The Washington times., 1908-10-17
Morrow, in Reply to Parsons,
Says Criticism Is Inspired
by Gas Fight.
BASEMENT DOORS
NOT EXITS, HE SAYS
Commissioner Declares Mar
the Charges Apply to Condi' 1I.s
Due TO .Janitor Service.

As a result of the criticisms of the
conditions of the public school buildings
made by James L. Parsons in a morning
paper, the controversy between the Dls-
trict Commissioners and the president
of the school board has been brought
to a climax
In a vigorous statement issued this
morning Commissioner Morrow, speak
ing for the Building Department, de-
clared that the attacks made in the
morning paper were inspired by the IA
vorable attitude assumed by the Dis
trict Commissioners toward the reduc-
tion for the price of gas.
James F. Oyster, president of the
School Board, on the other hand, de-
clared today that Mr.. Parsons report
is a vindication of the stand he has
assumed in the fight.
Both sides agree that the only salts
factory settlement os the question is to
be found in the complete investigation
Of the conditions by a committee of cit
izens
Such action no doubt will be taken.
Commissioner Morrow, in his state
ment, said that such a commission
should be appointed, and President
Oyster has gene or record as favoring
the same plan.
Superintendent A. T. Stewart. Of the
schools. issued an order this morning
in which he directed all janitors and
principals 10 take special care to see
that all outside fastenings OF doors were
left open when the buildings were occu-
pied. superintendent Stewart said a
number Of violations of this rule had
been called to his attention during the
past few days.
Regrets Publicity.
Il regret hat any one should en-
deavor to infame the public mind Dy
such open headlines as appeared in a
morning paper, without endeavOring 70
find out all the real facts" said Major
Morrow"
In order. however. 10 assure the pub
lie or this and kindred points. L shall
endeavor 10 secure a volunteer commit
tee composed OF architects and builders
OF known standing to examine The
- schools here and give us O. report that
cannot be regarded in any way as taInJ'
ed with malice. nor favora9ly tinged
with favOritism.
I do not desire to be construct as
criticising LIr. Parsons. for whom
have the highest regard and respect"
"It is much to be regretted that the
attacks on the District government have
been so unreliable In the first place
IL should be stated that the Commits
SiOnerS have felt the need Of an archi
tect 10 supervise the preparation Of
plans and specifications, and the makiuf
or repairs for school buildings, and fol
all other municipal buildings, and have
so recommended 10 Congress, but with
out avail.
Have Asked Money.
They have also recommended in
creased appropriations for making tht
buildings fireproof, and these recon-
mendatons, also, to a large extent
have not been granted by the apprO'
rriating body. They also recommended
last year, the appropriation OF consjd
cradle sum for going over and over
hauling the old school buildings In tn,
District in order to make them safer
The appropriation for this purpose wa.
abO- One-fOurth Of the sum requested
namely, $4,000 and 1t mas been impOs
sible to do all the necessary work witI
this amount, although much has beGI
done. great many buildings hav
been fireprOOfed around the heating aD
DarauS and in a number of building.
built, and in others fre-eScapes erected
An this to the extent OF the $50,
fund
TO take up the Cage school. il shouI,
first be stated that practically all o
the exits criticised are basement exits
exits which are of use principally at re
Continued on Second PaEe.)