The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-09-09

Tins PUBIC SCHOOLS The annual report which was
cad al the meeting Of board of Trustees of the Public
schools on Tuesday afternoon is quite an interesting doc
ument e>abracng detailed history Of the operations OF
the board during the past scholastic year IL commences
n, mentioning the fact that change OF system was
adopted in any of the schools during the year and speaks
satisfactorily OF the OF the teachers and OF the
success which had attended their iabors, After de-
falling the number OF schools and the number of the
teachers, as well as the number OF pupils who were
IN the schools at the commencement of the year, to-
pether with those admitted during the year II goes
10 sneak in terms OF deep regret of the decease in June
last Of one of the assistant teachers of the Sd district
graduate Of the public schools who possessed rare gifts
emineny qualifying her for the attainment OF high
position in her profession. aa 81
Upon the subject Of the annual examinations the
po says ssThe trustees convinced from the results
Of these examinations that great care, attention. and
zeal have been bestowed upon the pupils, and fully
confirmed in their previous opinion of tho fidelity and
efficiency of the teachers, Laboring under many disad
vantage arising from the want of proper school accom-
oatons &c. they have in every instance executed the
difficult tasks assigned them with great success and they
richly deserve the thanks and cordial support of the
tire community. 'f' e4sf tTf "
Then follows brief but highly atering report Of the
examination Of each OF the several schools in the four
districts which the pupils all receive most gratifying
enoomums for their rapid and thorough advancement Ia
their studies
ton Of the committee with the efficiency of the present
system of education and after admitting that the inter
ss the schools would be greatly advanced by the
pointment Of general superintendent MS recommended
to the city councils by former boards refrans from ug
ING this additional expenditure in the present condition
of the corporation finances. Moreover 1t continues,
he aid OF the general government has already been 80
cited In the most earnest manner and with partial sue
cess inasmuch bill for the support of the public
schools of the city Of Washington passed the Senate at
the last session Of Congress- and there every reason to
hope for its final success "
The report then goes to respectfully call the atten
ton OF the city councils to this matter, and asks their
careful examination of memorial which presented
to Congress last winter, setting forth state of facts
which discovered by actual investigation the
sderaon of which, regards the stated fact that thou
sands Of children in this city not provided with any
means of education in the schools, presents sad fore
shadowng of ignorance and consequent crime and in
fnmy which will DO brought this city these young
children grow into manhood, unless helping hand is
stretched out Them and their minds reclaimed by
the influence of wholesome school education The sim
pie fact stated in this memorial that public schools
cannot accommodate % per cent of the number Of chill
dcn Of the city is the most urgent appeal help the
establishment of more extended school accommoda
os that could be made by any other force OF reasoning
whatever. Essee 1e
The committee do not think it advisable to add to the
Of the schools by increasing the present tax upon
the citizens and they admit that they see way
overcome the difficulties and endorsements by which
they surrounded except by perseverance, in the effort
obtain from Congress the aid recommended in the SEN
ate bill of the last session ae
In order to convince the councils Of the city of the
truth Of their statements about the serious want Of fit
school for the pupils the committee respectfully
suggest that tho boards of aldermen and common coun
cilmen, with the board Of trustees visit the several
school houses in each district with view to u
thorough knowledge of their condition and necessities in
this respect. @t satl EtaF ttst tst
Upon the subject Of vocal music in the several schools
the report says " During the several examinations the
monotony Of the exercises relieved by vocal music
Although this is not recognised by the board to be
Legitimate part Of the education of the children of the
schools to be embraced in their estimate for
the yearly appropriations nevertheless 1t has been per-
mitted and encouraged and many of the children have
availed themselves of its benefits voluntarily contribu
ting to defay the expense of teacher. There be
doubt of its beneficial effect upon the children both
physically and mentally, and the board simply decline
embodyng il permanent element Of the system for
the that they without the properly
teaching II. Z .ssa ea ae3 EtE
ALEXANDRIA,, LoupoUY, AND HAMPSHIRE RAILROAD COMA
SrThe sixth annual meeting of this company held
Tuesday last at their Office in Alexandria Robert
Jameson, esq.,, chairman and Reuben Johnstc
rey. The annual reports of the board the examining
committee the consulting engineer and the treasurer
al read and approved The salary Of the president
continued at So 900, and Lewis Mckenzie unani
mousy elected. Messrs. Cassius r. Lee, Of Alexan-
dra, VIM. H. Gray, OF Loudoun and Benjamin Morgan,
of Clarke, elected directors the part of the private
stock holders Robert II, Miller James p Smith, of Al
exandra and John j. Coleman of Loudoun the examin-
ing committee for next year. The annual meetings here
after ordered to be held the fourth Tuesday in
September. cs.a Gaa a
The board after the adjournment, held meeting and
reelected Reuben johnston esq, treasurer From the
presidents report learn that the graduation and
sorry of forty miles of the road nearly completed and
will be ready for the crossties and rails soon they
can be laid down and the timber for the bridging upon
miles Of the line is contracted for and will be deliver
JAMESON for portion OF the freight cars well for
the chairs for IL miles Of the track The 900 tons of
iron the spot and will be laid down during the fall
and arrangements in progress Tor further supply The
work on section from the depot at Alexandria to the
crossing of the Washington unpike) has been delayed
longer than desired by the board consequence of
Its expensveness and of the heavy land damages requir-
ing cash means which could be judicously expend
ed elsewhere. Arrangements now made however to
proceed and the contractor Mr. James Roach is again
at work at this section
The board under the order passed at the general meet
Ing Of stockholders the ed day July have effected
an arrangement with the county court Of Clark county
or the payment Of their subscription 500 900 the
stock OF this company The action of this county, it is
hoped will induce the county of Loudoun make SINH
lar subscription of $lOO 900 the proper time The loss
OF the wheat crop in Lououn the present season makes
Them unwilling to press this matter ut the present mo-
ment but it will be done The corporation Of Lees
have