Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-01-21
Belief Expressed the President
Does Not Want Appointing
Power Over Schools.
QUESTION MAY BECOME
CENTER OF DISCUSSION
House Committee Hearing on Cen
tralization Scheme, Just Closed,
Develops Opposition.

Following the conclusion of the hear
ing on the johnson bill to change the
existing school law and centralize
power with the Commissioners. it be-
came known that Chairman Lloyd's in
teresting suggestion that the Presi-
dent might be the proper appointing
power for the board of education may
become the center of discussion in the
House Members of the appropriations
committee who are in touch with the
White House have the firm impression
that the President is DESTROYS of TAX
ing on no more appointing power; in
fact. the indications are he wants to
drop some of that which he now has.
in reference particularly to District of
Columbia matters.
The hearing came to a close late
yesterday afternoon after the commit
tee had received from score OF assoc
Citations resolutions in protest against
the proposed Capitalization scheme.
showing the overwhelming public opin-
ion against the measure.
Commissioner Newman and Corporation
Counsel Syme made closing arguments in
favor of the bill, and Representative Page,
chairman of the subcommittee which han
dies the appropriations for the District,
put forward his suggestion that the law
ers the power to appoint the board, but
that in no other respect should the law
be changed.
Effect of Enactment.
Should his suggestion be enacted, the
present school organization from the
board of education down would remain
exactly as at present; the board, the SUI
perintendent and every one else would
remain with the same powers, authori-
ties and functions. The Supreme Court of
the District would make no more appoint
ments to the board of education. That
is all The Commissioners would choose
the administrators of the schools.
President Blair told the committee that,
as far as he knows, he is the only re-
publican president the board of education
has had. When Commissioner Newman
took the stand he said he had been in
formed the Supreme Court of the District
of Columbia would be glad to be relieved
of the task of appointing the board OF
education, and Chairman Lloyd supported
him in the statement. Mr.. Newman said
that he was further informed the court
has no preference as to what other ap-
pointing source should be chosen by Con-
gress. The Commissioners answered at
length the statement by Mr.. Blair that
the Commissioners had merely minis
terial function regarding the schools, and
that it is matter of grace alone by which
the Commissioners take the advice of the
board.
Isn't it a matter of grace" asked
chairman Lloyd, that they consult
with you at all Here is a body of
citizens administering the school af-
fairs without pay. advising you Com
Yes" answered Mr.. Newman, that
is true, too. and neither one is the
right way to do business"
Mr.. Newman Resents Imputation.
| Mr.. Newman declared that no one
had the right to assume the Commits
sioners do not hold the schools close
to their hearts. or that they seek "tc
wreck or Tammanyize the system.
lie said the Commissioners merited the
assumption that they are decent and
fair minded men.
| Among those who appeared to regis
ter their protest against the Commits
sioners' plan. in the form of resolu-
tons from associations, were Judge
Charles S. Bundy. Columbia Heights
South Washington Citizens Associa-
ton: DIR. Charles NJ. Emmons, Eas
| Washington Citizens Association
Charles Langenbeck, Henry d. Cooke
Parents ASSOCIATIONS, MIS-. w. q. Bay
les. Carbery ParentTeacher's Associ-
alton, Mrs. William b. Hardy, seventh
division, Federation of Home anc
School; Mrs. Ada V. Mckinley, Peabody
Home and School Associations; Mrs
Ellen Molster. Brookland Parents As.
| sociation; Mrs. n. H. barton, Mothers
Congress, Mrs. Charles r. Duval, Wal
ZACH Home and School Association; Mrs
Lyman r. kebler. Parents League
Mrs. F. L. Ransome, Collegiate Alum
nae Association; Dr. f. X. Sales Emory.
lexington Home School Associa ton
| and Mrs. W. b. Martch.