The Washington herald., 1907-12-27

ONAeACASSo Dy Napts OySters
1t is fully expected by the attorneys of
DR.. Chancellor, superintendent Of the
public schools, who is on trial by the
board Of education for alleged inef-
ficieney and INSTRUMENTATION, that their
client will be sufficiently recovered to be
able to be present Thursday afternoon
January ?, when the trial will be re-
sumed.
Attorney Greed Fulton, counsel for DR..
Chancellor. said yesterday that Mr..
Chancellor was recovering rapidly, and
that if his improvement suffers no set
back he would be at the trial, if only for
d short time. The accused instructor is
subject to the orders OF his physicians,
and no matter how anxious he may be
to have the matter over with, they will
not permit him 10 expose himself to a
relapse. which might have serious conse-
quenees-
Speaking about the trouble, Mr.. Full
ton said yesterday he deplored very much
that James F. oyster. the president Of
the board OF education. looked upon
every word and statement coming either
from his firm or DR.. Chancellor as refer
ring to himself personally.
I'VE do not see the necessity OF IN
dulging in personalities" said Mr. Full
ton Whatever we do or say in this
matter is naturally done as the attor-
neys Of our client. There Is nothing
personal about the matter. and we wish
Capt SOyster would not understand it
that way. Dr. Chancellor has been
charged with certain shortcomings by the
board, and the fact that he sees At to de-
fend himself ought rot 20 confuse any
body
Holds Evermann at Fault. n
AS regards the requisition for books.
the superintendent OF the schools is re-
quired. by the act Of 1900, TO attend to
that function himself No one may usurp
his rights or duties in this matter The
board Of education has a right to reject
or 10 approve, but canno make requisi-
ton for books without the knowledge of
the superintendent This whole trouble
is due to DR.. Evermann. who insisted on
the selection and buying of school books
himself. when the law vests the super
intendent with that power
THE school situation seems a veritable
Pandora box of surprises, but II remained
for DIT. Chancellor to furnish to the board
Of education one OF the greatest sur
prises it has yet experienced in this now
memorable school row. DR.. Chancellor.
IN a letter dated December "A. and adj
delegated 10 the latter the superintend-
ent's power during his absence from
the city The letter, which is styled by
Capt. Oyster, president OF the board. is
ridiculous and absurd" is as follows:
December a. 1907
Mr.. Harry c. Hne. Pm. D.. Secretary Board OF
Education District Of Columbia
Dear Sir: Any powers not statutory hut resident
by rule by custom in the superintendent Of
schools, may be exercised by you during ny absence
from the District Of Columbia when IA your iudg-
ment. necessary. Cntil fy4rtIer notice.
Any instrument n s.sniar tenor conveying similar
authority 70 any other person or officer is hereby
revoked and you requested TO Eotfy any and all
persons whom You regard as corcerne6-
Statutory powers arc. Of course. noutrsnsfcrabie
have the honor 70 continue 10 be. this testi-
hes very sincerely yOurs.
WILLIAM Z. CHANCELLOR.
Superintendent Of Schools, District Of Columbia
Points OCT the Law.
NO sooner was Mr.. HIne in possession |
Of this Christmas surprise than he sent
it to Capt. Oyster for instructions in the
matter. Capt oyster said the matter
was too ridiculous for serious discussion.
He said. that the point at issue was
clearly covered by the law as follows:
The secretary Of the board shall have
charge Of the office force, and shall be
the custodian Of all the records OF the
board of education.
He shall keep journal Of its pro-
ceedings, and shall conduct all CORE
spondence pertaining 10 his office: shall
administer the oath OF office to all Of
ficers and employees; shall certify TO ali
pay rolls. and make and certify 10 requi-
sitions for supplies, and shall submit a
monthly settlement of the balances on
hand to the committee on ways and
means, and shall perform such other
duties pertaining to his office as from
time TO time required OF him by the board !
or its president.
The assistant superintendent of
white schools shall in the absence Of the
superintendent. upon leave granted, be |
HIS deputy in respect to all matters not
especially delegated by act Of Congress |
TO the superintendent Of public schools or
to the assistant superintendent for col |
ored schools, occupying at such times a /
seat at the meetings of the board of /
education. and performing all such
duties, for which he may have the writ |
ten authorization Of the superintendent
Of public schools.
1T Is thought that this action on the
part Of the superintendent was brought |
about by letter he sent TO the Commits |
sloners few days ago, protesting that /
Mr.. Hughes and the board had exceeded
authority in recent reQuisition for text |
books, and had wasted public funds. The
Commissioners sent this letter without |
comment to the board OF education. /
Commissioner West under whose super
vision the schools come, merely said
when seen in this matter that the board l
had authority 10 purchase such books /
and other supplies which it deemed /
necessary for the proper education of 1