The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1858-06-01
My Country tits of thee
Sweet land of Liberty,
0f tbaa 7 cinn

Of thee sing
which was performed in a very credtable manner
MIR. Il. A. Abbott, on the part of the Board of
School Commissioners, then addressed the members
OF the Councils and others present in relation to
the origin of the school, its success thus far and its
prospects Mr.. Abbott remarked that the floating
school was strictly of Baltimore origin and was the
only institution of the kind in the country.
10 Capt. Robert Leslie, of Baltimore, is due the
credit OF having originated the idea of combining
with the ordinary branches of education as taught
IN our pubic schools, thorough nautical system of
instruction. Capt. Leslie gave the subject great
attention, and preached it to the Board
of Trade, who readily took hold of the pro-
lect, and appointed committee from their
from the School Board. After many consultations
this Joint Committee decided upon plan which
would not conflict with the present Public School
system, by joining it with system of nautical edu-
cation. After the consummation of the plan the
Committee asked an appropriation from the CITY
Councils, which Immediately granted. The
Board of Trade purchased the hull of the Ship put
upon 1t nautical teacher, and provided everything
TO carry out the plan in that department of nstruc
ton. The city of Baltimore through the School
commissioners, built upon the ship the school room
furnished it, and placed therein principal and as
sstant teachers. The system of instruction as fol-
lowed in the Public Schools, is adhered to-the pu-
pills come to the school in the morning, and at GER
tain intervals after recitations in the literary de-
partment are summoned on deck and are practiced
IN exercises appertaining to the management of
ship.
The school was opened on the 14th day of Septem-
Der last, with eight pupils. From the Principals
last quarterly report it appears there have been
nnety-fve names enrolled; there are now attending
the school sixty two pupils, and the average attend
ance is ffty-thre The department of the scholars
has always been commendabe, and it is gratifying
to state that in the discipline of the school no cor
poreal punishment has ever been inflicted. num-
Der of boys instructed at this school have shipped
on board some of merchantmen, and wherever
l Aa from are spoken of in the highest manner
A''er Mr. Abbott concluded the boys sang
"A life on the wave;''
Aiter which the classes were examined in geometry,
reading, spelling &c
co ueoise N. Eaton, Esq, of the Board of School
then addressed those present, stating
some interesting facts connected with the forma-
tion ana progress of the school. He remarked that
the pr imry were mere combined with the more ad-
l vanced pfanches as tauSht in the Public HIGH
Schools. A great many boys come to this school
who would never be seen in anv school If - 49,
not for the attractive nautical Department of rho
system. There is no additional expense r. tbo o;t
in having here school of this character: tho aI
penses of the nautical department are and H.
been borne by the Board of Trade and many nrom;
nent merchants in the city.
Specimens of writing, showing the progress of
the pupils in penmanshp, were then exhibited
many of which were beautifully executed After
which the national song of "The -Spangled
Banner" was sung.