Evening star., 1920-02-21
SWEEPING PROBE
OF D. c. SCHOOLS
URGED IN SENATE
Resolution Is introduced by
Senator Harrison of
Mississippi.
COMMITTEE OF SEVEN
SUGGESTED FOR INQUIRY
Investigation Would Include Man
agement, Curriculum, Discipline
and Policies Of System.

~
public school system of the District
of Columbia is proposed in resolu-
tion introduced in the Senate today
by Senator Harrison of Mississippi.
Senator Harrison said that he would
endeayor to have the resolution
adopted at the earliest possible
minute. 1t provides for the appoint
Dnent of select committee of seven
senators. four from the majority and
three from the minority party. to
make the investigation. The commit
tee would be appointed by the Vice
President.
Bias In Move Is Denied.
Senator Harrison denied today that
his resolution was introduced because
of any bias on his part in connection
with the controversies over DR.. John
Van Schaick, jr.. president of the
District Commissioner is pending. or
over Ernest l.. Thurston. superin-
tendent of the public schools. whom
the school board has asked to resign
The resolution is specific and at
the same time broad enough to in
clude in the investigation practically
all matters connected with the PUBLIC
schools here. Senator Harrison SAID
that he had been impressed with the
fact that there seemed to be dis
trust on the part OF the puDnc IN the
school system.
Ut has been a long time, it seems to
me-" said Senator Harrison, since the
school system and its operation mas
been Thoroughly investigated; II II
there are needed improvements IN the
system, they should be made. II the
teachers are not being paid enough
Congress ought to see to IT tnat tney
are raid more. If pew buildings are
needed, Congress ought 10 ProxNe
should be made entirely adequate.
pa~<<~r~ far InmnfFy.
Included in the list of matters
which the resolution specifically pro-
yides shall be Investigated are:
The manner Of appointing the
superintendent. principals. teachers
and other employees OF the puohc
SCHOOLS.
The personnel, adequacy and pay Of
teachers and other employees OF the
public schools.
The accommodation, heating, light
ing. ventilation and sewerage OF the
public school buildings.
The number of holidays. courses Of
study and discipline adopted by the
teachers ard management OF the pub
lie schools.
ether Policies InelsAeA.
Such other policies adopted by the
management of the public school sys-
tenn as in the discretion Of the com
mittee may be deemed aoVas3Oie u
investigate.
The resolution provides that the
committee shall be authorized to Sc
1ect it's own chairman. send for per-
sons and papers, administer oaths and
to make such other arrangements ~
may be necessary to conduct hearings
The committee is also authorised y
sit during sessions of the Senate. !.
is directed to report its findings and
recommendation to the Senate at the
? earliest possible date.
Citiseas Aroused.
The summary manner in which the
board of education notihed Supt
Thurston that his services would moi
be required after June 30 next has
aroused hundreds of members OF the
District Federation Of Citizens Asso-
Citations. and a demand will be made
for full public investigation OF the
boards secret actions when the fed
Grafton meets tonight in the District
building.
Jesse c. Suter, chairman of the edu-
cational committee Of the >organiza-
tion. said this afternoon he would "be
expected to call for an investigation
the orders. William L. Peat, a men,
Der of the same committee. declared
he would bring up the subject and
Agitate the movement.
Fight Expected On Disnissal.
1t was stated by other members OF
the federation shat the civic bodies
of the community would not permit
the dismissal of Mr.. Thurston with
out finish fight. In any event a
''drive" would be made to have him
retained for at least another year.
Former Gov. Brumbaugh of Penn.
sylvania is said to be the man DIR
John Van Schaick. president uf the
board of education. hopes 20 elect as
superintendent of the District scho OILS
Mr.. Brumbaugh is former superin-
tendent of the Philadelphia schools
and has been in Washington recently
etudying the local situation. DIR. Van
Schaick departed night before last te
visit Cleveland. Chicago. Cincinnati
and other cities.
Overtures made to several superin-
tendents in other cities to take charge
of the local schools. 1t was learned to-
day, have met with curt refusal to con.
slider the position. The superintendency
in Washington is said to be the mosi
difficult to administer properly Of al
similar places in the country.
Mr.. Thurston left the city at moor
today for Cleveland, where he will at.
tend the conference Of the department,
OF superntendents of the National Edu.
cational Association all next week.