Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1860-03-03
LOCAL ITEMS.

Guardians OF the Free School, which has
been 50 long in operation in our midst, sub
mitted some days ago the report of the CON
dition Of the School during the past year
1t appears to have been this year even more
than usually beniiicent in diffusing the bless'
ings Of education. Aided by numerous
smaller schools supported by the bounty Of
the State, this institution, founded as 1t was
by the Father of his Country, is one OF the
most interesting, as it is one Of the most use
full of municipal Institutions. The reports
are as follows:
annual Report Of The Board Of GaGrdinnS.-
In rendering their Report of the condition OF the
Free School, during the past year, the Board of
Guardians to whom that charge has been given,
have but little 10 communicate, save that which,
in its completion, is both welcome and encOurag-
ng. To them that School has long been the sub
ect both of deep solicitude and of painful ankle
ly, and, under the conviction that it might be
d source Of benifcent influence to the community
in which it exists and by which II is sustained,
much of the time and thought, which could be
spared from the other very pressing claims that
were upon them, has been devoted to that most
interesting and important purpose
The difficulties which stood in the way Of a sue
cessul issue TO those aspirations though not more
| formidable perhaps than what are often met with
in other places we're, nevertheless, Of the most
|
all Of them or nearly all, be traced back very
we'll 10 two widely reaching aud prolific sources
First 10 the little appreciation of the snlutary IN
huence of a suitable School education on the part
of ignorant and unlettered parents, and, secondly,
to that kind Of mdisciplme nj home, which ere.
atcs the part OF children not only an utter u
noring of all self respect in regard TO decent per
sonal habits and appearance, but, NJ the same
time an almost utter Indifference to All the resources
both Of moral culture and of moral Improvement
These are difficulties of which very few are aware on
| iadced erer can be Ia all their faHness save those
who in some way other have become familiar
both with the material and operation Of those
Public Schools, which circumstances have render
ed necessary and expedient in almost every com
munty throughout the land.
| Believing, however, that even obstacles Such az
these were not absolutely msurmountaole when
met with suitable spirit of blended frmness ana
Cancellation, and especially, when the views ana
wishes of the Teacher coincide with their owI-
the Board have never faltered IN their cndeavors
to secure nm object so greatly 10 be desired, even
amid discouragements and disappointments which
al times seemed to forbid the exercise 81 hope
through the medium Of any future appliances
TO say that they have succeeded now, to
| an extent commensurate with their wishes, would
| not perhaps he in strict accordance either with
the truth or the precise meaning when they
desire 10 convey, nor would II be safe t. say
| ""' '"1' '"es " - r. ...,..,,,y.,,,
AS have respect TO Tht"cS anu '""' I" I,"S,'"'''5
IN attendance Tor whleh no spectre Feile"y ~ -
been discovered. put 'i'ey may "a
er fear or sell u"tery that oolh 81 tiese - ~
gradually abatns' ana mat, conS'ue,'"S '"9
nature OF the materal o' "nieh suen Tel, =
generally compoSeu' ana 'ne s.'aS " ~ ,,,d
moulding that ma'efiai u1'o 'uI'i' !, tboir
form, the exhibition "hleh y MAJ az, ;,,i,,'n
judgment quIeHS attractive ai" ny IN IA;
visible quite ~ extensive - " .,,,
terminating Puohc ought Ie"s".'I'5 II rI,,;.,,
Indeed there are some Parrials, ~ ,,r
to which IT IS OeIoVed me ocn'"i "V"iI ~
much ~ c"iaPH'iso" WV '"'''o = H. at
lated Schools ~ me eh'fe 'o'niiu M, -
ness OF personal appearance - 'i,"lS ,i,'.,.
nerS, ~ STIFFNESS "uhc -, !, M.
School engagements III = le"'9 :ti -,
commands OF the 1eacneT' 'ose,"o' ~, 49,,
- tbc Io.1nus which they reciIc
selves Respectfully ~ sHs : oI,ost bnyond me
inc lihProNeu'i'' =. IL L;I. .o1tc,nnlo
- necnliarly cheering, the Board
uns '"9 :" harden III anxious
re'1' ~ loii " r;,h 49,, belief man
| '"o7@' TIT; ID d;lli.a,rc .nd
~ !" VVh''"Ne' = I'LL rroS,hor. ond
waiehiuineSS on 'no P"' :" ~ c,tnra rhen
u""i mans ."e ;,l i, ha;I.d i, rirb npbli,
the institution ""i - "''''o' :" '.a,, l,,,I IL,
blessing ~ - however. P!oPo. n "'"'s I,,,,.
NV pa'' = - 80, ~ l,r,a proportion