Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-24
STORMY SESSION HELD
Board of Education Ends Nc
KinIey School Controversy.
THE PRINCIPAL. SUSTAINED
Charges and Recommendations Laid
Upon the Table.
THE SUPERINTENDENT'S ACTION
Suggested Removal of Head Of the
School Not Sustained-Other
Business Transacted.
THE PRINCIPAL. SUSTAINED
THE SUPERINTENDENT ACTION

The board of education last evening after
a stormy session adopted motion made
by President Needham of the George Wash
iHgton University 10 lay on the table the
testimony and the superintendent reso-
luton for the removal of Principal Gardner
of the Mckinley Manual Training School.
What does 1t mean? How did 1t happen
We were ready to vote? l hadn't chance
to vote exclaimed four members after the
meeting adjourned.
With words band. back and forth such
coward improper, mutinous,
.'IawIess." ''monstrous' and false be-
tween the upholders of the superintendent
and the defenders of the principal. and with
four members expressly favoring Superin-
tendent Stuart's recommendation. when the
motion to table the matter was put three
members, Messrs. Parker, Needham and
Bundy voted aye In vigorous tones No
response to the negative being heard Presi-
dent Gordon said in some surprise;
The ayes seem to nave it,, ana there was
a burst of applause from group of Mr..
Gardeners supporters Then Mr.. Gordon
demanded silence. saying there was some
mistake in the vote
DR. Needham protested that there could
be no question on the motion being car
rIed as no negative had been spoken. Mrs
Francis declared she had said no. The
president then questioned Mrs. West ana
DR. Kingsman who said they had not
spoken but were prepared to say no
This left the vote three against three, ana
there was a further protest from Dr. Need
ham. The president of the board recognized
the Justice Of the contention, and ruling
that the vote as announced must stand eX-
pIained that although he had shown by
his previous defense of the superintendent
where his vote would GO he had no chance
under the circumstances TO vote.
Expressions by Members.
In the utmost bewilderment Mrs. West
said she did not see why they had not been
able to place their votes.
we could not have carried it tonight,
said Dr.. Kingsman.
I'VE would have had more oratory," said
Mrs West.
Il voted no." said Mrs. Francis.
1T does not matter what we vote, said
Mr. Gordon. I'VE will all go out on the
LIST of July anyhow, but you know where
stand
The discussion was precipitated by letter
addressed to the board from Director Cham
berlain warning the board of the disastrous
consequences II the members allied them
selves with the unruly element of the
school So incensed was President Gordon
at what he termed the improper tone of
the letter that he requested the secretary
TO read il again. thinking he must be mis-
taken. On third reading he said:
Il take exception to that letter as very
improper"
Mr.. Parker instantly replied: 81 COM
mend it most highly, since it points out the
iawless manner employed in commencing
these proceedings by notwithstanding lot
OF teachers"
With no motion before the board Mr..
Parker secured the floor, and was recog-
nized to succeed Mr. Steuart, who had. by
request read portions of Mr.. Gardeners re-
ply, in which the principal claimed finally
that the action OF the teachers bringing
charges against him had been actuated by
personal spite. -
Concluding. Mr.. Steuart said he had no
further recommendations to make.
Dr. Needham asked:
Il do not understands: do you say you
have no recommended lions do you mean
that your first still stand?"
oh yes said Mr.. Steuart, they stand