Evening star., 1922-04-16
WILL ASK PROBE
OF SCHOOL PLANS
Citizens Want Eastern Hiqh
Issue Cleared by
Investigation.
HINGES ON AUDITORIUM
Question Raised as to Whether It
Is Theater or Assembly Hall
Under Building Code.

TApPoihliuout py tne DlSlTlCt com.
missioners OF a special committee Of
builders, architects and engineers to
investigate and report on the ques-
tion of whether the new Eastern
High School auditorium complies
with the building regulations will be
requested by the Federation of Citi-
zens' Associations. in accordance with
a resolution adopted at the meeting
of the federation last night in the
District building. The corporation
counsel will be asked to "construe
tho code" in this connection.
This action was taken on the
Recommendation of Jesse C. Suter,
delegate from Takoma Park, and
chairman Of a special committee ap-
pointed at the last meeting to report
on charges of the Connecticut Ave-
nue. Citizens Association that the
auditorium was not an assembly
hall, but theater, contrary to build
ing regulations. Mr.. Suter explained
that the whole question hinged on
the technical point of how the au-
ditorium Is classified. and expressed
the opinion that only a committee OF
erly settle the controversy.
Safe, Declares Inspector.
Albert L. Harris, municipal building
inspector, who made the changes In
the plans for the auditorium, at the
request of school officials who. he
said, desired to give dramatics its
proper place in tho educational cur
riculum. addressed the federation at
Mr.. Suffers request. He pointed out
the reason for the alterations. which
brought up the question. and said the
auditorium, as changed, is not q
theater. but an assembly hall and
absolutely safe. He read report
ter of the American Institute OF
Architects approving the revised
plans
W. B. westlake. delegate from the
Connecticut Avenue Association
charged that the changes in the plans
for the assembly hall were made by
man not licensed as an architec,
and mot competent to draw them
He asserted that this man had "pe-
culiar ideas" about education, be
lieving that children could get six
teenyear education course in two
years by hypnotic or subconscious in
fuence." Objection was raised to the
latter statement. but the point of or.
der was overruled by President
Charles A. Baker. and, when his rul-
ing was challenged. by the federation
itself.
Opposes Secret Session.
The committee ON education of the
federation was directed to take such
further action as, in its Judgment
may be required to bring about trans
actions by the board OF education OF
the public business fully open to the
press and public, save and except
committee meetings dealing with the
s,.fv
by law" The motion was introduced
by Mr.. Suter. chairman of the educa-
tien Somnlitt ee,} in. the form of re-
port approving resolutions Of the Ia
koma Park Association opposing Sc
cret sessions of the BOARD of educa-
ton. Franklin D. Jones, a member
of Mr.. Suffers committee, in a minor
ity report, asked that the board be
given the right to exercise its own
discretion regarding secret meetings.
President Baker announced the fol-
lowing committee appointments: c. w
corrections: s. D. Cameron. Piney
Branch, and j. F. Belfeld. Rhode Island
Avenue Association, membership com.
mittee: and A. r. Shepherd, Georgetown
Citizens Association. highways, parks
and waterways.
Miss Eleanor Brawnnan of the Ma
tiona1 ,Wpmen's Party. invited the wom-
en- or Hke- federated bodies represented
at the meeting to participate in the
dedicatjoR, of the new headquarters of
the pItty on May Il, at 35 1st street
northeast.
Mrs E. B. F'rizzell, representing the
District and the National Federation of
WomeH's Clubs. urged the citizens to CO.
operate in making the 4th of July a
day. of citizenship" The federation, on
motion OF Thomas ]. Donovan, Of the
CeStral : Association. indorsed Mrs.
F'rizells suggestion.