Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-01-19

proposition as to the bringing OF pol,
itics into the school by the proposed
Isn't it true that the board OF ex.
aminers would come under the poaro 81 Oh
commissioners under this cnange:
But they are now under Sne ooaro
of education" answered Mr.. Newman
would the Commissioners not r ndsr
the proposed legislation continued
Mr.. Lloyd.
Similar to Boards Power.
Mr.. Newman stated that 1t would be
similar to the power now held by the
board of education and would corre-
spond to the civil service.
"And the power of promotion?
oueried Mr.. Lloyd.
Again Mr. Newman admitted that the
change would bring power to the DIS
trict Commissioners.
At this point the question OF politics
was brought up, with the subsequent
admission by Mr.. Newman that "sug-
gestion'' from the President or Con-
sress would receive very careful con-
sideration." although the question OF
appointments did not enter specifically
a this period.
Representative Ben johnson, chair
man of the House committee on Dis
trict affairs. took an active part in the
proceedings. AT the outset he named
Mr.. Newman to appear as the champion
of the bill while to Henry F. Blair.
president of the board of education, he
designated the presentation of the
other side of the case.
Would Centralize Control.
In reply to a question of Representa-
tive Ragsdale as to the general policy.
Mr.. Newman said:
We abolished all favoritism in the
police department. and now all persons
receive the same treatment"
II didn't mean anything like that, on
the general situation said the South
Carolina representative Il meant to
ask for a general explanation for this
specific recommendation for change
i'll the school situation.
I'VE believe that one agency rather
than two agencies on which the re-
sponsibility of the schools Is to rest is
the best plan"
Mr.. Newman said that he believed
that the rule in most cities is to place
educational matters in the hands OF
boards, but that in most cases such
boards are independent agencies. with
all responsibility centering in them.
objection Is Answered.
and isn't that the very objection
urged against your plan?" asked Chair
man Lloyd
No" replied Commissioner Newman,
81 don't think so. To tell the truth,
We would rather have you take away
from the commissions all jurisdiction
over the board of education and the
in nrda n MIA
with the board of education, so that
the board would be entirely respons-
ible for the schools. That. at least,
would get il under one board; and that
is better than nothing, but we think
it best to place the responsibility en-
tirely under the Commissioners. That
is the logical way. but to get it out Of
the divided responsibility situation
education entirely
who has power to remove the men,
bers ofrthe board of education?" asked
Representative Lloyd.
NO one
And who removes the Commission
THE President"
Commissioner Newman then took up
the substitute measure which was sub
mtted to the committee today. He
said in explanation, as he stopped read
ing it:
personally that their objection to the bill
We proposed it originally is that it
would allow the appointment of an in
competent politician as director of educa-
ton Although 1t is impossible for me
to conceive of such a thing, We have sub
mitted change in the language so as to
assure the appointment of a high-grade,
competent, skilled educator as director Of
education"
Explanation Of Substitution.
He ,lso axn1.;n.a th,% ~ n.oo...s
substitute allows the director to ap-
ants. etc.
Representative Focht of Pennsylva-
mia. bearing in mind that although the
director appointed the teachers. the
Commissioners appointed the director,
said:
But it all gravitates around to the
Capitalization OF control
Yes"
why has no provision been made
for the appointment of bona fde citi-
gems of the District as members of the
board of education under your billy"
asked Representative Lloyd.
An oversight" replied Commissioner
Newman.
The Commissioner then explained that
all he wanted a board of education
Tor was to discuss matters of policy
the details could be left to the Com
Hllssloners ana TO the director of edu-
cation. This aroused a discussion as to
why the board of education should be
relieved of the work of administering
the educational progress of the city
so Tar as to take all details from the
members. Committee members wanted
10 know why the Commissioners wanted
10 load themselves with details
Inc discussion ended without any
great amount Of light being thrown on
this point, and Chairman LLOYD then
asked this question:
No Popular Demand.
rs there any great popular demand.
SO far as you have noticed. from any
specific source. for your bill and the
changes you propose?'
Not that l have heard Of" promptly
responded the Commissioner, and the
200 people in the room laughed.
AT this point Representative Rags
dale. who had been nervously lingering
document from the Citizens. North
west Suburban Association, declared
mat he had received a communication
from the president, c. c. Lancaster
Mr. Ragsdale read from the document
which proved to be d resolution. In II
there were references to delivering our
lambs to the lust and ambitions OF
political wolves"
To whom does he referg'
To me-, promptly responded the