Evening journal., 1914-06-25
THUsRDAY JUNE 25. 1914
IuDGE HASTINGS, 0pINI0N.

JUDGE HAAIlNGS OPINION
n EcAusE Of the impendency Of the High school
~ commencement we have refrained until now
from making editorial reference 10 the opinion Of city
Solicitor Daniel Hastings relative to the plan Of our
Board OF Educfon 70 investigate itself There was a
reluctance on our part to do anything that might mar
The pleasures Of that function already seriously mar
red by the reyoprodueing action the Board of Edu-
cation clique IN endeayoring TO compel the graduating
CLASS Of almost 100 students to entertain their rela-
tves and friends in tho whewashed basement Of the
High School building.
The germ OF the City Solicitors opinion ls that neither
the Board Of Education he has The power to make
the sort Of investigation IS proposed and that
only the Mayor City Council may conduct such an
Investigation The power Of the Board or Education
to conduct limited investigation is conceded 1t has
20 power however, TO subpoena compel the atpn-
dance Of witnesses outside the department
The question presents itself whether the Board
Of Education is eager to have itself Investigated
that il will appeal to Mayor Howell aud President
White and Councilman stover and their associates ID
order and make such Investigation only Of The
High school bui also Of ai the other schools and also
81 the general policies Of the board we have 10 doubt
that such An Investigation may had upon appiica-
ton We respectfully suggest that Councilman stoyer
chairman Of the Finance Committee 81 City Councm
he appointed chairman 81 the investigating committee
and hat he Ne empowered 70 assure an teachers stu
and others summoned from within he scboofs
reprisais by Che Board Education.
4 such q committee be appointed Il \ oud address
Itself primarily % ascertaining these thnesa
By what right the Board OF Education fails to liye
within its app opratlong
b9 what right it places itself In a position which
torees rs employees to private checks in pay
meni Of public debtsg
Why the board has failed to install an adequate and
conpfenensiFe system Of accounting for the Depart
meut q Education'
What members Of the board have circulated stories
detamatory Of the good name and fair fame Of Heh
School teachers and pupfsq
What is the secret Of the influence Of the High school
iantor overt certain members OF the Board Of Educa
hong
What influence the High school anor has upon
The conduct and work o. the ianitors Of the other
schools who have been placed beneath his controlg
What is the secret Of the influence Of the ianitor Of
No school. which permits Of the existence If sueh
conditions as have been complained Of by Miss Butler
the principal?
What excuse is there for continuance Of the dirty
and unsanitars conditions which exist in ana about
several Of our public schools2
Whether there Is any member Of the hoard VIII, i
sitting OF ever has sat the strength Of fake nron
erty qualification Of the unmproved building Iot sort
Whether rooms IN the High school ana other schools
ere kept closed and idle while members Of d. hoard
are complaining of inadequate school faoites9
Whether the ventiatng equipment Of the High school
Is operated in cold weather to promote the health II
the teachers and the children suit the convenience
Of the janitorg
Whether the High school ianitor is permitted "a
sweep the corridors during school hours ana "a snb
ject teachers and pupils the dangers Of dstaden
atmosphere not only the corridors but also in tha
workshop?
Why i IS that books and supplies purchased from
certain sellers to the exclusion Of all pther seersg
Whether anyone in employed by the t,ard is re-
cerne from pubishrs and others commissions on must
cal Or other books or supplies sold the city or to the
pupilsg
whether certain interests local foreign ever have
contributed campaign funds for in GU school cleo
uons and for the beneht Of certain members Of the
board friendly to such nterestsg
BY probing into those matters a Counclmanic com
mittee would open up still wider field Of inquiry and
The likelihood that by following the sarions subor
dinate leads they develop the fun truth would be
laid before the public
Above all things the investigation should be nuhlio
one 70 the end that the merits and the darari,
p te department OF Education may laid fairly ana
'mpar'aiiyi before the people from day to day
y may he that some the leads above nresented
VIII fail 20 produce results Others unonestior,hly
VII produce results Most the things complained If
might be corrected by the board were il dsnosed - al
80 IN view Of the attitude il has assumed toward M
teachers the pupils and the public however co,,nca
remedy. S
# Southern cotton growers really desire millions
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