The Washington times., 1905-09-22
Swartzell Makes Denial
And Arraigns Accusers

4 y
lows:
i LAS evidenced by some of the Ques-
tions propounded to me by members OF
the board. certain charges or imputations
against me have been made by persons
who have not attempted to corroborate
them and who have not accorded me
the fairness of making them openly and
sallowing me to know by whom or I'M
der what circumstances they have been
preferred.
Among these are the charges that 1
have instituted species of detective
service in the high school; that have
| listened at doors to conversations be-
tween teachers; that / have secretly
watched the physical drills Of the female
pupils. and the like.
LAS no evidence whatever has been
! adduced in support OF any OF these
charges; responsible author
or originator of them has presented HIM
self, and as IL is entirely apparent from
the testimony OF the teachers of the
high school. which has been elected
that the relations between US are utter
ly inconsistent with any such conditions
l suppose L must rest content with the
refteration of the specific and emphatic
denial which have given 10 their truth
or to the existence OF any fact or facts
which could give fair or honest color 10
them.
The only eavesdropping in this en-
tire controversy OF which / have any
knowledge is that performed. OF which
/ suppose the board has cognizance at
some OF its meetings during the present
hearings, by three of the young men
largely responsible for the recent trou-
bles at the Eastern High School, and
which conduct on their part L here refer
to as proper 10 be considered IN passing
upon the weight TO be given to their op-
position
No Evidence.
Almost to be classed with the
charges above noted are those OF un-
warranted suspicion OF the veracity of
pupils, of the grudging granting OF ia
vors, of a tyrannical attitude. and the
like. OF which charges. after careful ex-
animation OF the testimony. 1 think 1t
not too much TO say that there Is no
evidence or attempt at corroboration
requiring serious consideration.
'.Of the eighteen teachers connected
with the Eastern High School. eight
have been examined by YOU. 1 could
have wished most heartily that the en-
tire eighteen might have been exam
ined but ! assume from the fact that
the board discontinued this line OF evil
dence. after hearing eight of the teach
ers that it is satisfied with the testi-
mony of that number upon the points
in controversy, as to which enltghten-
naent was obtainable from the teaching
force
Without consuming time in details,
it is entirely apparent from the test-
mony OF all these teachers, Mr. Wallis
included, that there have been no dis
sensiens. disagreements, cliques. or fac
tiers in the Eastern High School, but
mony and unity has existed there rather
exceptional in its character
"The Drill Riot"
The matter which has apparently
originated the greatest criticism against
me has unquestionably been what has
Been referred TO as the drill riot and the
occurrences which followed IL. or the
action OF the insubordinate pupils on
that occasion II is, perhaps, unnecessary
for me now 10 speak, the subject having
been thoroughly reported upon BY your
committee on July ], and its findings
sustained by the unanimous vote OF
your body
4 think 7 ought. however. to call at
tention to the fact that the adverse
ewspa per attacks upon me have been
at no time more unqualified or more Sc
we're than in connection with the matter
now referred TO. although since the in
vestigation and report by your commit
tee and the action OF your board no one
can be found TO dissent from your con-
clusion that there is nothing in the