The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1906-04-06

or our schools II was pointed out that
statements in favor OF the several bills
had been met with statements Of objec-
lions from the District Commissioner
and 20 all save the Official bill" On
the basis of that condition, The Times
Eaid:
THUS begins a controversy as to de-
tails which was perhaps inevitable. but
which Will be worse than unfortunate II
1t is permitted TO cloud the two great
needs OF the Capitals schools.
Those two needs are:
First. a decided advance IN the sal
aries of the teachers. together with q
regular system of promotions.
Second. reorganization of the Board
Of Education so that. II paid at all, the
members OF that body shall not be paid
according 10 the number OF meetings
attended. that they may supervise tbs
anairs OF the schools with some degrees
OF grit and sand. and that their atten-
ton may be confined to the business ad,
ministration of the schools and the pro
fessional administration be intrusted e
trained pedagegues."
Those two ends have since been urged
In these columns consistently and earn.
estly- They were threatened with de
feat because Of a widespread conviction
among Congressman that the loca
school system cost too much without IN,
eFeasing the salaries now paid to tn.
teachers and that those salaries should
not be Increased until a reduction cor
responding to the total advance HAD
peen made In other directions. AS late As
Yesterday morning, that objection seem
ca hkely to prevent the reporting OF any
hlil which would provide any increase,
in pay really worth while
But better judgment prevailed Ths
House Committee on the District of 70.
lumeia reported in the afternoon a bill
which meets substantially the two great
needs OF the system as il is now con.
Quoted. Increases in pay are order ed
which, II rot altogether so generous as
'h'Se recommended by the Commission
ers, viii yet give new life 10 the whole
system A new board is provided. with
nine members. TO be appointed by the
District Commissi0ners-an increase OF
'Wo over the present baard-to serve
Tor three years each instead of sever
as Is now the case, TO hold open meet.
ings save for sessions of committees
having 10 do with the character OF
teachers, II get no compensation and
10 eonfiRe their attention to the seiec,
iion Of a professional head of the svs
tenn and the administration OF its bust
ness affairs.
Reduction in the whole cost of III,
system is promised in the creation of q
new office-that of Superintendent OF
Buildings and Suprlies-and the estab-
lshment of a commission TO consider
ana report upon the adVisabilIty OF
erecting certain new buildings to take
the pla2e Of two or more present struc,
lures. Both these steps ought TO lesser
the annual bin for maintenance,
The measure warrants. therefore, tbs
Anticipation OF great good TO the schools
of the District OF Columbia. But il /:
as Yet 1nly q bill proposed 10 the House
10y one, OF its committees. Amend,
ments which would have the effect OF
arresting the progress involved in thu
bill as IL now is may Vet be adopted
Either branch of Congress may let the
whole matter die
A good start has been made-that ID
all. Those who are in earnest in tho
cause Of the schools will not relax their
energies or cease their activities until
this bill or some other which is equally
progressive has been made law