The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-07-02


dren, both from the fire and sanitary
standpOinJs, ! am glad 10 report that
the commissioners Of the District OF
Columbia have recently taken stems for
the frequent and regular inspection of
school buildings / am sure that the
Board Of Education will gladly cooper
ate with the District officials in this
matter.
During the past year there has been
a close and friendly cooperation be-
tween the schools and other educa-
tional institutions. both within and out
side % the District of Columbia
During the past year the special
schools have been developed, and their
number considerably increased. While
this lire Of work is a new one In ed
Ucational circles and can only be said
to be in an experimental stage, never
theless, we feel that Washington IS well
abreast of the times in the work which
is being done
Retirement Bill
Before Congress.
The Beard of Education submitted
to Congress at its recent session a re-
tirement bill, hoping in this way 70
strengthen the schools by retiring teach
ers of long and faithful service who
should not be expected TO continue the
strenuous life OF teaching. but should
pe properly provided for IN order that
their last years may be as comfortable
as possible
Unfortunately. the matter was not
brought before the houses Of Congress
for their action but effort VIII be re-
newed to have the matter properly sub
mitted to The houses OF Congress at
their coming session. II Is sincerely
hoped that the support of the President
and other Government officials of the
general question OF retirement may as
sist in creating a sentiment IN favor
of the retirement OF school employees
with proper financial provision
During the past year the school Of
ficials have had the work of looking
after the enforcement OF the child labor
law This work was thrust upon the
schools without any provision for cleri-
cal assistance. The magnitude Of the
undertaking IS shown by the Fact that
about 1900 cases have been handled
/ involving the issuing Of permits. the in
vestigation OF requests and complaints
and the prosecution OF cases before the
Juvenile Court.
Il is my opinion that the Board OF
/ Education and school Officials should be
| relieved entirely from this work. AMI
| that IL should be conducted as a phase
! OF the work incident to the Juvenile
/ Court in its supervision Of child labor
and conduct.
Illness Of Cook
Regretted by All
feel sure that every member OF this
body joins me IN exp -essing the sin
! cerest sympathy for Join +. Cook, who
has 50 faithfully served the public school
/ interests of this city as 1 member Of the
/ Board of Education. We deeply regret
| his Illness, and hope that he may have
a speedy and thorough recovery there
| from
The high esteem in which Mr.. Cook il
| held, both as man and as public
| official, makes il unnecessary for me
| TO commend him further. but II is with
! the greatest pleasure that We acknOWl-
| edge his helpfulness in the work which
the Board of Education has found it
am sure / voice the sentiment Of
| the Board Of Education when / state
/ that IL is with deepest regret that the
| board learns of the resignation of Mr..
/ Stuart Mcnamara as Assistant United
| States District Attorney. Tie Board OF
| Education could not have had more
! capable and faithful counsel from any
/ official than il has received from Mr.
! Mcnamara His personal interest in
! every question submitted has brought
. The fullest consideration and best judg-
ment 10 the solution of the problems
which have beset the Board Of Educa-
We sincerely hope that Mr.. Me-
/ Namara's new work may bring to him
| the satisfaction and profit which MS
| earnestness and ability demand.
/ / desire at this time 70 express to the
1 officers ana teachers of the school sys-
I TEN the confidence AMI appreciation OF
/ the Board Of Education Of their faith
/ fll service, and TO wish them each and
I all a happy and profitable vacation.
/ Permit me to express to the members
! of the Board OF Education my own ap-
1 probation Of the constant eourtesics
/ a body tc me IN my efforts 10 do what
| has seemed best for the development OF
the schools % the District of Columbia.
JAMES NJ. OYSTER.
President Board Of Education