The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-11-18

School DEDIcArIox.--The Adams School
House which was inangurated 90 Saturday,
was one OF three fiHe stone ediices which
have recently been built under the 81
pervision Of the Board of Education. 10
architectural elegance and the convenience
OF the interior arrangements, these struc.
lures will compare favorably with most
public buildings Of similar class in east
ern cities. THIS building has o front of
sixty feet by depth Of thirty five feet, is
two stories 10 height and ia divided into
four large and airy departments, the second
story being devoted to the primary and the
lower to the secondary department the
whole style Of furniture and apparatus being
In accordance with the simple elegance Of the
structure itself. The interior arrangements
OF this. rs Of the other buildings look to the
separation OF the sexes, which has been
adopted a. rule by the Board, . separation
which will be commended by the experience
OF the last generation Of children, II the
records OF the Boston schools teach anything
On the whole, the Adams School is the most
attractive, externally, Of any Of the city
school houses, although the chaotic condi
ton OF the quarries in the vicinity detracts
considerably from the general beauty Of its
situation.
The new system Of school administration
OF which the Adams and its fellows, arc the
offspring, commenced with the new city
charter, which passed the Legislature Of
1856, and went into operation 10 the follow
ing spring The Board Of Education under
whose auspices these buildings have been
reared, was created by that charter--and an
appropriation OF $4,000 was placed at their
disposal to provide the city with school
houses, commensurate with the educational
necessities Of the community. The Wash.
ington School House, in the First Ward, was
completed, we believe in 1857, and notwith-
standing the pressure Of the times, the Board
has vigorously pushed on the work allotted
to it, and the past summer has witnessed the
commencement and completion OF the two
fine buildings which place the children Of
the Second and Third Wards on a par with
their neighbors Of the First. The exercises
Adams School House yesterday, we're opened
at +. NJ, TX. Gov. Ramsey in the chair,
by an Introductory prayer by the Rev Mr.
Brooks. The Rev. Mr.. Neil the chairman
OF the Board Of Education, followed in per.
tincnt address, in which he reviewed the
history Of the school system Of st. Paul,
contrasting the two miserable frame build.
ings. which only fifteen months ago constitu-
ted the whole educational apparatus OF st.
Paul, with the fine structures which now in
vite her youth to acquire he foundation Of
an education.
lie announced the views Of the Board in
relation TO the administration Of the schools;
said that they were decidedly in favor OF
the separation Of the sexes, and were thor.
oughy avorse to the obtrusiou of sectarian
machinery in the management Of the schools
or OF the dogmas Of churches in the III
struction OF children. lie spoke of the
economy Of expenditure which has produced
the present excellent result lie stated that
while over $4,000 had been expended in u
single sewer, the building in which they sat
cost only about $4,000. Five thousand
dollars had been expended by the city for
fire engine. The Jefferson School House
cost the city only $1,000. The expenditure
would be returned hundred fold TO the city
treasury in the decrease OF crime, which re-
suits from enlarged facilities for education
and tho consequent diminution Of the ex.
pcnso necessary to maintain the police es-
Establishment OF the city
The speaker repeated his views upon the
caiholcity of the school system, eschewing
l all forms of religious dogma, and resting
\ only on the sublime and simple ethics Of
Christianity. The Board had therefore de.
clarcd absolutely against tho use Of the
school for Sunday schools religious meetings
or political conversations, and the speaker took
occasion to animadvert in emphatic terms
upon the conduct OF tho City Council, in au.
thorizing the use Of the Washington
School House. at various times, for election
purposes. against the earnest remonstranccs
OF the Board-and stated Notwithstanding
all their pro'estations, notice had appear.
ed in the papers, authorizing another wan.
ton dissertation Of the First Ward School
by political convention.
The nationality Of our schools was then
adverted to. Some remarks were made
upon the organization, plan and future de-
velopment OF the system and o concise
statement Of the finances OF the Board,
closed the interesting address Of this gentle
man.
The Rev Mr.. Edwards. Mcssrs Jas. w.
Taylor, Sam'l ludvigh, Riheldaftr and
Drew. followed in speeches Of considerable
interest.
The following letter from his Exccllency
the Governor, was read in the course Of the
proceedings;
Sr. PArL, Nov. H. lSSs
10 ne Roard Of Edgest,oa Of the Guy of NJ
/ PaU-
GsSrLgNES | beg leave 10 acknowledge the
receipt Of your Kind invitation TO ate al the
I dedication OF the Adams school House"
this day. lregret that circumstances will pre-.
1 vent my attendance, much ~ It would please
mo TO add my testimony in person to the libor
/ ny which has characterized the citizens Of 81
Paul In the erection OF such apnrouriAto And