Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-02-19
Report of the Committee.

what can be wisely done by the COM
mittee in promoting the efficiency and
success of our public schools 1t has
seemed to us that our deliberations should
be directed exclusively to this pertinent
inquiry
an response to this question we are
unanimous in the opinion that harmony,
peace and quiet among the teachers and
scholars are absolutely essential. and that
1t Is the imperative duty of the people of
the District and also of Congress to do
everything in their power to maintain
such conditions in the highest degree.
III. in promoting this harmony peace
and quiet Congress should deem It wise
to enact the pending measure known as
the Dolliver bill. we would respectfully.
said bill be amended on page 3 in section
2 by striking out. in lines and g, the
words commissioner of education of the
United States. and inserting In lieu
District of Columbia Such an amend
ment would have tendency to unity and
harmonic the educational and financial
affairs Of. the schools by uniting in one
agency all legal responsibilities and duties
which. under the terms OF the bill would
be lodged in two different agencies. whose
opinions might meet in an irrepressible
conflict. to the detriment of the schools.
We would also respectfully. though
urgently. recommend that no reduction
vising officials. as we believe such number
Is necessary under existing conditions.
Although other minor amendments have
6een suggested your committee has con-
hned Its report to those which seemed
to be most Important
The report was signed by A. T. Ram
say chairman; w. B. Todd, DR.. WiIhur
Wright F. c. Croxton, W. E. Andrews
Rabbi Louis Stern. 1. H. Saunders and
W. w. Bowie.
Members in Doubt.
AS the reading of the report closed the
majority Of the members seemed to be in
quandary as to whether the report IA
vored the Dolliver bill or not. Mr.. Sim
mons said he thought the spirit of the
report was an Endorsement of the bill.
If 1t does not hit the mark l don't
know where we are" suggested Mr.. S. c.
Rogers.
Il say again. commented Judge Bundy.
that see nothing in this report that the
Dolliver bill Is supported
At this point Mr.. Charles E. Kern. in
support of a motion to refer the report
back to the committee made a short ad-
dress
1T is plain said Mr. Kern. that this
committee has not framed its report to
make it clear to every one. l would
move that it be referred back to the com
mttee to bring in a report the provisions
OF which cannot be mistaken. From pres
ent indications nothing will be dona in
Congress upon the Dolliver bill for several
weeks. This report suggests an amend
ment to the BILL but gives no reasons for
the amendment We should have some
reasons to advance, and these should go
to Congress. If the school board is to be
abolished there must be reasons for doing
So
1T is a question: he continued las to
whether in suggesting the change you
are not jumping from the frying pan into
the fire. a single commissioner will have
charge of the schools. The board of edu-
cation has been successful for years 1t
has been composed of people well known
in the District of Columbia. People have
always been able to reach Them
Sentiment Divided.
Mr.. Kerns motion was seconded. Sew