The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-05-31
Local Matters.

LAYING ConNER- sToNB.--Y Yesterday after
noon the corner stone of the "Union Academy
to be erected at the intersection of New York ave-
nue. and Fourteenth street, laid by Walter
Lenox, esq, the Mayor Of Washington, in the pre-
sence of a large concourse of ladies and gentle
men, (including teachers.) band of music
enlivened the occasion.
The front of the building, we learn, will be
forty-three feet the avenue and fifty-six on
Fourteenth street, It will be two stories high
the walls ascending thirty feet. The entire lot
purchased by Mr.. q. Richards, (the principal to
surround the edifce, contains seven thousand
square feet, and will be well enclosed The style,
it is said is to be of the most beautiful and ap-
proved Of modern school architecture The acad-
envy is to be supplied with the best and recently
designed furniture, and superior and complete APP
paratus will be provided.
The contractors and carpenters are J. M. Down
ing and Brother; bricklayers, Mahony and Floyd;
plasterer, John Flaherty; painters and GLACIERS,
David Finch and Son.
The ceremonies commenced with an air by the
band of music in attendance, followed by prayer
by the Rev. Mason Noble.
The corner stone was then laid by the Mayor of
Washington. The lcadcn box which was deposited
contained, among other things, the Bible the Con-
stitution of the United States, the History Of the
United States. and the newspapers of the day.
The Mayor, who had been requested to make
few remarks, said: have no doubt you all feel,
and will heartily respond to the sentiment, that
more grateful occasion could have brought US to-
gether than to lay the corner stone of school ed
i6ce. 1t certainly must be source Of gratifca-
ton to every citizen that within the last few years
especially, the benefits Of education have been ex
Ia XII .-Ll J.r r
ed into brighter glow. Ten years ago the public
school system of this city, and / may say public
and private very far short of the wants of this
community, and, to great extent, inefficient
More particularly, the public schools were in de-
plorabc condition. cay this with no disrespect to
those who had them in charge. II was the result
of the system. In 1910 there were not moro than
between four and five hundred scholars in the pub
lie schools; now, under the improved order of
things, there from twenty three to twenty five
hundred in daily attendance How mournful is it
to reflect that, for so long period, the seeds of
knowledge were withheld from the youth of our
city, and that many who but for this might now
be possessed Of all the blessings which education
bestow, were left in the highway of life unpre
pared for it's responsible duties.
But now we have fattering prospects not only
with regard to the public schools, but private
schools. l am pleased to know that the teachers
of these last named characterized by zeal and
merit, and exhibit an earnest desire to advance
the interests of the public schools and am happy
to present to teachers of private schools pres
ent, in my own behalf and that of the community,
thanks to them for the interest which they have
manifested in the public schools.
We live in land of freedom and law. How
appropriate, then, were the articles deposited in
g. 49,. Al u -
Constitution of the United States. We can feel
assured, as remarked by the reverend gentle
man in his prayer, that just long the Bible is
cherished, and the public school system maintained
and extended, there need be fears that the Con-
stitution of country will not be preserved for
the reason that it will be understood and appro
ciated.
hope, my friends, that this is but the commence
ment Of the era of public and private school in
struction in the city Of Washington.
1t is not the fortune of city to become distin-
guishcd as mart of commerce, or for large popu-
lation but it may become the seat of learning and
educaton-a model in this respect, not only to this
land, but to the citizens and subjects of other
lands-a mirror to reflect to those not so happily
situated as ourselves, political policy and form
Of republican government with all their attendant
blessings.
In the conclusion Of these hasty remarks, take
the liberty of returning the thanks of the proprietor
to those who have honored the occasion with their
presence, and who have apparently manifested
much interest in the proceedings.
The remarks of the Mayor were applauded by
the audience. Then followed music by the band.
MIR. Richards, the proprietor, awaited himself Of
the occasion to say few words with reference to
the public schools, and the relation of the private
schools towards them. There was, he Observed no
one more friendly to the education Of the masses,
to the education Of every child, than himself and
he would earnestly devote his energies TO this OBJ
ject, and should always esteem it favor and priv
ilcge if he could do any thing to advance the
of the public schools. After remarkipg that much
is needed to raise the standard Of instruction, he
referred to the necessity OF educating the rising
generation, that they may the better enjoy the
blessings which our political institutions impart,
and be prepared to discharge the duties which their
social condition may impose. Teachers, in his
opinion should be good disciplinarians He did
not mean that kind Of discipline which called into
the cane or strap, but the discipline which
teaches the scholar how TO learn and to improve
his mind. And the teacher should not only teach
the scholar how to learn, but how to make use Of
the knowledge acquired. The schools should be
rendered practical with regard TO every thing
which relates to the business of life. Other re-
marks were. made by this gentleman, and, when