Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-04-14
A LIVELY MEET IN c
Strenuous Session of Mt.
Pleasant. Association.
THE STAR ATTACKED
SCHOOL QUESTION REVIVED BY
MR.. E. B. STOCKING.
Brisk Passage Between Him and Mr..
Barry Buckley, the Associa-
toms Guest.

The Mount Pleasant Citizens Association
held lively and interesting meeting last
night at the Hotel Stratford, at which the
public schools, the District finances and the
local newspapers were discussed with un-
usual heat and freedom. At one time the de-
bate promised to develop strenuous phys
ical phase but the danger point was safely
passed. Mr.. e. B. Stocking precipitated the
principal issue of the evening, and injected
an unusual degree of spirit into the pro-
ceedings. His attitude last evening was the
result of circumstances which have been
gathering for the past two months At the
March meeting he created sensation by
charging that demoralizing conditions exist
In the public schools, and Offering resolu-
ton protesting against them and calling
upon other citizens associations to join in
demand for their eradica ton.
The Evening Star, in an editorial printed
March IA, took issue with Mr.. Stock
Ing on the proposition advanced by him
that the mere suspicion of improperly on
the part of a teacher should be regarded as
ca use for dismissal. The Star urged that
those responsible for the circulation of
slanderous statements were the proper OBJ
jectS of public condemnation, and not the
innocent victims of such assaults. Last
evening Mr.. Stocking returned to the SUBJ
ject, and INDUCED in attack upon The
Star for it's expressions.
The Opening Proceedings.
Last evening Col. E. B. Townsend, presi-
dent OF the association called the assembly
to order. Ernest Schmidt was elected to
membership in the organization, after
which Mr.. A. B. Chatfield. chairman of the
school committee. arose to report what the
committee had done with reference to Mr..
Stockings resolution of protest. He said
that owing to sickness in his family the
committee had been unable to complete the
investigat ton, and he asked for more time.
10 Tow tod no. 4tor
more time for the completion of it's work.
Mr.. Stocking then arose to a question of
personal privilege and fired his first car
fridge at The Evening Star. He declared his
regard for true Journalism and admitted
that he has read The Star for more than
quarter of a century. He also knew of its
record and reputation for peace and good
order.
The speaker declared, however, that the
newspaper in editorial had misstated
his position relative to the Washington
public schools and had descended to per-
sonal abuse Of him. and he reiterated his
statement of month ago to the effect that
demoralizing conditions do exist in respect
to the public school work.
Following this statement the association
proceeded for time with the transaction
of business.
Mr.. Chatfield also introduced a resolution
which was adopted. urging the Commits
sioners and the congressional committees
to require reciprocal transfers at all inter-
secting points on street railroad lines in
any franchise granted to any company
The Board OF Trade, the Business Mems
Association *nd all citizens associations
were asked to support this proposition
Some discussion was provoked on the IN
PRODUCTION by Mr. Shoemaker of a resolu-
ton urging the District committees of the
Senate and House to take favorable action
the bill for the purchase as a public park
of the triangle bounded by Kenesaw ave-
nue., old 10th street and new 10th street
Mr.. Shoemaker stated that he is advised
- ,a& h. 1T ,,<v11s ,
ly it will be utilized as the site for a large
apartment house building.
Mr.. Mcpherson opposed the resolution.
as he said he would prefer that the apart
ment house be built rather than that the
space be set aside for a park. The apart
ment house, he declared would be of great
er advantage to the surrounding property
Mr.. Lowman supported the resolution
arguing that more PARIS are needed in
Washington, and that efforts should be
made to secure suitable plots of ground
for parks The resolution was finally
adopted.
Praise for the Newspapers.
Mr.. Shoemaker then presented a resolu-
ton to the effect that the association heart
lily approves of the many vigorous edi-
torials published in the Washington daily
newspapers on the relationship of the Dis
trict with the United States government
and thanking the local press for its work.
speaking TO his resolution, Mr.. Shoe
maker referred to the action of Congress
in saddling the whole cost of street ex-
tensions upon the District. This evil, he
said had it's root in the purchase of the
Rock Creek National Park, and it has been
continued in many other public improve
ments. He declared that the people
of the District, the local press. the busi-
ness men and the various associations are
all urging that Congress provide some suit
able arrangement of the Districts finances,
but without avail. He said he has been
working for several years In the interests
Of the District. both as president of the
Brightwood Citizens Association and as
a private individual, and that he has at
last become discouraged. Mr.. Shoemaker
announced that he Is not a candidate for
reelection as president of the Brightwood
association
Mr.. Stockings Broadside.
Mr.. Stocking then arose and in the be-
girning spoke in high terms of praise Of
Mr.. Shoemaker's work in the public in
terests. He then engaged in a second at
with selfish motives in all it's efforts on be-
half of the public. He declared that he would
not vote in apr citation of The Stars work
Mr.. Holman declared that The Star has
done a great work for the District Its
editorials on District affairs and in behalf
OF the Districts interests, he declared,
have been most intelligent and vigorous
THE Star" he said, has advanced the
interests of the people of the District more
than all other papers ever issued in Wash
ington." He said that the paper is con-
Quoted on a high plane of Journalism and
that he heartily approved it's editorials.
Colonel Townsend also took issue with
Mr.. Stocking He said the efforts of The
Star had been directed in an intelligent and
vigorous manner and that the newspaper
had accomplished great good for the Dis
-trict. The association called for the ques-
ton, and the resolution was adopted with
out a dissenting vote, Mr.. Stocking declin-
ing to vote
With the regular business disposed Of
Colonel Townsend called upon Mr. Barry
Buckley. secretary of the Washington Busi-
Mani A for foxr,