The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-30
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Under the law of November -, 1850, four new
primary schoos were established at the commence
ment OF last year, making the total number in ac-
tive operation twenty three. Nineteen primary
and four districts number of teachers thirty three
twenty three female, ten male Pay of teachers
Sl0,6l5 81. Number of pupils admitted through
the year, 33l7. Increase over last year, 706 Ave
rage attendance in lS49'50, 1891; do. in lS60-'5I
! 1855. Number Of pupils to each teacher, 64I.
Average daily attendance to each teacher, so.
Number IN schools at the close OF August, 1850,
$50 do. August, 1851 2,l23. Cost $l2,9 90.
Increase in cost over last year $l,4l6 rs.
Although feel very confident that the establish
ment of high school would elevate the character
Of public schools, and advance the standard OF
education generally in city, ! do not deem il
proper in view Of other controlling considerations,
TO recommend it at this time. As remarked in a
former communication, cit Is our duty to dltluse
the elements OF education among the many, before
we attempt to confer upon few the benefits OF a
higher Standard This great want of the many
has not yet, IL testified 10 by the sub boards OF
each district, been fully satisfied. There Is also an
absolute necessity for a new school house in the
first district and for more comfortable furniture in
several Of the school-room In view of the inn
portant influence that the school room and its ac-
commodations exercise over the health, mental i'm
provement, and moral feelings OF the pupils, most
earnestly commend these objects to your imme-
diate attention.
Permit to solicit from you annual appro-
priation for few years of 900 for the purpose
Of establishing school library in each district
The suggestion requires no argument to set forth
or sustain its merits, but certainly it is sufficient to
state the fact that there il no library in our city
adapted to the mental and moral wants of the pu-
pills of our schools, public or private With the
knowledge, then, of the serious injury daily
ntlicng upon the youth of our city and society in
Withholding these indispensable sources OF mental
and moral Improvement, let us promptly apply the
remedy. We now have twenty three schools, and
rv- threa teac nd
eight hundred scholars Ii ID well known that the
Trustees cannot give thatvigilant and constant at
tention which these schools demand. Occasional
visits and yearly examinations, carefully prepared
for display, wholly inadequate to disclose the
merits of teachers the condition of the schools.
This can only be accomplished by the repeated and
familiar observation OF one accomplished in the art
of teaching, capable OF detecting and reforming
errors and abuses of every kind. BY this means
only shall secure just return for our large
penditures, prepare the schools for higher stand
ard of instruction, and develop the system to its
full capacity. With these strong convictions
most earnestly recommend the appointment of
Superintendent of Public Schools.
POLICE
II gives me pleasure to say that the new police
system has thus far worked well. The Auxiliary
Guard the Police Mac istrates, and officers have
been regular and active in the discharge of their
respective duties; and am satisfied from personal
observation, that the present system forming
union between those two police forces, is the best
arrangement, not only for the suppression OF dis
ORDER but more especially for securing full and
honest returns to the Corporation. So far as am
now able to form opinion, the system will
nearly sustain itself The amount of judgments
in favor of the Corporation for the last four months
is 80 S79, considerable portion of which has been
paid, and the greater part of, the residue super
SEEDED This amount has accrued, not as formerly,
by exactions from citizens, who may have un-
willingly contrayened the laws of the Corporation,
but chiefly from fines for offences against the pub
lie peace.
The expense Of the present system may be stated
as follows
Salaries of magistrates, officers and chief of police,
per annum, Observation-Disclosures. $l0,600 90
On.
Judgments in favor of Corporation for.
fourmonths, ending July 81, $2,s79,
at the same rate per year...,.,,.., 1851 ~
Deduct twenty per cent. for Losses and
remission Of fines. ........... 1927 40
6,909 60
....................... 700 90
Amount allowed officers for commit
ments, about .........,........... 70o w
5000 90
1920 40
From which should be deducted in
crease OF licences, say ,,.....,.t'' ooo W
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Annual coat 1850 40