Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-01-08
Favors a Superintendent.

Yes, the board will try to- replied
Mr.. Edison. 1T has been, however, from
the first, the opinion of the Board that
when 1t had accomplished the purpose
for which it was organized the board
should be discontinued. and thereafter
administration of government charity
should then be placed in the hands OF
a sup ,rintendent In moueIn times and
with modern methods corporations and
institutions find il better to have single
heads or executives. But the time In
my opinion, has not arrived for the board
or charities 10 be abolished. However,
if Congress or the Commissioners deem
this a proper time the members Of the
board will not disagree to it or make
any objections. But in two or tni ee
years. possibly longer. it is thought that
what was intended OF expected by Con
gress when the board was created can be
accomplished"
AT which time" Mr.. Burleson in
quired, tine board will report itself that
it be abolished?
Il think So" Mr.. Edison answered. II
We had accomplished in eight years what
we had hoped for, such a course would
have been pursued by this time.
Labors Of the Board.
How long have you been on the
board?" Representative Sharp of Illinois
inquired.
Ten years." Mr.. Edison replied.
AT what compensation" asked Mr..
Snapp, who, having been on the District
subcommittee only two years. is not yet
familiar with the details of local. affairs.
AT no compensation, but at some per
sonal expense" Mr.. Edson rejoined with
spirit. During the f!rst year the boaru
held thirty-three meetings. sometimes as
lot In Or ID O'cincx a night The
next year 1t held about the same num-
Der OF meetings. We found at the end
Of the first year that the board could
not conscientfCusly recommend system,
and it was deferred until the second
year. I am sorry myself that more has
not been secured. because it Is always
gratifying to see good results grow out
of earnest efforts in services of this char
acter rendered to the pubic. | am sorry
that Congress did net support the board
more than 1t has. But the chief trouble
has been that when the work of the
board effected changes in the institu-
lions In Washington, with which our own
neighbors and fellow-citizens were active
ly connected. they thought we were
wrong. Then. through social influence
and through friends in Congress, they
counteracted or obstructed our efforts
Sentiment of the Committee.
II am sure said Mr.. Gardner. that
the committee has watched the develop
ment and evolution of the new order Of
things with satisfaction. l am very will
ing to say that If the fault has been
with Congress. it has not been with the
board in SO far as the recommendations
are concerned. But we have our imita-
tions even as the board has theirs
1T is not matter OF cCmpla mt or re-
Fiction returned Mr.. Edison. but
aEl free ITO say that ] am sorry Con-
sress could not have given more sup
gress have acted the best they could
under all the circumstances.
Care Of Feeble-Minded Children.
When. during consideration of the gen.
eral subject of charities. the paragraph
relating to the care OF feeble-minded
children was raised, DR.. kober suggest
ed that an amendment be inserted in the
bill to the effect that hereafter when
vacancies occur in the membership of
the board of children's guardians ap-
pointmept to all such vacancies shall
be made by the Commissioners of the
District OF Columbia, instead OF by the
police judges"
DR.. kober explained that the Commits
sioners Of the District ARE undoubtedly
more familiar with the special fitness Of
men and women Of the District for these
important positions.
1--WE will consider that. doctor. when
we reach it," said Chairman Gardner
OF the District subcommittee
that some provision be made for the
proper care Of feeble-minded children,
Says Color Line u Drawn.