Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-07-27
The Eastern" Principalship.

In another part of The Star today APP
pears an interview with one OF the resi-
dents of Capitol Hill now engaged in the
campaign for a readjustment OF the East
ern High School organization. This state
ment of the case serves TO broaden its as
pect ard to indicate that the feeling
against the principal of that school has its
basis in conditions far beyond the deplora-
BILE episode of May. generally known as the
cadet characterization. and the subsequent
proceedings of the board of education. 1t
appears that citizens of East Washington
have come to the conclusion that Mr..
Swartzel Is not competent person to have
charge of a large school and to be the
mentor of a group of boys and girls.
Mrs. Parsons says in the course of the
interview that there specific charges
as yet fled against Mr.. Swartzell. and that
the prevailing feeling in East Washington
Is that his deficiencies are chiefly those of
temperament but she asserts. with cita-
tions of specific cases. that these failings
of temperament have led hJhto the COM
mission OF overt acts. Briefly summarized,
the case against Mr.. Swartzell resolves
itself into the assertion that he is unduly
suspicious of his charges. that he is venge-
ful. unjust and irritable, causing those
under him to be kept in a state of turmoil
and distress which is unwholesome in its
effect upon their minds and bodies.
This phase of the case has never been
formally brought before the board of edu-
eaton, and the action of that body has thus
far rested solely upon the May "mutiny
of the cadets which 1t properly and Wig
orousy rebuked- 1t is claimed now that
there arc circumstances In the case which
led directly and inevitably to shat SEN
sational outbreak against Mr.. SwartzelrS
authority. which, while condemned by
them, is apparently viewed by the citi-
Zens Of East Washington as the culmina-
tion OF long smoldering troubles and
symptom of unfortunate conditions that
have prevailed at the Eastern for some
time If that view Is correct it is plainly
due to all concerned that the board at its
earliest opportunity broaden the scope of
its survey and seek the truth of the situa-
ton.
The Stars position In this matter has been
explicitly defined heretofore. Taking cog
nizance of the only facts and charges on
record. it saw the board of education up
holding the principal of the Eastern High
School in his efforts to maintain discipline
at that institution. 1t applauded this course
as required by the best interests of the
school system of the District. When ii be-
came apparent that there was plain pur
pose on the part OF the board to effect
exchange of places between the principal of
the Eastern-who had been formally in
dorsed in his eonduct-and the principal of
the Central-whOse name had not been in
any way involved in the controversy-The
Star protested. 1t called for a special meet
ing of the board TO correct fault which if
persisted in would unquestlonably have de-
mOralized two schools and destroyed public
confidence In the higher school administra-
ton. This was done, and the case now
stands. in the net result precisely where it
stood prior to the May ''mutiny' and the
first action OF the board.
The Star cannot and does not attempt to
judge as to the merits of this controversy
over Mr.. SwartzeHs fitness for his position.
That is matter between the board of edu-
cation and the residents of East Washing
ton who opposed to the present prin-
cipal. Mrs. Parsons statements indicate a
state Of acute irritation on the part of the
parents of the school children of East Wash
irgton. They cannot be lightly dismissed.
Il is known that they merely reflect the
sentiments Of others. Just how far they
form a case against Mr.. SwartzeN together
with what else may follow. Is for the school
authorities to determine. The Star. how
ever, hopes for an adjustment which, with
out doing injustice to individuals or groups,
viii serve to restore peace In the public
educational circles, strengthen the efficiency
Of the schools, restore confidence in them
on the part OF the people and. If possible.
without destroying the discipline or weak
ening the authority of the teachers put an
end to the troubles that have been agitat-
ing East Washington for several seasons
and unwhoIesomely affecting the entire
community. That IS a duty that cannot be
avoided.