The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1850-08-02

The Public Schools.
At regular meeting Of the School Directors, |
held last evening, DR.. Copes was called to the |
chair
On motion of Mr.. Bell, the Board proceeded to
elect President, pro. tenn, when DR.. Copes was |
elected by acclamailon.
Mr.. Bell introduced a resolution, that the teach.
ers to be elected should only be retained until the
third Monday Of February. That at the first meet
ing of the Board, after the winter examination, the
annual elections should take place. Mr. Bell g We
as his reason the absence of so many of the diree-
tors in August, while in February they will all be
present.
Mr.. Shielas objected, because it was unjust to
the teachers. All business arrangements in this
city are made from fall to fall. He would dislike
to turn them out in The middle of the season.
Mr.. Bell replied, that they owed duties higher to
the community than to individuals.
DR.. Lindsay thought there would be more candi-
dates in the winter, from whom to select.
The resolution was carried
DR.. Jones, from the High School for Girls, re-
ported very favoraby on the state Of the school, as
exhibited at its recent examination, and recommen-
ded the reelection of the present teachers.
Mr.. Wilson reported in favor of giving the Com
mittee on Schoolhouses the power to make such
repairs as are necessary. On motion of Mr.. Bell,
the power given, but limiting the expense of
repairs on rented buildings to 800 each.
Mr.. Hall, from the Fulton School, made a favor
able report, and recommended the reelection of
the present teachers.
| Mr.. Lincoln, from the Washington School, made
favorable report, and recommended that children
of five years of age should not be received but that
the age of six should be the earliest.
Dr Ionas frotn Clio sfraaf Seonl ranortad 70
ably, and joined in the recommendation to fix the
limit at six years.
| Mr.. Carter from the Fisk School, reported that
two of the apartments ought to be taken from
females teachers, and given to men with rods in
their hands. The young ladies could not control
them,. though fully capable of teaching, and in
every way fitted. But it WIS impossible for them
to keep proper discipline.
Mr. Shields introduced a resolution that the
Board purchase fifty maps of the Second Munich
pality, drawn by Mr.. Thompson, ex-Surveyor.
Mr.. Bell proposed 90; Mr.. Wilson proposed 80.
Mr.. Wilson in favor of fostering native talent.
This man lived among us, and we should encour-
age him. There seemed TO be disposition with
some TO favor foreigners. We must send 10 Boston
or the North for our superintendent and teachers,
while the merits of our own people are overlooked.
| Mr.. Bell replied al some length. He denied that
there had been any invidlbus distinction. They
had found the present superintendent in office, and
he had been, since the institution of the SYSTEM at
its head. The teachers who had been recommend
ed for reelection, they had found in their posts.
He never stopped TO ask where mai was from.
He desired only to inquire into his merits 1t would
be found he thought, that majority of the perma.
nent and useful population were not natives Of the
State.
On taking the vote, the Board decided on the
purchase of twenty copies.
Mr.. Carter called up the subject of electing a
Printer to publish the proceedings of the Board
and moved to go into election.
Mr.. Bell objected. He thought there was nc
necessity for the publication. The money could
better be spent in some other manner. AT any
rate the matter had better be deferred until the
presence Of full Board.
Mr.. Carter replied, that the sum had been ap.
priated by the Council and could not be spent in
any other manner In Lafayette the proceedings
are published, and so in the cities of the North
The public felt much interest in the proceedings
| of this Board as they did in those of the Council
He would, however, withdraw his motion, which
he should renew at the first full Board.
| DR.. Lindsay offered resolution that no child
should be received at the Schools under the age Of
six years--which by the rules, lies over one month
We hope this measure will pass. 1t is vel
ascertaned fact that great injury results from toe
early application to books. The unnatural exercise
of the brain leads to its premature development
at the cost of the vital faculties, and idotcy or pre-
mature death is the frequent result. The idea too
horrible. to conine children of five years to thei
narrow seats for six hours day.
Mr.. Bell proposed to go into the election O
teachers. Mr.. Carter and Mr.. Shields thought
was unnecessary. That the present teachers woul,
remain in office until their successors should b.
elected-and it was better to put off the election
} until the Fall.
Mr.. Lincoln introduced a resolution, that tn
present teachers be retained until February LIST, o
during the pleasure of the Board, which wa
passed. The Board then adjourned.