The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-10
Local Matters.

Local Matters.
PuBLIc ScHooLs.-Amongst the improvements of
suggested in the various grades public schools,
several that regard entitled TO favorable notice
have originated with Josiah Holbrook, esq. This
gentleman, understand him, urges that the
physical sciences should be taught in every stag of
the progress ofchildrcn from the fret lessons in the
alphabet to the end OF the journey which, however
must be the end of life. He says: "Ten simple
minerals, called the Geological Alphabet consti-
tute the elements Of our globe, and determine the
character of mountains, rocks and coils, and give
strong indications of the presence absence of
gold silver, copper, iron, other metals useful
minerals. These ten minerals be learned with
certainty, and delightful exercise, by any
child of three years. in week, simply by the aid
oilabeled specimens, named by the teacher parent,
or elder brother sister The simple figures of
geometry such triangles, squares, and circles,
with states and pencils, will induce children, whe-
Their in school or at home, TO employ and instruct
temseIces, not only in their names, forms, uses,
&c, but in the ioriften words which they form to
express them; thus providing for themselves gree
able and effective lessons in writing, spelling, read
ing, &C.
Mr.. Holbrook also recommends the adoption of
system Of exchanges between the schools of the
NNOio country Dys means OF winch a correspond
ence would be established between the children Of
even this most remote regions. This, he argues,
would prove of mutual instruction to the
youth of our land, and would, at the same time,
have an admirable tendency in softening the feel
ings that ignorance and its consequent prejudices
are ever prone TO engender, and enabling our
children to sympathize with each other the off.
spring of nation whose widely extended territory
forms no impedment to the cultivation of the most
ardent attachments for every portion oft.
Mr.. Holbrook's plans have our hearty approval;
and we hope they may be practically adopted in
every State Of the Union. The work they require
to be done will be attended with but little labor,
and but little expense; and if commenced by him
self be readily carried out by the teachers Of all
our schools. We have already seen a successful
and gratifying exhibition Of the fruits of these plans
in some Of the schools Of this city, though but par
tally introduced, and under very great disadvan-
nges
We would now respectfully suggest to the Trus-
tees Of Public Schools the propricy Of employ
ing Mr.. Holbrook' 10 attend upon each school for a
definite period Of time, that the improvements he
recommends may be engrAfted upon them, and the
teachers aided so far to enable them to continue
and extend his plans. The fulhlmcnt Of such
project cannot in opinion, fail TO produce the
most salutary effects, while the course pursued,
of introducing these things partially, and in a man
ner promising no pormancncc Of arrangement, is,
in all probability, more disadvantage than n
benefit.
JENNY LrSD.-Wc deem il right 10 express the
hope that the interests Of this wonderful and tai
ented lady may not be made 10 suffer on account
OF the phrenzied loes Of portion of the people Of
some Ci our cities. When a number Of the young
men OF a neighboring city embarrassed the horses
attached 10 Elser carriage, and drew her through
the streets, she is reported 10 have expressed her
gratitude by saying-"You arc too kind; you fiji
my heart with emotions; shall remember you for
long oGrs'' Others may have need TO like
irony in their tenders Of thanks, but word for
it, there will be no want Of respect for those who
respecting themselves, offer no other homage than
such as gifted and accomplished lady will reoog-
nice as appropriate and gratifying to her feelings.
SENATOR Dickinson unintcntionally omit
ted to state yesterday that the serensding party
visited this gentleman on Saturday evening. We
had not the pleasure Of hearing his brief address,
but arc assured that 1t was highly eloquent and pa
triotc-in unison with The sentiments expressed by
the other orators Of the evening, and We may add,
with the people Of the nation.
Tvs PHILHARNoNIc Socrrry-In referring to the
notice Of general mcctingo Of this society this
ing, We would simply remark that It il institu-
ton highly mcriting the encouragement Of our CT
tizens, and from the influence Of which the most
salutary results are destined to arise.
LAUpASUM.-A coorcd woman, yesterday, ap-
piled for place; but she had child six months
old "Oh that will not do" replied the lady.
"But," said the woman, "its very quiet child,
and don't give no trouble" THAT cannot be-"
said the lady; call children give trouble" "But
mime" said the colored woman, "slcops great
deal" "But il wakes sometimcs."' yes, ma am,
bot II iories, then always gives il laudanum, and
irs soon OF again"
We fear this il too common with these crea-
turcs. and would advise apo,hccaries TO learn the
uscs 20 which this article il TO be applied. Yet, as
the doso s swectcned in paregoric, &c, perhaps
there IL no help for tho vile and abominable prac
tice
IHE NioHTINGALE SEsENApERs have commenced
series Of their laughter provoking entertain
mcnts On their previous visits here, they esta
bhshed thcmsclvcs favorites and doubtless will
be literally patronised on their present visit
---------------------s-
CO The Associate Members OF tn. wash
ingtOn Philharmonic Society. and those who arc
DESTROYS Of becoming SUCH are invited 10 attend
rehearsal OF the vocal and instrumental depart
ments, this evening, at ~ D. m, at Tempe
Hall. and they further rcuueatcd Ia IN.