Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1863-11-02
Our Pu c Schools.
Hon. H. 5. SteUsns:

| Hon. II. .. SteUeas:
DEAR SIR: In my communication Of Thurs
day, dWslt chiefly upon the crowded cOndi'
ton of our Primary and Secondary Schools
Upon this point, permit me to add that il
these schools we're limited to fifty pupils each
there would remain eight hundred and sixty
two pupils to be provided for. Should the
number be placed at sixty for each school,
there would remain five hundred and two
children without school privileges. In the
former case, seventeen additional schools
would be needed in the latter case, ten. 1t
should be mentioned in this connection that
some of tho buildings occupied by the
Schools now in operation, are very unsuitable
for the purpose. Such are those in Hudson,
Penn and Washington streets.
There is another fact bearing on this quss-
tion which should be duly considered. I lam
informed that there are hundreds of children
in the city who would attend our schools, but
for the evils which arise from their over
crowded state. Some not from choice, but
from necessity. Thus many of our citizens
are obliged, after being taxed to establish
and support public schools, to educate their
children at heavy expense in private schools.
Not many private schools can compare well
with properly managed public schools, in
respect to systematic and thorough instruc-
tion. I have no knowledge of the private
schools for young children which exist in
this city but if they are half as good as
some of our public schools, they deserve
credit for excelling most Of the private
schools which have known in other places.
make no war upon these schools. l wish
them all prosperity and success. In the pre-
sent crowded state of the public schools of
our city, private schools become necessity.
But the people have right to expect and
reouire that their children shall enjoy the
superior advantages of good public schools.
Judge that quite enough has been said
to convince you, sir, and all who may have
read what have written on the subject, that
additional school accommodations should be
provided without unnecessary delay. New
school buildings are the only adequate rem
sdy for the hindranee and discOuragements
which impress themselves upon ali who take
an interest in the education Of the children
of Cleveland.
What is the cause of the delay In meeting
this great and pressing want? 1t is not the
fault of our citizens generally. They are
urgent in their demands for new buildings
for the accommodation Of the schools Of the
city. The city is rapidly increasing in pop
ulation. Never did Cleveland enjoy greater
prosperity. All departments Of business sre
active and successful. Money is plenty, and
the people are abundantly able to furnish
the buildings required by the educational ne
cessities Of their children. They can well
afford to provide all that is requisite to the
conVenience, efficiency and success Of our
schools. They cannot afford to neglect this
provision for the future of this beautiful
town greatly depends on the character of its
present educational facilities. But the macs
of the people need ne prompting on this sub
iect. They know that the annual income of
some one of their many wealthy men, would
be sbundantly sufficient to provide all the
buildings that are needed that tax Of one
mill on the dollar for two or three years,
would do the work.
Is the neglect chargeable to our Board of
Education We shall zee.
respectfully yours, ANsON sMYTH.