The times., 1898-11-15
SAYS THEY ARE IMMORAL
Sweeping Arraignment of Col
ored Women Teachers.
HEATED DEBATE PROVOKED
Meeting at Union Wesley VI. r.
Church Becomes Sensational -
George W. Stewards Attack on
Male and Female Colored Teach
ers-Dcnounccd ms CowardIy and

Only the calmness and influence of the
pastor, the Rev. A. \. Crooke, prevented
serious trouble last night at the Union
Wesley NJ. L. Church, near the corner of
L and Twenty-third Streets.
George ". Stewart, in a paper purport-
ing to discuss the public school system in
the District. viciousIy assailed the "irtue
of the co:ored female teachers of Wash
ington, referring to them as school
marns,'' and speaking of rumors derog-
atory to their regulations.
This was so much at variance with the
opinions of some of those present that,
when the subject was opened for general
discussion. one of the audience. in a very
fiery denunciation of the accusation, said
that if the essayist would attempt to sub
stantiate it he would land in Jail in less
than twenty-four hours.
II was under stood for some time that
Stewart would make the accusations he
did, and as consequence, there WAS 4
large audience present, many of whom
took part in the debate which followed
the reading of the paper.
The meeting WAS held under the au-
Church, and was presided over b. James
L. Pinn. who introduced the speaker of
the eventing. Stewart opened the dis
cussion with the following qpes.ion: Are
the methods of our public schoo.s a ben
eft TO OF. children, as now conducted
by teachers of our own race2 Or a-e
they stumbling blocks over which our
children FAM" Are all of the teachers
of our own race such models as W. wou' q
like our daughters to copy" Are the
men representing US on the board OF
school trustee such men as We woul
choose if we were permitted to do so?'
do they represent the masses of our peo
ple.or do they simply represent 4 class:
rs the rating done in the public schools
according TO merit or ON account OF social
influence"
In developing these subjects Stewart
said that in the public schools. like in
everything else, all wrongdoings were
coming to be known and the parents ar
becoming restless. He admitted ina
there are some excellent woinen teacn
ers in the public schools, and it was muci
to be regretted that they are not all 50
If reports were true, he said, the smai
hours of the mornings disclosed som
very scandaIoUs scenes, and added ina
it was stated that some of the femal
the Edmunds law.
He then went on to speak of the favorit
ism which. he claimed, Was shown by IN
teachers to a certain class of childre
and their iIl-treatment Of another elias;
And. he said if the parent of a child wa
to visit the school to demonstrate wit
the teacher he would be insulted. espec
ially Il the teacher had been out the nigh
before having a good time.
In conclusion he advised that a commit
tee of five be appointed from each schoC
district and inform Congress of the tru
condition of affairs.
Lucius II. Peterson was the first TO at
tack the statements of Stewart in refer
ence to the chastity of the teachers in tn
public schools. and said it was coward
in the speaker TO defame women whoT
he knew were pure. He also warned h!r
that the jail would be his dwelling plac
for a long time if he dared make hi
charges specific.
The discussion at this time was seners
and everybody was more or less excited
It was only through the intervention {
the pastor that trouble was averted. II
suggested that the discussion be closet
and his advice was taken. A vote wa
then taken and the sentiment Of ii
meeting was overwhelming opposed to II
dorsing the accusations made by Stew
art.