The Washington times., 1906-11-20
School Superintendent Lkens District Gov
erninq Board to Debating SoCiety-Lack
Judgment and Executive Ability

seems to me bad executive ability. All
three OF the Commissioners, so far as
have been able TO ascertain, are perfect
gentlemen. They are men Of excellent
attainment and in every way qualified
for important positions. But. 70 act as
they have done in my case certainly
does not show good Judgment
Trip Not Junket.
In the first place" continued Dr.
Chancellor. they should realize I am
going on the trip for the specific purpose
Of benefiting the city OF Washington by
what / might learn. II Is not for per-
sonal gain or entertainment that I have
been requested TO visit the colored uni
versities. Il is for the betterme1t OF
local conditions.
IF the Commissioners had been allow
ed 10 act on their own judgment" said
the superintendent. Il believe there
would have been no trouble As II is
they have been approached by some one
who has told them some rubbish about
the trip not being necessary or that 7
might not apply new methods 10 the
washington schools even II / should
happen 20 discover some good traits
among the Southern universities. I
can't comprehend the situation. why
can any one who has the interest Of the
city az heart possibly ofrer objection 70
the trip? 1t was my intention 10 visit
The leading universities OF the Southern
states, and then, probably. II 1 was suf-
hciently impressed. introduce different
methods into our schools here"
Go on His Own Hook, Anyhow.
Dr. Chancellor will probably take the
trip no matter what action the Com
missioners order as 20 the expenses.
He expects to start a week from next
Monday.
The idea originated with the colored
members Of the board. Some time ago
Mrs. Terrell and Mr. Cook went to the
superintendent and laid the proposition
before him, They urged that il was oS-
sentlal for the proper direction of 80
large system Of colored schools as that
of the District that the head should see
the work OF the most advanced institu-
tions for the education or colored youth
and know at first hand the leaders
among colored teachers
The colored officials promised to do
ali In their power to stimulate interest
among the other members OF the board.
and, incidentally promised to look into
the matter from a financial point OF
view. This was done. with the result
that the entire board sanctioned the
proposed trip, and, collectively. drew up
a resolution to the effect, which was
sent 10 the Commissioners.
Cut TO S. a Day.
The trouble then arose over the fact
that the Commissioners first promised to
allow 500 for the trip. Later this de-
cision was rescinded and the superin-
tendent was informed he would be given
only s. a day
AS either OF the mentioned amounts
would be totally inadequate for the trip
DR.. Chancellor has slgnihed his inten-
Hon OF taking the trip without the funds
supplied by the District II shall prob
ably leave on the date stated" said ne.
even II have to pay expenses out OF
my own pocket"
DIR. Chancellor and Commissioner
West last night held a long conference.
going over the matter in detail. The
superintendent was highly impressed
with what the Commissioner told him
and this morning declared no would
take the trip. That Dr. Chancellor is
perturbed ove- the affair, goes without
question, but, likewise. he Is greatly
distressed that the matter should have
assumed such proportions. He is ad-
verse 10 so much publicity. and believes
the matter should be dropped where IL
IS. In his criticism OF abe Commission
erE. the superintendent maintains that
he is only directing his remar rks against
the methods pursued, not against the
Commissioners personally. For all three
of the executive hody he maintains a
deep respect and IS impressed with the
fact that they have acted as they in
terpret the laws under which they are
bound.