Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-03-23
DOESN'T EXPECT CLASH
OVER DRESS QUESTION
Supt. Stuart Thinks Public
Opinion Will Declare for Sim
pile Graduation Gowns.

No clash between pupils and their par
ents and the school officials over the re-
cent edict of the board of education, In
which elaborate dressing Of graduates
next June was discouraged. is expected,
according to statement today made by
A. T. Stuart, superintendent Of public
schools of the District.
Mr.. Stuart admitted that the board of
education had no authority to enforce
such a regulation. but he believes that
the people of Washington will enforce It..
I'VE shall rely upon the good sense Of
the people of Washington said Mr..
Stuart 1--WE hope to accomplish our pur
pose by public sentiment and through the
cooperation of the parents of pupils
Sentiment among the officials and teach
ers of the public schools is practically
unanimous in favor Of simplicity Of dress
and of cutting down the expenses of the
graduation exercises of bO.h high and
normal schools. 1t Is asserted that the
expense OF graduation has been gradually
growing more and more each year. and
If not soon stopped will reach formidable
proportions.
Propose to Suit Themselves.
Several girls Of graduating classes, in
terviewed by a representative of The Star
today, declared that their dresses were
now in the making. AS near as could
be learned. they are not planning any
Indignation meetings. but they intimate
that they intend to wear whatever they
please despite board Of education, school
officials and teachers.
They claim that it is 1.-The time" In
every high school girls life. 1t is looked
forward to during their entire course as
the greatest moment of their school life.
Many Of them, 1t Is said, never expect to
set such an elaborate dress again in their
lives.
Young ladies', former graduates Of high
schools, declared that members Of their
class had found 1t necessary to sacrifice
and save in every way in order to get a
dress that would come anywhere near the
standard set by the other girls, land
even then they failed"
Teachers in Executive Session.
representing the five white high schools
and Normal School No. 1, was held at
the Franklin building yesterday to dis
Ing was held behind closed doors. but
it is understood that q satisfactory ar.
rangement was reached as to the mode
Of procedure.
The committee was composed of Mrs.
Nora Hoegelsberger. Central High
School: Miss Lewana wilkins, Eastern
High School, Miss Margaret B. Merrill
Western High School; Miss C. J.
christensen. Mckinley Manual Training
school; Miss H. e. McNelly. Business
High School, and Miss Alberta Walker
Normal school No. l. They will work
both individually and collectively. and
as soon as possible report to Supt
lStuart their results In the fight for
lsimplicity. The superintendent VIII IN
turn make his report to the board OF
Ieducation as early as possible.
Last year the school decided thai
flowers should not be allowed al
graduation. The school officials coun'
this as a decided step toward sim,
plicity. This year the same rule will
be applied. and no flowers will be al.
lowed on the platform at graduation
Also the exercises will be held In thu
daytime.
Just how much will be accomplished
this year to establish simple gradua.