The Washington herald., 1911-02-05
CENTRAL CITIZENS
DEFER ANY ACTION
Lancaster Calls for Wrath on
Heads of Commissioners.
SAMPLE OF MILITARY RULE
Federation Fails to Indorue Reso-
luton CensurinE District Officials
..fOr Unwarrantable Oustfng of
Supt. Wood"-Present School Sys-
TEN Approved-Favor Increase.

After a long and lively session, the
Federation Of Citizens Associations last
night failed to indorse a resolution CEN
suring the Commissioners for the removal
of James NJ. Wood. superintendent of
the STRENGTHENING department. but re-
ferred it to each individual association
for such action as they deemed neces-
sary.
That the present school system, not
withstanding the various attacks and
criticism made upon it was adequate to
cope with the educational needs OF the
city, and that all confidence was placed
in the board of education, was the sense
OF a resolution introduced by W. H
Richardson, of the Benning Citizens Asso-
citation, and which was adopted unani-
mously by the federation.
Charles c. Lancaster introduced the
resolutions calling forth the wrath of
the citizens on the heads of the Com
missioners. He said that the whole Dis
trct had been stirred never before,
for the unwarrantable ousting of Mr.
Wood, against whom no charges had been
made. and who had no opportunity to de-
fend himself.
Wants Plain Justice.
Mr. Lancaster spoke at length. but
failed to impress the majority with the
advisability of criticising the three Com
missioners and then asking favors. Mr..
Lancaster said that he wanted no favors.
but just plain. ordinary justice.
For while the delegates indulged in
a parliamentary wrangle over the Ques-
ton as to whether the organization could.
by their constitution, indorSe an indiVid
ual. Mr.. Lancaster replied that when it
became necessary the constitution could
be torn up.
Speaking Of Mr.. Woods removal. Mr..
Lancaster said it was "a sample of the
military rule under which the District
suffered
Allen Davis, principal of the Business
High School, voiced the sentiment of the
meeting when he declared that he was
unwilling to cast blame upon any one
until he had heard both sides of the
question The Commissioners have the
prerogative of removing any employe
under them at any time Mr.. Davis
said.
AS to the matter of bringing an out
side man into the District as was the
case when the present superintendent Of
streets called from Norfolk. and Civ
ing him responsible position, the men,
bers expressed some Indignation, but de-
ferred action.
prepared Dy benu1nE.
The following is the resolution pre-
sented by the Benning Association. copies
Of which will be sent to the House Dis
trict Committee:
Resolved. That deplore the agitation regarding
public schools and the management of the sane.
realizing that sc agitation imTairs the usefulness
cf the schools and tends to instill in the minds of
the pupils lack of confidence in their work and in
the efficiency of the instruction given them 1t Is |
further
Resolved. That express satisfaction with the |
present school system and entire confidence IN
as being unalteraby cTISeed TO movement which
would effect the present system disturb the pres
ent honorable and efficient conduct Of the same.
No action was taken in regard to the |
purchase of the Great Falls water sup
ply by the District 1t was argued that
nothing was known of the price asked, or
of the benefit to be gained by the great |
outlay of money. James NJ. Wood OBJ
iected to any move until the matter had |
been investigated and a preliminary sur
vey made by a committee, which was
sustained
Favors SALARY Increase.
BY unanimous consent. the federation
went On record as approving 20 per cent
increase in salary for all government
employees. although those who advanced
the proposition admitted they had no
idea the clerks would be given a sou
increase.
1t was announced that the Wiley bill
for universal transfers in the District |
had passed the House and that every ef-
fort would be made by the federation to |
push it through the Senate.
The federation is composed of repre-
sentatives of more than 500 persons
all actively engaged in the work OF ad-
vancing the welfare OF the city.