The Washington herald., 1907-12-14

OF education and Supt Chancellor, of the
District public schools, which has result
led in the trial of the superintendent on
charges preferred by his judges. may re-
suit in a revision of the school law is
predicted by prominent members Of Con-
gress. 1t is considered a probability,
among Senators who have studied the
matter, that control OF school affairs will
again be vested in the District Commits
sionerE.
Those who express this opinion decline
to be quoted, but they say that unless
the situation clears up in short order
this outcome may be looked for. There
Is no disposition on the part of any Sena-
tor to coerce the school board. nor is
there any such disposition In the House.
But members Of both Houses who have
the best interests OF the District at heart
declare that the present undignified con-
dition cannot be permitted to continue.
1t is not now believed that Senator Bur
ketts resolution asking the suspension OF
the trial Of DR.. Chancellor will again be
neard OF in the Senate, as the wholesome
aoVce dealt out to the members Of the
board OF education, which called upon
the District Committee yesterday. is ex-
pected TO bear fruit
Told to Move Slowly.
Senators Gallinger and Burkett yester-
day did not mince matters in talking over
the situation with Capt Oyster. presi-
dent OF the board of education. Mrs
Ellen Spencer Mussey, a member Of the
board, and Assistant Superintendent
Hughes, all of whom met in the
District Committee room Whether the
meeting was the result Of prearrangement
was not divulged. Representative Smith.
OF Michigan, who is slated for chairman
or the House Committee on the District
OF Columbia, came in during the inter
view, and Il was made plain to the board
members that the two Houses OF Con
gress are unit In desiring to end the
school muss once and for all They were
told that their best course was 10 go
very slowly if their present mode of pro-
cedure was TO be persisted in. and advised
10 adhere more closely to the PRINCIPLES
or American justice than they have been
doing in trying an absent, sick man on
charges preferred by themselves. and with
the verdict determined upon beforehand.
Confirm Burkett'S Information.
The charge made in the Senate on
Thursday, that the verdict had been
reached before the trial began, was sub
stantiated by the statement of the dele
cation OF the board that It was deter
mined to get rid of Dr. Chancellor. and
the implication that what the Senate
might do in the matter would simplv re-
suit in the resigna ton Of the entire hoard
Of education. The Senators endeayored
10 convince them OF the fact that the
course Of the board of education during
the entire controversy had been one cal
culated to ALLEVIATE public confidence from
the board, and told them plainly that II
II were persisted in il would result in a
popular demand for a less prejudiced body
TO decide between the contestants.
Senators who were seen yesterday de-
clared that while sentiment in the Senate
did not favor either side, 1t was the con-
sensus Of opinion that the undlgnifed sit
uation which exists should be terminated
II was stated. also. that sentiment in the
House is even more averse to the toIera
ton OF existing conditions and that the
abolition OF the board of education was
Source of Amusement.
The members of neither House desire to
put the body Of which they are members
on record for or against the merits OF the
controversy itself: they view il as a
ridiculous exhibition Of bad temper on
both sides. and members when asked
about their personal opinions Of the mat
ter treat IL as a source of amusement.
But It is the general belief that any sys-
tenn which permits such a spectacle 10
develop and hold an important depart
ment OF civic government up to the ridi-
cule of the country must have a serious
flaw in it.
II is improbable that the Senate Dis
trict Committee will consider the resoIu-
ton Of Senator Burkett before the re-
convening Of the Senate after the Christ
mas recess The call for a COMMITTEES
meeting viii not be made unless Senator
Burkett should request IT, and il is con-
sidered doubtful that a sufficient number
OF the members could be gotten together
10 constitute a quorum, even should a
call be issued.
Hard "a Get a Quorum.
There are four vacancies on the COM
mittee, which leaves but nine members
Seven members must be present 10 make
up a quorum, and It is unlikely, in the
rninion Of Senator GaIIinger. that This
number can be brought together. owing to
the approach Of the holiday recess. which
makes Senators averse TO taking IN anv
matter which would be likely 10 involve
such consideration as the many ramifca-
tons Of the school controversy would
make imperative. Action on the resolution
is expected. however, if the little heart
to-heart talk In the District Committee
room should not bring forth the desired
results.
Says House VIII Pass II.
Representative Smith, Of Michigan. who
IS slated to be chairman Of the House
Committee on District Affairs. is expected
on Monday night to introduce in the
House the Burkett resolution providing
that the school board shall not reach a
conclusion in its present trial OF Supt
Chancellor until after the matter has
been laid before Congress.
A. s. sBurleson, from Texas. a member
OF the District Committee. was of the
opinion that there would be no trouble in
the House in getting such a resolution
through.
THE sentiment in the House. said
Mr.. Burleson. "as I have been able to
define it, is in favor of such a resolution.
and do not anticipate there will be
much objection to It.