The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-05-10

sioners also summoned everyone wh1
was suggested in the testimony or in
any other way as having any knowledge
on the subject. and examined in all 11c
witnesses. In the matter of summonins
and examining witnesses and admins
tering Oaths the Commissioners pro-
ceeded under the provision of the Dis
trict of Columbia appropriat ton act ap-
proved July l. 1902. authorizing them to
do SO.
Charges Disproved.
After examining every witness who
could be produced and receiving the ar
guments for and against the accused,
the Commissioners asked the Corpora
ton Counsel. A b. Duvall, who had
been present as their professional ad-
wiser. to review the testimony from a
legal point Of view. which he did, and
reported on January Is. 1903. upon con-
sideratiOn of il he was satisfied that the
charges were disproved
''Thereupon, and after a careful exam
ination of the record. on January 16, 1893.
the Commissioners adopted the follow
ing:
In re the examination and investiga-
ton of charges against George H Har-
RES, member OF the Board of Edu-
cation
- The Commissioners have duly consiG-
cred the proofs and testimony in tie
above matter, and they find and declare
that the said charges are disproved. It
is, therefore, this 10th day of January.
A. ID. 1903.
"'Ordered. That the said charges be
and they are hereby dismissed
The Commissioners desire TO record
these views as to that portion of the
investigation which began on October
% and was had under the powers con-
ferred upon the Commissioners by the
act Of July l, 1902:
Thorough Investigation.
''First-That the investigation was un-
usually Thorough and vigorous. no less
than lis witnesses being examined, and
the restricting rules of evidence being
disregarded in the desire TO have fu,i
inquiry which would result in either
or condemnation. The neces-
sity for this investigation was manifest
in view of the persistent circulation of
rumors rejecting upon the parties
''Second-That the testimony failed TO
reveal a single instance discriminating
either of the parties. The fact that Cen
eral Harries visited Mrs Myers during
the spring of 1898 is admitted, although
the assertion that upon one occasion
denied and being resolved into aquestion
of veracity between two persons. the
benefit OF the doubt must be given 10
the accused, unless there is corrobora-
tive evidence, TO prove the likelihood of
the story, which, in this case does not
exist. 1t should be remembered, also,
that the testimony concerning this al
legged episode was given more than four
years after IL is alleged to have oc-
CURED. Furthermore, the evidence
shows that other school officials includ-
ing Supervising Principals Gage and
Freeman. Principal Riordon, and others,
visited Mrs. Myers in the same spring
(of 1888, and were received by her dur
ing the evening in the same room in
which she saw General Harries, not a
bedroom but a reception room. The
visits Of these other school officials were
not made the subject OF comment. and
we are convinced that, except for GER
tain Jealousies which wei'e aroused, the
actions I General Harries would never
have been called into question.
'"rhird-That all matters relating to
the internal management Of the schoo S.
such as the appointment als5 conduct Of
officials. transfers, etc, are.