Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-05-31
EASTERN HIGH SCHOOL
MEETING OF TEACHERS AND STU
DENTS HELD TODAY.
Apology From the Boys for Breaking
the Rules-Hope That Incident
is Closed.

There was meeting shortly before l
o'clock this afternoon at which the priacl-
pal, several of the teachers and practically
all of the male students of the Eastern
High School were present. the outcome of
which. it is believed. will be the dropping
of the controversy between the pupils and
the faculty. resulting from the alleged dis
order of the cadets and other boys of the
school Thursday last. when they walked
out of the school building in defiance of
Principal Swartzelrs instructions
Through one of their number, who acted
as spokesman, the boys apologized 'for
breaking the rules of the school," but re-
Quested an apology from certain teachers,
who, they said. had spoken and acted in an
insulting manner of the victory of Com
pany f on the competitive drill field and of
the prize badges there worn. and had also
cast reflections on the moral character of
the boys themselves. Mr.. Swartzell ac-
cepted the apology, and promised to look
into the matter of the teachers words and
actions.
The boys have been considering the ques-
ton of making a formal apology to Mr.
Swartzen for several days. and it was
through the good offices of Mr.. Percival
Padgett, a teacher of Latin. and the captain
Of the cadet company, f. Hartman Linthicum,
Sotiations with Mr. Swartzell and arrange
for the meeting held this afternoon.
Mr.. Percy NJ Hughes, director of the high
schools, was present in the building and fell
In with the suggestion from the boys that a
conference be held. Mr.. Swartzell consent
ed willingly and asked several of the teach
ers. including Mr.. Wallis, teacher of
mathematics; Miss Howes. whose subject is
Latin. and Mr.. Padgett, to be present. Mr..
Padgett acted as chairman of the meeting
upon the request of the boys and acquies-
cence of the principal.
Mr.. Hughes did not enter the study hall
while the meeting was in progress, but,
he expressed it, preferred to let the stud
ents and members of the faculty talk the
matter over in personal way and settle it
among themselves. Mr.. Hughes also said
that he must refuse absolutely to give his
consent TO the presence of "a newspaper re-
porter who in the building for the
same reason. He agreed, however, to ar
range for recital of the facts after the
close of the conference The report pub
lished In The Star is that given to report
or by Mr.. Wallis and J. w. Field, the boy
who acted as spokesman for the students.
The Meeting.
About seventy-five boys and the teachers
were present when Mr.. Padgett called the
meeting to order and stated that those pres
ent had come together to effect. If possible,
a settlement of the unpleasant affair which
arose last Thursday that would be satisfac-
tory TO all concerned. He then called upon
young Field to speak for the boys.
Cadet Field said:
II know I am speaking to every boy
present when / say that we are willing and
glad to apologize to Mr.. Swartzell for
breaking the rules of the school-that is
for being absent from our class rooms
Thursday last without permission. But,
on the other hand We feel that some of
the teachers of the school owe us an apollo
Iii. -,
uncalled-for remarks in reference to the
wearing of the red ~prize ribbons and as to
the character of the boys who participated
in the affair of last Thursday"
Replying, Mr.. Swartzell said that he ac-
cepted the apology with great satisfaction
and was glad to hear the expression of
such sentiments. He was sure, he said
that they came from all who were con-
cerned in the trouble. The badge question,
he declared, had been exaggerated in the
reports brought to the boys. No teacher
had stamped on any prize ribbon and none
had publicly made any remarks about the
same to which exception might be taken.
He said he would take up the matter of a
reference to the chara Gter of the boys and
act upon it later.
Both Fields and Swartzelrs statements
were heartily applauded by the boys pres
ent.
Miss Halves then addressed the boys, ex-
planning that the remarks said to have
been made by certain teachers to the ef-
rect tHdt tHe Dogs IFequeHteu SdiooHS anu
such places instead of staying in the school
and celebra ting their victory with the girls
and the teachers were not meant as they
were reported, and did not charge the boys
with immoral character. she thought the
badge episode had never taken place.
Mr.. Padgett and Mr.. Wallis spoke in
conciliatory tone. deploring the condition of
affairs and hoping that this would bring
about a satisfactory settlement of the most
unpleasant occurrence the school has ever
known.
An Unfortunate Affair.