Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-21
HIGH SCHOOL MIDDLE
Additional Developments in
Affairs of the Eastern.
VIEWS OF TEACHERS
FRIENDS OF PRINCIPAL SAY HE
Is MADE A scApEGoAT.
Outline of Recommendations Affecting
Standing Of Certain Students
Citizens to Act.

There were some additional DEVELOPMENTS
In the Eastern High School muddle today.
These take more the form of explanations
which serve to clear the atmosphere in some
measure of the intricacies which have en-.
comprised 1t during the past few weeks. 1t
was learned today that the entire faculty
OF Eastern High School some time ago
called the attention OF Director Hughes to
the characterization and alleged unfair meth
DDS In examinations of certain pupils. rec
ommending that he give the matter his con-
sideIation and to mete out such punishment
10 the Offenders which the circumstances
and degree of culpability seemed to warrant.
Thereupon Director Hughes set going the
machinery of investigation and began TAX
Ing testimony and looking into the merits
OF the case from every standpoint He
heard the pupils, weighed carefully the
testimony of the teachers. and then. as It
90" appears, made report to the super
intendent or schools in which he recon-
menoed that the three pupils mentioned In
The Star yesterday, Messrs Iinthicum
Huntington and Sprowl, be refused diplo-
mas of graduation. In this. it is now
appears to have been the beginning and
end of the report, for nothing further was
done in the matter.
Views Of Mr.. Swartzell's Friends.
Friends of Principal swartzen think he Is
being used as a scapegoat; that he has been
made to bear the burden of those higher up
in authority. This is illustrated, they say.
by the fact that when he gave the order
denying the class the right to visit other
schools the day following their success In
the competitive drill he following out
the instructions of the director of high
schools. 1t is further averred tina: when
he discredited dancing he was but follow
ing out the suggestions Of those above him.
That he has made mistakes of judgment
they all admit. but that he has been con-
scientious in the work intrusted to him
they insist.
Reference was also made to the action
of Mr.. Swartzell in refusing to hear the
members of the class. who desired to ex-
press themselves in extenuation of the cir
cumstances which had surrounded the
school and to purge the class of the respon-
sibility which attached to several of its
members. The friends of the principal say
this was the result of misunderstanding
for which Mr.. Swartzell should not be held
to account. The pupils went over his head
In obtaining permission to hold this meet
ing. it is stated and he knew nothing of
it until the committee waited upon him.
Believing then that the meeting was
without sanction and contrary to the rules
of the school, he dismissed the committee
Had he been acquainted with the objects
of the meeting his friends insist he would
have given the class an audience.
Alleged Injustice.
The teachers say the position they have
been put in by the ex parte accounts OF
the trouble is unfair and not warranted by
the facts. They cite the fact that the rec
ords Of the students for the entire school
year will show unsatisfactory reports in
conduct, and any number of deficiencies in
their other work. This. they say. is not
referred to for the purpose of prejudicng
the case against the boys. but merely to
put the teachers right in their effort to
maintain discipline. even to the extent of
Withholding diplomas Of graduation.
Regarded as Intentional.
There is no Disgusting the feeling that
prevails among the teachers at Eastern for
this ''purposed slight as they designate 1T,
upon their recommendations. One of them
put it this way to a reporter of The Star
today:
school authorities. The charges, which have
been made, and now form a part of the
school record ARE of a serious nature and
those in control of school matters cannot
propositions obtain in this case. Either
we are right. or we wrong. II right.
we should have the support of the school
authorities; If wrong. our usefulness as
teachers is at An end.
4 have heard some say we were actu-
ated by malice In making these charges
II TINS De SO We should be dismissed. But
the subject Is one of too much moment
to be carelessly brushed aside. A thorough
inquiry should be instituted into the af-
fairs at the Eastern School. The investiga-
tion should be conducted by those who
are unbiased enough to give the conten-
ton the careful weight and scrutiny it
requires. There have been misrepresenta-
tons, misunderstanding and general
mix-up that should certainly be untangled
before we commence another school year
1.-THE teachers have a right to expect
the support Of those in authority. II by
their actions they forfeit this right they
should be removed. But whatever is done
let the status of the school teachers be
established"
Before Citizens Association.
Perhaps the next important move affect
ing the affairs of the Eastern High School
will emanate from the East Washington
Citizens Association. For some time past
the committee on schools of this organiza-
ton has been inquiring into the facts. 1t is
expected this report will shortly be pre-
scented. 1t will be more In the nature of a
disquisition. No recommendation will be
included: 1t will be a mere presentation Of
facts. 1t Is understood the Citizens Asso-
citation, as soon as the report is considered
Ting md inv To