Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-27

ter of fact there have been but one or two
removed from the schools without giving
them an opportunity to restore themselves
In the service
'The court has declared our action null
and void, and tells US that he is entitled TO
a trial To me, this does not relieve us of
the responsibility of keeping omcers or
teachers in the service who are violating the
principles of good administration ana dlscl-
pline. We must respect the law as directed
by the court.
AT the same time, we should retain our
own respect and we should regard the
reputation of our superintendent, who
came to us a stranger, we'll equipped for
our work, with reputation more to him
than this position. who, l believe, is en-
deavoring to do what is necessary to ac-
complish the desired results: who, am
sure, has no intention of violating the law,
and who should not be expected to retain
officers and teachers in the service who are
not in sympathy with the administration.
Surely it was not the intent of Con-
gress to have the superintendent conduct
our schools in the same unsatisfactory
manner as they were conducted heretofore.
Il so. why did they make changes radi-
cal and so numerous? Why should We be
expected to give our time to such duties If
not to try to improve conditions? We are
here from duty, not to try to prosecute; to
be impartial, without prejudice, without
grudges, or spite, without favor or fear.
Remembers but One Mistake.
"Hurriedfy reviewing our management,
as see it. there has been but one mistake
and that is the one which has come before
us again today. Some of us were led to be-
lieve that our position was warranted by
law. Even more conservative ones urged
different proceeding. Great legal bodies diff
fer, why should We not? We have done
nothing to be ashamed of. If we have erred
we are glad to say 50 and meet the condi-
tons as We find them and proceed under
the direction of the law
What Congress intended we can only
surmlse, continued Captain Oyster, las
there are many opinions. Counsel was re-
fused us by the Commissioners, which I
have always believed was unfair to us and
to all taxpayers of the District. The court
refused 1t for legal reasons. The Depart
ment of Justice had not authority to help
us, and some delay was occas ioned in reach
ing the President who very promptly direct
ed help from the United States district at
tofney.
We were also delayed by the friends of
the past dictators of school policy. who
made demands that were not acceptable to
this board, and which handicapped u.s.
Recommends Dismissal.
While Capt. Oyster was reading Supern-
tendent Chancellor put in an appearance.
When Capt. Oyster had concluded some one
suggested that the superintendent be heard
from. The superintendent then read from
a paper which he held in his hand, recon-
mendng the dismissal of Cardozo, as fol-
lows:
EARLY in the course of the present super
intendency l was informed by DR.. Mont
gomery and by others that Mr.. F. l.. Car
dozo. supervising principal was engaged in
endeavoring to disturb the harmonious re-
lationS of the coored school system by
both words and acts clearly disloyal and in
subordinate Later Dr. Montgomery identi-
fled as having been written by Mr. Cardozo
an anonymous letter regarding the coored
schools, sent to one of the newspapers, in
tending to injure him assistant superin-
tendent of the colored schools.
ION these grounds l regard him as un-
worthy of continuance in the service and
recommend his dismissal
This recommendation addressed to
the secretary of the board, and was signed
by the superintendent in due form.
On motion of Capt. Oyster it was decided
that the president of the board should con-
ter with Mr.. Mcnamara and prepare charges
against the accused.
Mr.. Mcnamara explained that the board
would sit as a grand jury in the case, and
that the proper proceeding would be to pre-
fer the charges and notify CardoZo of the
time set for the hearing.
Inquiry by Friend.
Attorney James A. Cobb colored, friend
of CardoZo, who was in the audience, in
qured of the board whether Cardozo would
trial that would be convenient for him and
his attorneys Admiral Baird did not want
to let Mr.. Cobb have anything to say, but
on suggestion of Mr.. Mcnamara he was al
lowed to proceed. Mr.. Mcnamara said that
the time would be fixed with due considera-
ton for the accused and his attorneys.
Mr.. Cobb announced it to be CardoZo's
intention to attempt to have the proposed
trial enjoincd. on the ground that the court
had already held that the board of educa-
ton had acquitted Cardozo of the anony
previous meeting.
After this incident the board adjourned to
meet at the call of the president. 1t is eX-
pected that a meeting will be held early
next week.
Awaits the Filing of Charges.
In communication addressed to the
Cardozo. who was yesterday reinstated as
supervising principal in the public schools,
has this to say
ITO the Board of Education: 1t may be
that some school officials are concerned as
to my temperance in the schools and re-
sumption of the work of supervising princi-
pal of the thirteenth division, as authorized
by the court, pending the preferment of
ton. Personally l feel that there is no JUS
LITIGATION for such alarm, but, if they SO de-
sire, / beg to assure the board of education
that l shall not take up the work afore-
said in any way, shape, or form, until the
matter Is settled, provided / am definitely
l may have in the premises. Very respect
fully, F. L. CARDOZO, Supervising
Principal, Public Schools, D. c."