Evening star., 1949-11-22

then President Of the United States and
contributor Of 5000 to the public schools OF
WASHINGTON, was chosen by the 13 members
to be its president. Jefferson accepted the
post In letter written August "a. 1Soo' III
these words, Sincerely believing that knoWl-
EDGE promotes the happiness Of man, shall
ever be disposed to contribute my endeavors
toward its extension: and In the instance
under consideration, will willingly undertake
the duties proposed to me, so far as others
of permanent obligation will permit my at
tention to them" Although Jefferson could
not be active, his interest In the beginning
Of public school education was thereby clearly
shown. and his service as its first president
still sheds luster on the Board OF Education
Of the District Of Columbia.
Recalls the Old "Red Rider" Fight.
The board Is an autonomous body which
according to law shall determine all ques-
tions Of general policy relating to the
schools" In the District Of Columbia appro-
priations for the schools and all other
municipal functions are made by congress.
For the most part members Of Congress who
have handled school budgets have been con-
structive and understanding. There have
been times, however, when educational poAcy
has been determined, unfortunately, by
single Iegislator. An example Of such an
incident was the so-called Red Rider" at
tached to the Appropriation Act OF 1886.
approved June II, 1885, which read, PRO
vided, that hereafter no part OF any appro-
priation for the public schools shall be
available for the payment OF the salary OF
any person teaching or advocating COM
munism." I was elected president Of tho
board for the frst time in 1895, and as pre-
siding ofacer this legislative rider was ono
Of my hrst problems.
No American Is In favor Of advocating"
communism, but to teach" 1t In the sense
Of explaining to students what communism
Is should be q part Of any educational pro:
gram. Recently Gen. Eisenhower has ex-
pressed this point Of view, and 80 have Presi-
dent Conant Of Harvard and other educators
Of national reputation. The Board OF Eau
cation of the District OF Columbia took this
point of view In October. 1885, following
legal INTERPRETATION Of the s"Red Rider" by
the Corporation Counsel Of the District OF
Columbia, and so informed the teaching stan
through the Superintendent OF Schools on
November II, 1885, however, tbs Comptroller
General Of the United States Informed the
Board Of Education that prior to each salary
payment statement must be signed by each
employe Of the schools. This statement read
In part. IT, :. state. without reservation
that did not at any time during the period
Of to In any school Of the
District Of Columbia, or elsewhere. teach or
advocate communism" Every employe had
to sign such . statement every pay day:
superintendent, officers, clerks, custodlanS,
charwomen. Fear ruled the teachers in the
history classes and Of course many OF them
skipped even any mention OF communism
In effect the Congress Of the United States
was writing q history course for the pupils
Of Washington. To quote the report made
on May Z, 1886. by the House Committee
on the District Of Columbia (after extended
hearings on the Red Rider'D. mot over
dozen members Of both bodies Of Congress
combined knew it was inserted into the ap-
preparation bill or was proposed as perma-
nent law until after 1t was DONE" This rider
was repealed on May 28. 1887, through the
influence Of many men and women IN
Congress who saw its implications but 1t
required two years Of conscientious effort by
the Board Of Education. aided by citizens OF
Warrington and many others throughout the
The Democratic Process Works.
From time to time members Of Congress
take q hand in making decisions concerning
the details Of school administration. One
member Of the Appropriations Committee
was averse to decorations on school build
ings He called them "doodads." and his pet
aversion was cupola. similar to those COM
mon in New England. He made such russ
that for some years all new school buildings
resembled unadorned factory buildings. Un-
fortunately some Of them still remain to
remind citizens Of this individual. An item
In a school budget once caught the eye OF
another legislator: A doll. Indignantly he
demanded the Justification for doll. It
was explained that the doll was Tor In
struction in home economies classes, where
it would be bathed. dressed, put to bed and
generally taken care Of by dozens OF pupils
many times day He smilingly capitulated
before the activities Of this busy babe. and
the home economies students had their
model. Years Of attendance at congressional
committee hearings have nevertheless
strengthened my faith In the democratic
process, There are rough spots, there are
setbacks, progress sometimes seems painfully
slow, but in the long run constructive work
is done. A sense Of humor. patience and
endurance fortify one to undergo years OF
congressional hearings. ,=.5.. IS
| The serious question Of the cost OF public
education faces every school board. The TWO
largest items Of cost are buildings and pro
fessional services. OF these two, IN my
opinion, the salary item is the more worth
while expenditure. More schools must ne
built, especially since the recent war snarpiy
curtailed ali building operations. But think
that we should give some Thought 70 the
necessity Tor less expensive buildings. safety.
tight health and other conditions must oe