The Washington herald., 1911-01-17
CAPITOL GOSSIP.


The decision of the Comptroller Of the
Currency that substitutes for teachers in
pay has caused the board Of education
no little concern. Capt. Oyster. presi-
dent of the board of education; A. T.
Stuart. superintendent of schools, and p
NJ Hughes appeared before Representa-
tive Gardner. chairman of the subcom-
mittee on appropriations for the District
of Columbia yesterday and presented
forcible arguments in favor Of the Gus
tom that has prevailed for so many
years. Capt Oyster was emphatic in his
arguments in favor Of the school board
having supervision over such matters.
He stated that IL the decision Of the
Comptroller is allowed to stand, 1t will
mean disquietude and the loss Of many
oe the teachers. The custom that has
been in vogue of paying the substitute
half of the salary for a certain time
and then the whole salary has been
popular with the teachers. The practice
does not cost the District any more. 1t
has been the policy Of the board at all
times to guard the finances. and the
members are obliged to keep their recon-
rnendations and acts within the appro-
priations. Capt Oyster thinks that mat
ters of this kind and all matters relating
to the management OF the schools should
be left entirely within the province of
the board. The auditor of the District
aUdits the accounts, and can provide
against any unseemly expenditure or
misappropriation Of the funds. Supt.
Stuart and Mr. Hughes voiced the senti-
ments of the president of the board. and
are satisfied from their expert knowledge
and experience that the school authori-
ties should have control Of the affairs
OF the public schools.
Senator Martin has offered an amend
ment to the rivers and harbors bill, ask
ing for an appropriation of $500 for
the completion Of the existing project of
improvements at Alexandria, Va The
amendment is in accordance with the
r. port of the Chief of Engineers for 1910.
Henry NJ. Rose, assistant secretary Of
the Senate has been a familiar figure
around the Capitol since 1876. He first
came to Washington as secretary to Sem
ator Burrows. Previous to his advent
into political Washington, he had been
job printer and reporter. The life in
a big political city got burdensome to
Rose. and. being offered a position at
home on a paper at the same salary. he
sent his resignation to Senator Burrows
in February, 1900. He had his belongings
packed up and ready to make a get
away. when the Senator entered his
room.
Where are you going, Henry?
Going home. I sent you my resigna-
tion some time ago."
You did? l never saw it," answered
Senator Burrows
Senator Mcmillan. who was at that time
chairman Of the steering committee, hap
pened in during the conversation. and
when he learned of Roses determination
to leave. said: Say. Henry, can you
read?"
Can read? read proof on a daily
paper at home. and I think 1 can read
WELL
Yes; but can you read out before peo-
ple?" asked Senator Mcmillan.
II never did that" answered Rose.
''Why do you ask?''
"How would you like to be chief clerk.
and read before the Senator
''How much does it pay?" asked Rose.
Three thousand dollars answered
Mcmillan.
That looked good to Henry, who had
been receiving only $1,S0o. I'm on, and
will try the job," he said.
He started in, and without any help
made good from the start.
No matter how long the message, bill.
,r communication, his voice is always
strong and clear.
During his term as chief clerk. Rose
was appointed collector of internal rev.
,nue for the Fourth district Of Michigan
It $500. He was confirmed by the Sem
,te. Senator German, who was at the
ime chairman Of the Democratic caucus,
heard of it. He Immediately sent for
Rose and offered to have his salary raised |
o 5000. The offer was accepted. and in /!