, Among these we would mention
Mrs. Hughes and DR.. Wills especially.
Those who have been disposed to prey
upon the funds and taxes belonging to
the education of our children deserve
the severest censure. Some of their
methods, when not careless, were GRIM
inal. They have betrayed the most i'm.
portant trust the people could give
them. struck a . blow at our schools,
robbed our children and disgraoed them
selves.
We recommend as follows: First-The
board of education should be freed from
politics, entirely non-partizan, and com
posed only of well-educsted and we'll
qualified and reputable citizens, who
would serve the city for honor only.
Second-It should be elected or APP
pointed at large, and not from wards as
now. and to serve for different periods,
so that each new board would have
hold-over members.
Third-If appointed, the mayor should
name the board from the whole city,
81 .,otlo - .
inees.
Fourth-The city should become it's
own insurer.
Fifth-The supplies should be pur-
chased by advertisement and bids
through supply agent similar to the
federal system of the army.
Sixth-Teachers should be elected en-
tirely on account of merit and expert
ence, and only the best retained Civil
service reform should be instituted and
maintained, so that good teachers could
be sure OF their places during good
work and behavior, and not be democrat
lied by the fear of losing their positions
with changes in the board. The recent
rapid progress in American industrial
and social conditions, together with the
increasing absorption of the time and
ouOIRy VI OuT CulluI0u Wy Suo puuliC
schools, have brought US to paint
where it is imperative for our individual
and national welfare to introduce in
dustrial education, and by proper
preparation to offer an opportunity for
American born child rem to earn their
living by trades and handicraft on at
least an equal footing with recent inn
migrants. AS our growing city will
soon require more school room, we
strongly advise that beginning be
made in this line. We commend to our
city officers Tor examination the method
so successful and effective now in force
at Whittier.
In the opinion of this grand jury the
trust placed in our educators for the
fitting and forming OF eur children for
their lves and duties to themselves and
their country is the most important in
the land.
That this grand charge should be in
the hands OF Indifferent or incompetent
men Is bad and dangerous. That it
should be 10 the hands of corrupt per-
sons is intolerable.