The herald., 1897-11-23
The Dirty Skein Is Still
Tangled
ATTEMPTS TO UNRAvEL FAIL
LEAGUE FOR BETTER CITY Gov
ERNMENT TO PROSECUTE
Professor Bonebrake's Story-Eow
Axtell Worked His Wiles-The
Infamous Blacklist


ing last evening, resolved itself into a
committee Of the whole on organiza-
ton. Not an organization committee
as ordinarily understood. however, but
a committee to determine how the in
vestigation into the school scandals
should be conducted. This matter had
been settled before, but that which is
not settled right is not settled at all,
and the board had another crack at ii.
All members were present, save Di-
rectors Braly and Bartlett, and the dis
cussion that took place was conducted
very quietly, while it was somewhat Gu
rious to note the unanilnity of sentiment
that prevailed in general way, the diff
ferences being of opinion with regard to
the arriving at much desired end.
DR.. Mathis precipitated the discus
sion that occupied almost the entire
evening when he read a kind of pronun-
cinmento and in a metaphorical way
jumped with both feet on the investigat-
ing committee heretofore appointed
and upon the method that was being fol-
~
doers who have seats on the bCslrd.
Under the order of new business. after
surrendering the chair to Director
Davis, he read the following declaration
of principles, which are couched in no
uncertain tones. and incidentally moved
to reconsideration of the boards rre
vious action
PRESIDENTS DECLARATION
"Since our last meeting new Develop
ments in relation to the serious charges
against certain members of this board
and employees convince me that some
thing of a more thorough nature must
be done to ascertain the correctness or
falsity of the charges made. and. if any
members or employees of this board are
guilty of using their positions fer per-
sonal gain, that they may be expelled
ut once. Pending these Investigations
the members and employees charged with
crime should be suspended. No men,
ber charged with crime should be al
lowed to vote on questions concerning
Investigations. ] have hitherto re-
Trained from mentioning these things,
not believing it necessary TO call any
ones attention to matters of this kind,
as I believed that common dacency
would teach them not to take part by
voting upon those matters that charged
them with the commission of q crime.
But as this appears to the public and the
press of this city like an attempt to de-
feat the purpose of an investigation
into these serious charges it is now time
for me. as president of this board, and
as q servant of the people, to take Il de-
termined and positive stand. The rep
utation of this department must be pre-
tected and the good name Of this city
not tarnished by having published
broadcast an arraignment Of the board
of education. l now propose that the
entire board shall Investigate the
charges made no matter who may fall,
in consequence thereof. Individual
interest and feelings should not be
smoothed over while the city's reputa-
ton suffers. If there is any crooked
ness in the transaction of any member
of this board let it be understood now
and for all time that l will not sanction
it while l am president or a member Of
this board.
II know that there are honest men on
this board, and l want the world to
know who they are, and let those that
are guilty, IL llltIc stic any, ldCt tHt
consequences of their own acts. The
affidavits making serious charges
against certain members and employees
should carry great weight with US in
our consideration. The people who
made them had nothing to gain, and
they must be believed and will be be-
lieved by the public unless we prove
them to be false. They We're made un-
der oath, and that is to some extent IN
the eyes of the public 4 degree of truth
fulness. l am not here as a champion
or tool of any organization, but as Il
member of the board to protect the city's
interests that l must serve, and no
clique or influence shall prevent me,
and l now move that we reconsider our
action of last meeting and have this
investigation made by the whole board.
am sure that this is more important
than the individual interest of any MEM
ber, and no one can say that they are
too busy or wish to be excused. Let it
take our whole time for a month if nee
essary. We owe no greater obligation
to the public than to protect the good
name of our public Schools"
The reading was no sooner concluded
than Director Webb rose to Il point of
order. DR.. Mathis, having at the pre-
vious meeting OF the board voted with
the minority, was not competent to move
for reconsideration. The chairman
held that the objection was We'll taken,
and Mr.. Mathis motion fen to the
ground.
Director Poor, however, was prepared
for such an emergency. As one of the
members of the investigating commit
tee, with Directors Webb and Braly or
Bartlett, he presented to the board the
following communication:
WANT TO BE DISCHARGED.
To the Honorable Board of Education.
Los Angeles. Cal.
Gentlemen: Mr.. Braiy, one of the
members Of the committee on investiga-
tion appointed by your honorable body,
informs us that he Will be unable to
serve on this committee, he not yet hay
ing fully recovered from his late severe
illness. Mr.. A. G. Bartlett, the other
member proposed for this committee, is
still absent from the city. We, the re-
naming two members of said commit
tee, refuse to accept the responsibility
thus forced upon US. We consider the
committee too small for the responsible
work in hand. and therefore request
that this committee be discharged, and