The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-05-21
The Public Schools.

HE PRESERVATION OF THE MEMORIAL
Yesterday morning, In accordance with previous
arrangements, the male and female pupils OF
the public schools-neary two thousand OF
them-were seen converging from various
points in the direction OF the City Hall, the
general rendezvous. At about half past eleven
O'Clock they took up the line Of march for the
Capitol. IL is scarcely necessary TO remark
they were all extremely neat in appearance,
and no doubt were joyous Of heart, unless the
countenance did not serve az an expressive index.
Sashes, and ribands, and rosettes, Of different
colors, were prominent in the parade. With
banners flying, and with two or three bands OF
music, and accompanied by their teachers, the
Board of Trustees Of the public schools, the Mayor
Of Washington, and full representation of the
members Of the two Boards Of City Councils, they
reached the Capitol at noon, and arranged by
the committee ON tho eastern ground; present
ing to the eye compact mass, and with their
garments and trappings of many colors they
stood out in bold and bright relief from the far
stretching lawn on which they were congregated
the marble statue Of Washington. with finger
pointing to the sunlit sky, in proximity II was a
beautiful and unusual spectacle, and was justly ad
mred by the thousands who witnessed it,
All things being in readiness, committee. con
female accompanied by the Board of Trustees and
the members of the City Councils, and headed by
the Mayor of Washington. emerged from the
crowd OF children and passed over to the eastern
portico, where the members composing the Com
mttee for the District Of Columbia, OF each House
Of Congress, were in waiting; one Of the bands
playing, meanwhile, patriotic air..
The MAYOR (recevng the memorial from the
hands of one of the pupils) advanced and ad-
dressed the Hon. JOSEPH r. CHANDLER, of the
House, and the Hon. X. M. r. HUsTER, Of the SEN
ate, as follows:
"GKNTLEMEN: A committee, consisting OF one
from each OF the public schools Of the city Of Wash
ington present themselves before you ths day, for
the purpose of placing in your hands memorial
collecting aid in behalf Of public education. They
respectfully ask that you will, severally, present
to the House of Representatives and to the Senate.
do not propose to offer any remarks in further
ance of the object Of their petition. The children
present themselves alike the witnesses and advo-
Gates OF their own cause"
The Rev. CHAs. A. DAVIS, the Secretary of the
Board Of Trustees, then read the memorial, in a
clear and audible voice, stating that it was signed
by eleven thousand names, when it was handed to
The Hon. Mr.. HUNTER who said with great
pleasure will present this memorial to the Senate
Of the United States"
The Hon. JOSEPH X. CHANDLER, then said:
at ia, think, a just appreciation of the in
tenton OF Congress, and proper compliment to
the members Of Congress, to believe that they are
fully occupied with intents Of the public good; nor
can ] imagine an exercise of their beneficence
more appropriate or likely to be more unlimited
and beneficial to the entire community than that
which looks to the good of the rising generation.
"Congress, from the fret day OF its existence,
has manifested its desire 10 promote sound educa-
ton; and its legislation. Oh almost all occasions
including that the public lands has had distinct
reference to this subject. And if aught was want
cd to move US in this matter, it is the sight which
now presents itself to us-ihc thousands who come
up seeking for the bread Of moral life.
"This memorial which ! hold in my hand cx
hibits what they ask. Your numbers near me and
in front show for whom it is asked
~ regret the occasion is not propitious for some
remarks suited TO the character of nv Young
friends, and to enven the sympathies of those
around US. There is not one present who would
not offer word OF encouragement, but they are
In the hands oil those approaching their minds and
having their confidence, more good can be done
by their Instructors than by any casual remar ks
from me on the present occasion.
"Ihose before US, ladies and gentlemen, appear
to us as our hopes OF other times-redolent of the
sweets and blossoms of May, and gliding ali our
hopes for years TO come. They are those who
when we are gone, will support the vast entabIa.
turc OF our glorious institutions, sustaining il with
love for those institutions, and with knowledge of
their import-not like tho silent Caryatides of an
their load, but living Aliases, bearing upward and
forward the glorious fabric Of republican insttu-
tions. Applause
81 have no doubt that the feelings OF Congress.
men will induce them TO assist far q sense OF
their public duties and Of their constitutional views
will enable them to go. / willingly say that no
vote can give will be more cheerfully cast than
for appropriation Of po ton of the public pos
sessions to benefit the rising generation.
"Gentlcmcn, members OF Congress, who
round me, when the cenotaphs in yonder burial
place, which shall bear our names, have crumbled
into duet, and the records of our nges have per-
ished with them, those who now surround will
stand as living monuments of the benefits which
our present charities may bestow.
al shall present this memorial 10 the House, with
a hope OF fulhlment and qualification Of your
most rational wishes and in the name of the SEN
ator (Mr. HUNTER, of Virginia) near me, and in
those who around us, wsh you, my young
friends, male and female. all the happiness result.
ing from sound education and virtuous life,
which, with the infusion of religion into your
hearts, will make you good and useful citizens"
Applause followed the conclusion Of the gentle
mans brief and eloquent address.
The ceremonies having been concluded, the pu-
pills returned to their several school houses, and
we're dismissed.
II was glad day for the friends Of public schools
May the memorial meet with prompt and favor
able response.
FoURTH CoSoREssoSAL DisTRicT, missouri. l.
On Monday, the Goth ultimo, Judge Birch opened
the canyass by n speccb at Savannah. The Snyan-