The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-01-05

tfoned?"
Did you not feel that by those articles
stigma was cast upon all Of the teach
ers and upon yourself as we'll as every
other member of the school depart
ment?"
So It went. To nearly all of the Ques-
lions the teachers answered in the neg
alive, but to the last question the de-
tense would not be satisfied with that
kind of an answer and Mr.. oliver would
proceed to point out that such articles
in newspapers might mean them.
On cross-examination the prosecution
brought out from each of the witnesses
that 1t had never occurred to them that
they were meant by the articles in ques-
ton. The articles had stated that others
would be found who had been made to
pay. They were published early in the
investigation and the prediction was
verified by the developments, for others
were found who had paid for their POSI-
lions and there may still be others.
Miss Ina Wright admitted that she
had purchased piano from Bartlett,
but that purchase could not be con-
nected with her election as q teacher.
This gave the prosecution a chance to
ask some Of the others whether they.
too, had made similar purchases. but
no others were discovered. For two
hours the examination proceeded. At
its conclusion Webb offered the follow
Ing resolution:
Whereas, During the present investiga-
ton Of the city school department, 1t has
been commonly rumored that many teach
ers and employees have paid for their posi-
tions in this department.; and
Whereas, The entire result of the inves-
tigation pursued by the League for Better
City Government has been that out of
four hundred and fifty teachers employed.
two paid for their positions to ]. f. Adams.
and that out Of some fifty janitors en-
ployed, two paid for their positions to c.
II. Axtell; and
Whereas, The results aforesaid do not
warrant the insinuations and aspersions
cast upon this board Of education or the
Individual members thereof nor warrant
the rumors set afioat by interested parties
that there is more corruption to come; and
Whereas, The League for Better City
Government has been investigating this
matter for months past, and are In full
possession Of the facts as to whether the
above cases are the sole result of their in
vestigations or not; therefore, be 1t
Resolved, That the League for Better
City Government Is hereby requested to
forward communication to this board. ac-
knowledging that the two teachers and
two jantiors herein referred to are the
only ones who paid for their positions In
the whole city school department, as as
certained after a full investigation by said
league, and In case said league does not
respond to said request, that this board
Of education at once summons every teach
er and janitor IN the employ of this de-
partment, for the purpose of ascertaining
as to whether or not any other employe
paid for his or her position. so that full
result Of the same may be spread upon the
minutes Of this board; and 1t is further
Resolved. That 1t is the duty each and
every member of. this board owes the
public schools and the whole city. that this
investigation shall be made full and COM
plete. and that the request above men
toned to the League for Better City Gov
eminent is solely for the purpose Of saw
ing the city the large expense Of obtain
ing the testimony which said league may
have.
President Davis promptly declared the
resolution out Of order.
In support Of 1t Webb stated that GER
tain of the old teachers had been ques-
toned by representatives Of the league
and now If the league would come for
ward and admit that only two teachers
and janitors had been forced to pay the
defense would soon close its case.
President Davis said that 1T wasI i'm
possible to state what the prosecution
had in rebuttal and as the board had
decided that each side present it's case
in its own manner 1t was not the func-
ton of the board to say how they should
proceed.
Every well, then" said Webb, 1--WE will
take one school at a time and have all
the teachers and other employees here to
testify"
Judge Cheney. representing the
league, stated that he was not willing 10
admit what Webb demanded in his
resolution. ION the contrary, when the
time comes for the introduction Of evil
dence in rebuttal," said he. I'VE hope
to present some new and very important
evidence which will be interesting"
President Davis suggested that the at
torneys for both sides hold conference
and devise some means Of reaching a
conclusion other than the plan proposed
by the defense
Mr.. Coprey stated that In the course
of the investigation that he had made
and in tracing clews that had been given
to him he had found cases where persons
had paid. for their positions who when
asked whether they had paid, had de-
MED 1t. Afterward when confronted
with evidence that they had made pay
ments admitted the truth and told
their stories. He said that was so in
the cases of Miss Schroeder and Janitor
Morris. IF there are others who have
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