The Washington times., 1895-05-14
Considered by the Northeast
Citizens Association.
IN DOUBT ABOUT COMPROMISE
Ma jor Powell Ignorant of His Alleged
Rejection of the Proposition-Dis
Submission of Evidence witha View
to Indictment of the b. & o. r.. r.

The Northeast Washington Citizens As
ISOLATION discussed, among other topics,
the status of the grade crossings issue at
its meeting last night, and with free
lance dissected the alleged faulty methods
of instruction in vogue in the public schools.
President Tucker referred to the pub
nshed statement recently made Of So
called compromise concerning grade cross
ings, which, it was understood, was pro-
posed to the District Commissioners two
years ago.
Mr.. Tucker said he was himself in doubt
whether or not the compromise was ever
proposed. He had interviewed Major
Powell, the Engineer Commissioner, with
reference to his alleged rejection OF the
proposition, and had been Informed that
he did not recall the circumstance, but
accepting as true the facts alleged, he
believed it to be an eminently proper
position to take.
SOMEWHAT OF A COMPROMISE.
The suggestion alleged was in the nature
of a compromise, Mr. Tucker explained,
but provided for the fencing and repair
of grade crossings, and he expressed
the opinion that the association should
uphold the Commissioners in re jectiDg
that or any other similar proposition, for
the reason that unless justice can be Sc
cured dwithoutcompromise the people would
better suffer injustice.
An editorial that appeared in Sundays
Times, bearing upon the efforts OF the
association TO abate the nuisances COM
planned of at certain street crossings in
the ortheast section was read by Mr.. FriZ-
Zell, aud the Gent iment expressed in the
article was applauded.
1t was announced by Mr.. Frizzeil that
an interview had been had by committee
OF the association with United States Dis
trict Attorney Birney, respecting the pro-
posed prosecution OF the B. & o. r. Il.
Company for maintaining d nuisance at
those crossings, hitherto specially noted
in The TIMES, ard that second confer
euce would be held with him this after
noon, at O'Clock, when the character
OF the evidence TO be adduced in support
OF an indictment would be canyassed.
The subject was further discussed by
President Tucker, Mr.. Miller, Mr.. Hoistein,
Mr.. BurdDe. and others
The statement was made by President
Tucker that warrant had been issued for
the arrest OF Baltimore and Ohio en-
gineer for violating the order of the Com
missioners for the stopping of trains prior
to crossing II street northeast at the
junction with Delaware avenue He said
lIe company Udu IllliCu us
to disobey the order, upon the grounds that
the Commissioners had no authority to
issue such an order. President Tucker
said that the matter would be tested. II
the Commissioners have no such right the
court is the proper tribunal 10 decide.
REPORT ON SCHOOLS.
Mr.. Ellis Dalrymple, chairman of the
committee on schools, in making a report
of matters coming under his jurisdiction,
criticised the methods of instruction en-
ployed by the teachers in the public and
high schools.
He said the teachers imposed entirely
too much upon the memory OF children;
that the system was dishearteniDg and dis
coGraging TO the pupils, and that they were
over-taxed. Not so per cent OF the pupils,
he said, were able to pass the examinations,
and they were thus kept back and their
minds and health impaired. il not de-
| stroyed, by the onerous duties.
He said the children are sent home at
night from the lower grades as well as from
| high schools With much more than they
can possibly grasp, and that unless they
return next day with perfect lessons they
are marked deficient. He insisted
that ttas state Of affairs is chargeable to
| the teachers, the superinteudents and school
| officers generally.
This view was indcrsed by Messrs Miller,
! Martin aud Burke, and Mr.. Dairymple was
instructed to prepare a report upon the
| subject and submit it, through the as
sociation, to the board of school trustees
ONLY FOUR PASSED.
The complaint, Mr.. Martin asserted, was
heard from everybody, who has children
in the schools, aud the remark was added
that of the entire class in history in the
business high school but four, were able to
pass last year.
A communication from Mr.. F. L. Sid
dons. chairman of the committee on streets
and alleys OF the Civic Center, was sub
mitted by Mr.. FriZZell, in cooperation be-
tween that society and the association, was
suggested. After discussion by Messrs
Carver, Sowerbutts, Martin, Carver, Chap
peil and Rose, Mr.. FriZzeil was requested
10 confer with MIR SidGOus as 10 tie aims
and purposes OF his organization, and re-
port to the next meeting.
Several designations OF committee
chairmen were received, and the appoint
ments to vacancies will be announced when
81 ,,1io &C. 1IoI4