Evening star., 1924-01-17
ROW DELAYS WORK
! OF SCHOOL BOARD
Session Makes Little Prog.
reSs as Verbal Clashes
Occupy Members.

Frequent verbal . clashes inter.
spersed with clever repartee trans
formed the proceedings of the board
of education yesterday afternoon into
comedy with occasional dramatic
flashes. There were intense situa-
tions. witty lines and the other es-
sential elements of production that
would do credit to many a stage
production.
Capt. Julius T. Peyser and Ernest
Greenwood leaders of the board g
little 'progressibe bloc saw to it
that interest in the proceedings did
not wane. 1t was Capt. Peyser who
furnished the comedy lines when
they were found necessary. The large
group of spectators that had been
attracted to the Franklin School in
anticipation of stormy session
seemed to be amused. So did some
members of the board.
Edwin c. Graham, chieftain of the
administration faction of the board,
appeared in the role OF a mediator.
More than once he succeeded in ex-
tinguishing the verbal fireworks.
ana half hours and adjourned with
little definite business accomplished.
Greenwood Opens Fire.
Mr.. Greenwood started in soon
after the meeting convened to voice
his objections to certain proceedings
OF the board and was Joined by Capt.
Peyser. The verbal tilts between
tration faction continued throughout
the session.
The first complaint registered by
Mr. Greenwood was against the
minutes of the special conference of
the board several weeks ago. He
contended that the minutes misstated
his view set forth in resolution n
adopted at this conclave. and the ap-
proval of the record was deferred.
Capt. Peyser then precipitated the
recommending an appropriation for
the installation of electric lights in
the Brightwood School, pointing out
that the board had 100000 for such
purposes
Supt. of Schools Frank W. Ballou
explained that the 100000 appro-
priation is for all repairs and school
improvements and that a survey of
the artificial lighting needs of the
schools would soon be forthcoming.
Questions BalIou Figures.
'I've heard that for about five
weeks" declared Capt. Peyser. I'm
interested in this. one proposition and
lHuon I propose TO waste my time waQ-
ing through statistics"
Capt. Peyser was then advised that
ii would cost approximately 5000 a
room to wire the Brightwood school,
rooms and install the fixtures. "a
first-class electrician will do it for
$00," Capt. Peyser answered
At this point Mr.. Graham made
futile effort to end the discussion. 81
think We are proceeding in a very
disorderly manner" he declared 'I
think we should proceed on this mat
ter in an orderly and Intelligent man
ner."
I'VE have asked the school officials
for report on the electric light sit
uation three times" interjected Mr.
Greenwood. why. don't they re-
port? We want to know"
Il don't want to know" interposed
Capt. Peyser. Il want the lights"
Scores Against Peyser.
Shortly afterWsyd Capt. Pevser
challenged DR.. Balfou's right to par
ticipate IN the discussions before the
meeting. "Dr. RaIlou is not a mem
her of the board" he argued Hes
only supposed to answer the cues
tions We ask of him"
IF you refer to the organic act Won
VIII see that the superintendent has
the right to the floor" replied Mr..
Graham.
James T. Lloyd, president Of the
board, then brought forth a COPY of
the organic act and William l.. Hous-
ton read passage therefrom which
stated that the superintendent had a
right to speak on all matters. but did
not have the authority to vote. Can't,
Peyser withdrew his remarks.
The campaign of Capt. Peyser and