Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-06-10
COAL SUPPLY TO SCHOOLS
INVESTIGATION MADE BY BOARD OF
EDUCATION.
The Report Withheld by the Commits
sfoners-Further Correspond
ence Probable.

Secretary Twombly of the board Of edu-
cation has transmitted to the District
Commissioners the copy OF a report of a
committee. OF which Gen. H. V. Boynton.
president of the board. is chairman, which
was made in connection with the inquiry
which is being conducted by the District
authorities into the quality of the coal fur
nished the public schools Some days ago
the Commissioners received a report from
the District auditor Mr. ]. T Petty. who
had been directed, with other District Off
GERS. to investigate the complaints concern
ing the coal supply forwarded from the
board of education. A copy of the report
written by Mr. Petty, and containing the
results of the investigation conducted by
him and his assistants was forwarded TO
the board of education. and now a further
communication as stated above. has been
received from that body.
1t is understood that the report made by
the committee of the board of education
maintains that the auditor and the other
officials did not go far enough with their
work. The exact nature of the communi-
cation is not known. however. forCommis-
sioner Macfarland. to whom the letter was
addressed as president of the board of
commissioners, stated today that he did
not deem II wise to give the letter out for
publication, especially at this time when
the whole matter is in process of settle
ment, and there may be further
correspondence between the various de-
partments of the public service before the
matter is finally disposed of. Mr.. Macfar-
land stated that it is understood the com
munication was sent to the Commissioners
simply for their information, and was not
intended for publication. He said that
when the matter is finally settled, and If
it should be deemed Of interest or value TO
the public, the correspondence would be
given out.
The First Report.
The communication from the board of
education has been informally referred to
Auditor Petty, who is expected to make
reply on behalf of the investigating off,
Gals. In his report, which was quite
lengthy and covered the results of In
vestigations made at twenty-eight school
buildings, Auditor Petty stated that the
| buildings selected were named by Gen.
Boynton. In these schools the conditions
were said to be unsatisfactory. Mr.. Petty
stated that, with one two exceptions,
the coal delivered on the last round for the
year was of fair, understandable quality ana
no objection, barring the dust, was urged
against it, except In two cases In con-
clusion these recommendations Were made:
First. That all coal on hand be screened
| and bins put in order before deliveries be-
| gin under the contract for the ensuing
| year. and record Of conditions in each
vault be kept by the Janitor thereof.
Second. That each janitor be instructed
TO report promptly, through the regular
channel, to the property clerk, any failure
on the part Of the contractor to comply
| fully with the terms of his contract in
| the coal furnished for the use of the pub
! lie schools.
Third. That where 1t is impracticable to
| place the coal directly in the vaults or to
| unload 1t upon brick or concrete pavements
that boards be provided or some other
means used to protect it from injury.
Fourth That before coal or wood Is
sent to any building the janitor thereof be
duly notified Of the time Of delivery and be
on hand to receive and receipt therefor"
These recommendations We're approved by
the Commissioners, and it is understood to
| be their desire to take any further steps
! that may tend to Improvement in the
| system or supply.