Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-09-08
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES


hssdolpks President Of the Board; Ro. Ricketts,,
eeerst.ryY and Messrs. Van sanivoord, whyte,
brandt, walsh, Wilson, Price, Lawrenson,
Irsnsids, and wiIlett
The Board came TO order, and the minutes Of
the last meeting were read and adopted
Mr.. Price suggested the advisability, with q
view TO greater economy, Of having the fuel cou-
sumed by the several schools furnished by con-
tract and after some discussion 10 was agreed
by the Board, that the sub-bOards Of the several
distIt lets be authorized TO solicit terms from
Iious dealers in wood and coal for providing
fuel for the schools by contract-the coal and
wood to b- delivered at the different school
houses and put away In the places prepared for
the same, at such times and in such quaetities,
as may be required by the different sub boards.
The Chair presented the application Of Miss
Sarah Farmhouse for q teaG hership in the Public
Schools, which was referred to the committee on
examinations.
Mr. Wilson submitted to the Board a cata-s
logue and specimens Of school books, presented
by the agent of the publishers, Messrs. E. II
Butler Co, which were referred to the CON-
mittee on books.
On motion Of DIR. Ironside, 1t was agreed that
when the Board adjourn, 1t adjourn to meet
the 18th instant.
Mr.. Brandt submitted the annual report of the
Board for the past year. which, on motion, was
read.
This report embraces a detailed history Of the
operations OF the Board during the past scholar
tic wear. In opening, ii announcrs that no change
OF system was adopted In any Of the schools dur
ing the year, aud speaks satisfactorily of the
course Of the teachers, and OF the success which
had attended their labOTs. After detailing the
number OF schools and the number Of the teach
ers, as well as the number Of pupils who were
In the schools at the commencement of the year,
together with those admitted during the year, il
goes TO speak Ia terms OF deep regret Of the
decease, in June last, of one Of the Assistant
Teachers OF the Third District, graduate of the
Public Schools, who possessed rare gifts, emi-
nently qualifying her for the attainment Of high
position in her profession
Upon the subject Of the annual examinations
the report says: Z" The trustees convinced
from the results of these examinations that reat
care attention and Zeal have br-n bestowed upon
the pupils, and are fully confirmed In their pre-
Vious opinion Of the fidelity and efficiency OF the
teachers. Laboring under many disadvantages
arising from the want of proper school accomme-
dations, &c they have In every instance executed
the dtf1cult tasks assig ned them, with great
cess, and they richly deserve the thanks and cor
dial support Of the entire community
Then follows a brief but highly hattering re-
port Of the examination Of each Of the several
schools In the four districts, in which the pupils
all receive most gratifying encomiums for their
rapid and thorough advance msnt in their studies
subtraction Of the committee with the efficiency
OF the present system Of education; and after ad-
Knitting that the interests Of the schools would be
greatly advanced by the appointment Of general
superintendent, recomme nded to the City
Councils by former boards, refrains from urging
this additional penditure In the present cond j.
ton Of the Corporations finances. f" Moreover -
IL continues, "the aid II the General Government
has already been solicited in the most earnest
manner, and with partial success, inasmuch as a
bill for the support Of the public schools Of the
city Of Washington passed the Senate at the last
session OF Congress, and there is every reason to
hope for its fnal success"
The report then goes on to respectfully call the
attention OF the City Councils 10 this matter and
asks their careful examination of a memorial
which was presented to Congress last winter
setting forth state of facts which were discOy-
cred by actual investigation, the consideration OF
which, as regards the stated fact that thousands
Of children in this city not provided with any
means Of education In the schools, presents a sad
fOreshadowing OF ignorance and consequent
crime and infamy which will be- brought on this
CITY as these Young children grow into manhood
unless a helping hand Is stretch he'd out over them
and their minds be reclaimed hy tbs influence of
wholesome school education. The simple
fact, stated in this memorial, that our pubic
schools cannot accommodate twenty per
cent Of the number OF children the city, is
the most urgent appeal for help in the establish
ment Of more extended school accommodations
that could BE- made by any other force Of reason
The committee do not think Il advisable to add
70 the revenue Of the schools by Increasing the
present tar upon the citizens, and they admit
that they can see no way to overcome the dim
cuIties and embarrassments by which they are
surrounded, except by perseverance, In the effort
TO obtain from Congress the aid recommended in
the Senate's bill OF the last session.
In order to convince the Councils Of the city OF
the truth OF their statements about the serious
want Of nj school rooms for the pupils, the com
mittee respe ,tfully suggest that the Boards of
Aldermen and Common Couucilmen with the
Boa Of Trustees, visit the several school houses
In each district, with view to 4 more thorough
this respect
Upon the subject of vocal music In the several
schools the report says: During the several ex =
amlnations the monotony Of the exercises was
relieved by vocal music Although this Is not
recognized by the Board to be so far a leg itimate
part Of the education Of the children Of the com
mon schools a. to be embraced in their estimate
for The yearly appropriations, nevertheless ID has
been permitted and encouraged, and many Of the
children have availed themselves Of its benefits
voluntarily contributing 10 defraY the expense Of
teacher There can be doubt Of its bene-
nelal effect upon the children, both ply lie all Y
and mentally, and the Board simply decline I'm
6odying Il as permanent element Of the system
for the reason that they Ore without the means Of
properly teaching IL "
After detailed account Of the distribution Of
premiums aud medals made at the close Of the
annual examinations, and the usual acknowledy
ments to the citizens, the press and the CITY
Councils, the report closes
ga motion Of Mr.. Price, the report was unani-
mously adopted.
And the Board adjourned.
SANITARY MKAsURE.-Monday evening, In
the Board Of Aldermen Mr. bennington, from
the Committee on Canals, introduced a resolu-
tioa which we quote below Itwas passed with
out dissenting voice 10 the Board.
"RsSOfrsd, That the Mayor b. and be Is here
by requested TO furnish this Board with an esti-
mate of the cost Of erecting tide locks at the
points where the water from the Potomac and
Anacostia rivers dow into the canal, and that he
elso report to this Board what other plans or
measures 10 his opinion should be adopted to
prevent the canal from becoming d source Of dis
ease from the sluggishness Of the current and the
accumulation OF NTH In its bed .
The amount Of benefit which would result 10
the city by the erection Of tide-IOcks at the DIFF
ferent teTmiRi of the city canal, would be meal
eulable, and the proper plan for Kidding the
place OF the stencil Of stag nant water, decayiny
vegetable matter, and the numerous other dis.
ease creating deposites which daily and hourly
send forth their deadly tuences over the streets
aud avenues and into the houses of the citizsns
OF a large portion OF the city, is evidently and
clearly pointed ont by the above resolution
supPosin2 the locks 10 be placed at the points
indleaird, by oP~nihg and shutting them every
twelve hours, fresh water from the river could
~ Introduced into the canal; and by opening
them at low tide, ali the hlIhY accumulation
would be swept away, leaving its bed dyy and
the nih, the gas tar, dead cats and dogs the