Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-11-22
WILL CONTINUE FIGHT
KENILWORTH CITIZENS CRITICISE
BOARD OF EDUCATION.
Question Regarding Admission Of Ger
tain Children to Public School
Spirited Debate.

The recent decision OF the board of edu-
cation in regard to the Colvin children pre-
cipitated heated discussion at a meeting
Of the kenilworth Citizens Association last
evening. A resolution to the effect that
the association felt aggrieved over the ac-
ton of the board and would fight the mat
ter to finish. and report from the
school committee bearing on the same sub
ject were practically the only matters to
come UP for consideration.
A letter addressed to Mr.. A. F. Lindsey
from w. F. Roderick secretary Of the board
of education of the District, and a copy of
letter from ]. R. Colvin to the board,
were features of the school committees
report. Mr.. Roderick, in his letter. stated
that the board of education in view of
Mr.. GOWNS letter. would refrain from
taking any further action in regard to the
expulsion of the Colvin children from the
Kenilworth school on the ground Of color
Colvin sets forth in his letter that he is q
white man and that his wife and children
are white, and that he is ready to fur
nish proof to bear out his statement.
At this point the report of the committee
was laid aside and a resolution was intro
duced by the chairman Mr.. j. B. Holmes.
The resolution recited that the Kemlworth
Citizens Association feels aggrfeved over
the action of the board Of education in the
matter of the Colvin children, and that, not
withstanding the fact that, at the request Of
the board. the association had furnished
twelve statements and affidavits from dis
interested and reputable people living in
the same neighborhood where Colvin was
born. the board Of education had decided
In favor Of Colvin upon his unsupported
statement without an investigation as to
its truth. The committee was instructed
to continue its investigation in the matter
and render report at the next regular
meeting.
Causes Sensation.
A sensation was sprung upon the meet
ing when the president Of the association
arose In his seat and stated that he had
positive knowledge that Colvin would move
into the city and that his children would
be transferred today from the Kenilworth
school to white school within the city
proper Mr.. Voorhees, further advised that
in view of this fact the association should
take no further action in the matter, and
as he considered Colvin's action somewhat
of victory for the association. nothing
would be gained by agitating the ques-
ton longer. He admitted, however. that
Colvin claims the victory for himself.
This suggestion was warmly combated.
Half q dozen members were on their feet
at the same time engaged in heated de.
bate. Every member Of the association,
with the exception of j. H. Voorhees, and
w. B. Shaw, spoke for the adoption of the
resolution.
Mr.. John T. Barber. in a spirited speech
approving the resolution, stated that 1t
was high time that the citizens of Kenn-
worth put themselves to some account. He
felt that because the fingers of his fellow
citizens had been burned by this incident
1t would be grossly unjust to remain silent
through a movement to transfer the Col
vim children to a white school in another
community to the detriment of its citizens.
1.-THE principle Ii the same he declared,
land we are going to fight to an end be-
cause 1t is right
Mr.. Barber criticised the board of edu-
cation and fntimated that its delay in con-
sidering the question, and its acceptance Of
Colvin's unsupported statement as against
afidavfts and other proof offered to SUBJ;
stantiate their charges. indicated that there
was "put-up Job somewhere"
Protest Entered.
/ Mr.. Allen w. Mallery entered vigorous
protest against the action Of the board Of
education and was willing to stay in tho
fight till the end. He spoke 1t length upon
the wisdom Of adopting the resolution be-
fore the meeting, and thought the night
should be carried TO q definite end. He felt
that q great wrong had been psrpetrated
upon the cftisens Of the community and:
that they had been treated with nothing.
short Of contempt at ths hands Of the
board Of education.
Nr. Mallsry stated that the matter had