The San Francisco call., 1896-06-28

by the courts. At this time we have
literally no grounds upon which to base
any action against the lady. Let US wait
until the end of the litigation over the
Fair estate in which she is now so actively
engaged, and then, if she be proved to be
an immoral woman, why hats horse of
another color. In the meantime, l think
1t is wrong for US to cast any aspersions
upon her character"
There is no better principal in the
school Department than Mrs. Craven"
said Director 7. r. Knox, chairman of the
rules com mittee, and | know of nothing
against her character. The Board of Edu-
cation is semi judicial tribunal and un-
til charges against her have been regularly
sworn to and filed according to our rules
don't see that we are warranted in insti-
tutlng any proceedings against her"
Director w. T. Ambrose shared the
views of Director Knox, but Director An
drew McElroy was inclined to look rather
unfavorably upon the role played by Mrs.
Craven in the Fair will case, although he
admitted that he was unaware OF any flaw
in her previous record as a teacher.
DR.. J. H. Soper, who was recently elected
to NIL the vacancy for the unexpired term,
caused by the resignation OF b. L. Dodge,
thought that if many of the things which
have been said about Mrs. Craven and the
late Senator Fair were true she ought not
to be permitted to remain in the Public
School Department.
In view of the developments of the
past few days." said Director E. P. Barrett,
Il should say that Mrs. Craven was not a
ut person to remain as teacher in the
School Department. If she had lived
openly with Fair it would have been all
right. Otherwise, however, her conduct
would seem to be very questionable. As
to dismissing her from the de partment,
the board has not that power until she has
been tried on specific charges and found
guilty. The right of demanding trial.
having the benefit of counsel and calling
witnesses was given by law passed not
long ago, which also provides that specific
charges should first be fled
"Fault has been found with Mrs. Craven
before this for going East and glecti g
her duties at the Mission Grammar School,
OF which she is principal at the salary of
$l7o month. A year ago last December,
Just before this board came in, Mrs. Craven
was expecting that steps would be taken
to remove her. Accordingly she obtained
an injunction against the old board, re-
stralning it from taking steps to oust her.
Ihe next regular meeting Will be held in
July, but President Scott may call one
sooner. In fact, l understand he is going
to call one for next Tuesday. Until actual
charges are filed l believe and have advo-
Gated that Mrs. Craven should be tempo
rarily suspended"
Director Thomas R. Carew said: "It
seems to me that the rule of the
board which was in effect at the time of
Mrs. Craven's marriage to Senator Fair,
and which allows no teacher TO remain in
the department after marrying, would
furnish sufficient grounds for taking ac-
ton against her. l believe that if the mat
ter were properly brought to her attention
she would probably resign. Mrs. Craven
certainly must have known of the rule,
which was and had been in effect for a
long time, and was only recently re-
scinded. L believe that without doubt
Mrs. Craven is one of the finest teachers
In the department, and | am personally
friendly toward her. l shall, however, do
my DUTY In the matter without any regard
for personal considerations"
MRS. Craven is one of the brainiest and
ablest teachers IN the department" de-
clared DR.. G. A. Clinton, land L should be
very sorry indeed to see anything arise
whereby we should lose her valuable SER
vices. As to dismissing her, the board has
not power to do SO, unless she should be
found guilty. after due trial by the board,
on one OF the following specified charges /:
Violation OF rules, incompetency, insubor-
dlnatlon, profanity. intemperance, un-
professional or immoral conduct.
although at the time of Mrs. Craven 8
marriage to Fair there was rule which
retired teachers when they married l do
not believe she could be removed on that
ground. The Board of Education has no
moral and l believe no legal right to pass
such rule, and my opinion is that it
would be held invalid in a court of law"
Director G. a. Haw1ey was non commit
tai, declining to say more than that before
Mrs. Craven could be dismissed charges
would have to be filed and an investiga-
ton held by the board.