The Washington times., 1920-06-19

responsible for the conduct OF the
arairs OF the schools. IL seems that
you. as have been many other per
sons. was taken In entirely by the
campaign OF the lying propassndists
who would set up the rule OF rebel
lion as the standard OF conduct In the
schools 20 the utter extinction OF
the principles Of Law and order.
REPORT WAS REPUDIATED.
Your committee appears TO have
overlooked the fact that the report
OF the Senate Committee recommend
ed that Mr.. rhurston be retained only
pending q survey. and that when the
report of the committee was later re-
pudiAted by Congress and the survey
not provided for, that the only reason
advanced for the temporary retention
OF Mr. Thurston was destroyed. Then.
too. the Board OF Education has no
power to make q temporary appoint
ment. IL must elect a superintendent
for q full term OF three years
II trust you will pardon me II
again express my regret that the
members of your committee did not
interview the members of the Board
of Education. Such an interview or
Interviews would have given you men
who have done such splendid work
for the community in your splendid
organization an opportunity to know
the facts. Too evidently. you have
been wholly deceived by the wicked
campaign OF misrepresentation that
has been carried on in behalf OF Mr..
Thurston. and aEainse the board. This
cnnpsiGn has ended his usefuiaess
with all those whs desire to see the
children served Aore than 10 have
any board vf.AicateA or any Aan
keep . Job. And you must remem-
ber. the truth eventually will be
known.
"BOARD WILL DO DUTY"
After all. the facts are simple. The
Board of Education did not dismiss
Mr.. Thurston. 1t merely decided that
1t was not pleased with him and de-
Gently gave him advance notice in
order that he might prepare for other
work. advance notice that he would
term expired. THen he raised the red
md challenged every prin-
~ipI~ of orderly direction OF govern.
m~nt. Afterward. in his behalf. was
begun this campaign OF false propa
ganda, which, as you now see. has
succeeded even in deceiving your
committee.
THE Board Of Education stands for
the supremacy of constitutional gov
ernment. 1t will do it's duty. 1t will
not be deferred by intimidation nor
Influenced by propaganda.
assuring you and other members
of the Rotary Club that l and other
Of ha I'd ~
will be glad to talk with you and
again regretting that your committee
found il "inexpedient" to call upon
those who are the responsible officers
before expressing your views: conf
dent that you will correct the mis-
statement made in your report con-
cerning the action OF the Senate Com
mittee. and assuring you Of my warm
personal regard, am
very sincerely yours.
JOHN VAN SCHAICK, JR.
TRADE BOARD ASKS RETENTION.
Reappointment Of Ernest =. Thurs
ton as superintendent of schools is
requested in a resolution practically
adopted last night by
the public schools committee OF the
Washington Board Of Trade. This
followed similar action taken yestcr-
day afternoon by the Rotary Club and
puts the two strongest business
mems organizations in the city on
record as favoring the retention OF
Mr.. Thurston.
The resolution adopted by the
Board Of Trade will be presented to
DR.. John Van Schaick, president Of
the Board OF Education.
The measure was introduced by DR..
Harvey w. Wiley. DR.. Wiley said
that the trouble with the local
schools is that the people have no
voice in their management. He said
that the schools here rank among the
highest in the co'Sntry, thanks to
Mr.. Thurston." The teaching force
he characterized as superb" and
praised Mr.. Thurston for the excel
lent fashion in which he held 1t to-
gether during the war"
He urged that the people OF Wash
ington do everything possible to
bring about the retention of Mr..
Thurston as superintendent, as he
had shown himself a master of the
problems on hand" He declared that
Mr.. Thurston. though greatly over
worked, had accomplished remark
able results during his administra-
tion as Superintendent.