The evening times., 1896-06-18
TALK OF INVESTIGATION
Prof. Sites Case Agitating
East Washington Citizens.
CALL UPON OFFICIALS
Com mmissioners VIII Proba bly, Decline
to Act In the Matter, and an Ap-
TrunsferUfLiquorL Misunderstanding
ON Excise Questions.

The contemplated removal of Prof. Sites,
principal of the Eastern High School, is
ecaiting good deal of comment, and not
little adverse feeling, among the residents
of East Washington, and it is now openly
declared that full investigation shall be
made, even III The matter has to be called
to the attention of Congress.
An informal meeting of citizens was held
at the residence of MIR. W Pearson, No.
226 Fifth street southeast, for u discussion
of the matter, and a report was made by
committee that had waited upon Presi-
dent Whelpley of the board of trustees to
inquire into the reasons for Prof. Sites
removal.
It's alleged by four members of the com
mittee that after a brief discussion OF the
subject Mr.. Whelpley was asked what ef-
feet petition for the principals retention
would have upon the board and finally this
question was asked:
IF 10 per cent of those interested in the
school should petition for Prof. Sites re-
appointment wonld it have any effect?'
Mr.. Whclpley is said to have answered.:
mo, not if 80 per cent should ask it,
SEVERELY CRITICISED.
This is accepted as the expression of the
board, and is severely criticised. 1t is cited
that Prof. Sites deposers notified him of
their intended action several weeks ago,
coupled with the statement, that they had
heard he was about to enter the ministry
and deemed it proper to give him ample
warning so he might make his arrange
ments accordingly.
The expression heard this morning from q
gentleman who attended the meeting at
Mr.. Pearson's, was that those present
believed the movement against Pr of.
Sites is wholly i'll the interest of protege
of Prof. Lane, and in proof of this refer to
the fact that Supt. Powell and DR.. Lane
recommended the change at the Eastern,
and immedia tely brought forward the
name of his successor, a graduate of the
Central.
Those who are now interested in elicit
ing the facts in the case say they are
actuated by desire to have the school
| proceed uninterruptedly, without the clash
| that is sure to follow the proposed change.
At the same time they believe Prof. Sites
has been unjustly treated.
There is no charge, they say, against
| his ability, and such accusations as have
been made they have investigated, only
| to find them without foundation. 1t was
reduced to two instances of alleged Of
| Tense against parents whose children at
| tend the school, and upon inquiry it was
learned that the two designated had given
no authority for the charges.
| A gentleman who does not care to be men,
toned just now called upon the Commits
sioners in respect to the matter this MORN
ing. He sa W two Of them, aud stated that
since there can be no objection raised to the
| principals ability, and in view of the fact
that there appears to be no foundation fol
anything that has been charged, he believed
| 1t to be for the best interests of the school
| that something should be done to prevent
the change. He wanted to avoid a harmful
| scandal.
THEIR ADVICE.
The Commissioners expressed great inter-
est in tile matter but stated that, as the
whole question was in the hands of the
! trustees. it would be better to firstcall upon
them. The story of President Whelpley's
response to the question above quoted was
then repeated.
A committee of citizens of East Wash
ington has arranged to call upon the Com
missioners later. The interview may be had
this afternoon; but. while the Commission
ers. individually as well as officially, are
very much concerned over the controversy
it is probable that they will take no steps
leading to investigation. except to con
municate with the trustees and give then
such additional information as they ma.
have of the impending storm.
l President Ross OF the board could not So.