The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-05-10
Directs Publication of a
Statement Signed Feb
ruary ?, 1903.
REPLY TO Mr.. MORRELL
Shows Action of Commis-
Sioners at Close of the
Investigation.

The District Commissioners today is
sued an official statement giving the
main facts regarding the so-called
',scandar' in the public schools. This
statement was brought out in reply 10
certain allegations made Representative
Morren of Pennsylvania in connection
with resolution introduced in the
House calling upon the District board
for the papers in connection with their
investigation of the scandal in the
month Of February year ago.
Representative Morrell alleged that
the Commissioners took no action as
result of their Investigation. according
TO his information. After due considera-
ton the Commissioners say they deem
1t necessary TO declare that Representa-
tive Morrell was misinformed. Action
was taken. they say. and embodied by
them in a statement of conclusions at
the close of the investigation, and was
signed by the three members OF the
board on February ?. 1908.
History of Investigation.
BY unanimous action the Commission
ers today directed the publication of
this statement. as follows:
This matter was laid before the
Board OF Commissioners February l,
1902. by Commissioner Macfarland, in
charge of public schools. in consequence
OF representations which had been made
10 him. Commissioner Mcfarland sug-
gested that charges in writing with
offer of proof be requested Of those who
were desirous TO have the matter In
vestigated.
Pending the consideration Of this
hF
24th OF February. 1902. suggested that
the Commissioners request the resigna-
tion Of George II. Harries, member Of
the Board OF Education. In the inter
change OF opinions which followed. the
other Commissioners opposed this sug-
gesSion and insisted that the matter
should be investigated as had been
suggested by Commissioner Macfarland.
This course having been adopted. an
effort was made by the Commissioners
to secure the presentation OF charges
in writing with offer OF proof
THE president Of the Board OF EGu-
cation having been formally indicated to
them as possessed Of information respect
ing the matter. Gen Henry V Boyn-
ton. the president Of the Board of Edu-
cation. was asked TO communicate to
any who might be circulating charges
the desire Of the Commissioners to have
them appear TO present their charges
and proofs formally.
Boynton Gives Names.
General Boynton appeared before the
Commissioners on April p. and stated
that he had no charges TO make. but
desired to present what he had heard
IN regard to the matter. which he did.
He gave the name Of no one who could
furnish statements Of alleged fact ex-
ceDt DR.. LOuease n Lehman.
THE Commissioners thereupon deter
mined TO summon DR.. Lehman, and re-
Quested Commissioner Ross to commu-
nics-te with her and secure her appear
anee before the Commissioners. DR..
Lehman did not appear, but. instead,
sent an affidavit
'sThe Commissioners insisted that Dr..
Lehman should appear. since she wac
In the city OF Washington. but she ia
not come.
Meanwhile. Commissioner Ross had
Euggested that, inasmuch as the Com
Enissiouers did not have the power 70
compel the attendance Of witnesses Ca
administer oaths. they should suspend
the investigation until they procured
the enactment OF legislation giving them
ouch authority. A provision giving the
Commissioners such authority had been
inserted in the District of Columbia APP
Ir0priation bill, then pending, at the
request Of the Commissioners, 10 meet,
a stated 10 the House Committee on
appropriations, a necessity which arose
in connection with a proposed inves-
tigatiOn OF the Washington Asylum
This legislation was finally enacted IN
the District of Columbia appropriation
bi.i which was approved July l, 1907
THE other members Of the board M
sisted that IL was not necessary tu
al n
and desired TO proceed with the inves-
tigation.
''Inasmuch as no other witness TO al
legged facts had been made known 20
the Commissioners. and inasmuch as
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