The Washington times., 1919-05-20
Of
BRUCE FIGHT
FOR HIS JOB
Assistant Superintendent of
Schools Sends in Letters to
Prove He Is Competent.

Formal answer to the charges pre-
terred against Roscoe c. Bruce, as
sistant superintendent of colored
schools, was issued today by the
Bruce forces.
4 statement by Prof. Kelly Miller,
of Howard University, constitutes on:
of the answers to the charges. MI.
Bruce has sent three letters, one from
Sohn L. Laskey, United States attur-
ney' for the District.
The Parents League which is
steadily demanding Bruce's removal
On the grounds that during his adj
ministratiOn of the colored schools,
he has. by his many acts Of omls-
sion and commission, forfeited the
confidence and lost the respect of tn"
parents of the children in the public
colOred schools" has called two mass
meetings of protest for tonight.
The league has $4,000 members.
Urges Slow Judgment.
Prof. MiIler's statement follows:
The colored community is torn
asunder over the raging controversy
in the public schools. In justice and
fairness to the community, the public
press should present a comprehensive
view of the situation, involving the
just judgment and sentiment OF all
concerned.
The issue arising from the unfor-
tunate Moons scandal has shifted TO
the demand for the removal OF AS
sistant Superintendent Bruce, who is
held chiefly responsible for the al
legged demoralized condition now ex-
listing.
Personally, / am disposed to take
a temperate view of the whole ques-
ton. l do not hold a brief for Mr..
Bruce, nor one against the Parents
League. Ny chief concern is to up
hold the standard and efficiency of
our public schools and the good name
of the community. The Moons case
has been settled by judicial decision.
The only teacher whose name has
been connected with his evil propa-
ganda has been eliminated from the
system.
Question of Efficiency.
THE only question now justly be-
fore the community is the best well
fare of the schools. The Parents
League. which avowedly stands for
the moral welfare of the schools has
led the propaganda, and is now bent
upon the removal of the assistant
superintendent.
I'm all fairness to Mr.. Bruce ii
should be said that he has done ev-
erything possible under the limita-
ton of his powers to exclude Moen's
propaganda from the public schools.
Mr.. Bruce like any other public Of
fetal is entitled to a fair chance to
defend his official conduct
Surely the Parents League does
not wish 10 initiate the methods OF
the mob. and execute. without trial,
the victim against whom they may
have a real or fancied grievance.
Upon invitation, Mr.. Bruce appear
ed before the mass meeting held at
the Metropolitan Church. and was
denied the privilege Of presenting his
defense.
Praised in Letter.
One of the letters Bruce offers in
his defense and written by the board
to Mrs. F. s. Tanner. president of the
Parents League. states in part:
so far as the Board Of Education
is aware. and only after a thorough
knowledge based on the evidence in
The case, it can declare that there was
but one teacher in the public schools
of the District involved"
"AII rumors or limitations to the
effect that any other teachers or Of
fcIals were involved in the case are
without foundation in
fact"
Mr. Laskey's letter, presented by
Mr.. Bruce, also states that but one
teacher in the public schools was in
volved in the Moen's case.
Bruce says. in his letter, to Mrs.
Tanner:
Let me say at once that if any
member of your committee has in
his possession any fact or facts that
may serve TO help the school admin
istration TO ascertain the whole truth
and to eliminate the unworthy from
the teaching staff, I should be most
grateful If you would have the good
ness to give the administration with
out delay the benefit of your special
In particular the names
and addresses of essential witnesses
and the substance of the testimony
each may be able to give, will prove
of great value
a committee will be named tonight
to present a communication from the
league to the board at its meeting to
morrow.
I'VE are determined to keep up the
fight until Mr.. Bruce has been re-
moved from the assistant super
said Rev. DR. +. s. Tan
ner. one Of the leaders Of the Parents
League. today. I'VE feel confident
that our cause is just"
HnIISINe CORPORATION