Eastern times., 1856-03-20
YOR RlCE'S ADDRESS.

MAYOR hIOE .
! Called as we are 10 the management of the
affairs of our quiet, young and prosperous CITY,
| il NAV not be amiss in us To glance hastily at
some of the more important subjects connected
with our duties, in order to consider in what
manner we may best suhserve the interests of
the community which has delegated TO Us the
important trusts connected with its Mmnicpal
organizations.
As have never had the least ambition TO
occupy the position ia which have been pac-
ed by the suffrages of my fellow citizens,
have many causes for regret, that some one, of
the manv among you, having more experience,
ability, leisure and ambition. than myself had
moi been selected for the Executive officer of
the city government. But by the help of God i,
whose aid | inplore and on whose arm | lean
for support and guidance, hope to be able to
discharge the duties of The Office accepiably 10
my own conscience, and an apprecid,ive COM
munity.
1t is universally admitted, that intelligence
is The only safeguard To liberty, and as the
general diffusion of knowledge among the
masses is, and ever must be, subject Of vital
Importance To free and happy people, we
may be parJoned for considering the cause Of
popular education through the medium of the
public schouls. the most important trust COM
United 10 care.
II is of the utmost importance in communi-
ty where the school system of gradalion has
been adopted in order that ii be established on
a firm basis, secure against the attacks Of dis
appointed ambition and misguided judgment,
that its principles, methods of operation, and
general results should he fully understood and
appreciated. And, although il would seem,
enough of the results of our school system eau
be witnessed by casual observer to satisfy the
most fastidi0us Of It's complete success, still
more general and comprehensive know ledge of
lis practical workings is desirable, such
knowledge can onlv be ubrained by Frequent
ly visiting the schools of the different grades,
and obtaining persUna observation of their
operation.
| cannot, therefore, too strongly urge upon
members of this City Council. who will soon
be called 10 act on matters of vital interest To
our schOuls the necessity of being thoroughly
acquainted with their condition and wants.
Within The last ten years great improve
ments have been made In our schools. Ont of
chaos, order and harmony have been educed,
and from a condition of comparative inuIiliy, a
state Of rare perfection and efficiency has been
attained.
Formerly, each school was a separate inst-
tuition, having very little connection with, or
relation 10 any other schnul in the city. Now
all are but parts of one harmonious whole, So
connected and arranged, that in order to the
success of the whule, every part must perform
faithfully all its functions.
ANY disorder or deficiency IN our number
is felt sensibly throughout the whole body.
Hence the necessity of faithful and constant
supervision. To meet this increasing necessi-
| ~ more effectualy, the S. S. Com. recon-
mended to The Council of last year, the ap-
pontment of a Superintendent of schools
recommendation which was wisely carried out,
| by authorizing the Com. to elect one of their
number to that Office. They accordingly elect
ed the Rev. Mr.. Dixie, who is eminenlly fitted
for the discharge of its duties, to that impor-
tant position.
Since l848, when the attention of the public
was first directed to the condition of their
school houses. very commendable degree OF
liberality has been manifested on the part OF
the city, and very great improvements have
been made in their condition. Five large and
substantial brick buildings have been erected
and furnished, the High School house and lot
purchased of the Trustees of the Bath Acade-
my, and considerable improvement made in
most of the old houses and lots. For the above
! improvements there has been expended about
35 900 dollars.
notwithstanding what has b. en- done for the
support of schools, and the building and repair
| of school houses. there is still need OF contin.
ued effort in this direction, in order TO meet
The increasing demands of our rapidly increas-
| ing population.
The attention of previous City Councils has
been frequently called to the condition of the
| brick house on Centre ST., occupied by Prima-
ry Schools No. 5 and 6, but the pressure from
other quarters has been SO great as to prevent
the possibility of making any Improvement il
its condition. II seems desirable that imme
diate steps be taken TO provide for the better
accommodation of the scholars belonging tc
those schools, in order that they reap more
fully the advantages which our school system
affords.
The House on Union ST., and the "Hermit
age in Paradise" also claim share of you
attention.
There is one other subject connected with
the welfare of large number OF the children
and youth in this city, ami also with the future
peace and safety of our citizens, TO which
wish 10 call your attention.
1t is well known, by those who have taker
the trouble 10 examine the reports of the
School Committee, that with all the effort the
Committee and Teachers can put forth, the,
can only get an average attendance of abou
rs per cent. of the scholars enrolled in ou1
schools; and that there is still large number
of children, belonging chiefly 10 our foreigr
population, who never attend school at all.
Now appeal 10 you, as guardians of The
public veal, if This is right, or if it should be
permitted TO go on. If these children shoult
be allowed to grow up in ignorance, vice, ant
crime, until we are infested with houses o
thieves and robbers of our own raisingl
A portion of this absence from school is un
doubtedly necessary, but for much the large
portion no reasonable excuse can be given
and we are constantly losing from Is to 90 pc
cent. of the benefits which might result from
our schools, for want of proper efforts on iht
part of parents 10 keep their children in them
Formerly, says Wayland, in his address be
fore the American Institute of instructions
when man did not send his children to school
he was considered ihoughtless and unwise
Now, he who will not make every reasonable
sacrifice, not merely TO send them 10 school
but to give them the best education in hi,
power, shuts himself out from all the kindly
sympathles Of his neighbors, and the public in
terposes 10 protect the child from the selfish
ness and ayarice of its parent.
Now the public in this State has ,interposet
! tn ,ch oh h. .