Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1864-04-15
Tho colored school, Of New Orleans.

Editors Free Press
Such Il the interest felt in
the improvement Of the colored Freshmen. that
publication of the accompanying article would
crafty your readers
The Superintendent has been called in our
papers by almost every name but his real one,
and Justice to one Of our own State men rather
calls for a correct report.
W. B. stickney Is from Brookline in Windhan
County, and was for several years an earnest
aud successful teacher in our schools.
The plan of education adopted in the City of
New Orleans for the instruction Of the freedmen,
was constructed by DR.. Isaac Hubbs tof =. Y.
City, and Mr. stickney, and was adopted by
Gen. Banks with very slight alterations
Mr. shckney. in one Of his letters to me, says;
My long connection with Vermont Schools
and my intimate knowledge Of her School sys-
TEN have been of great service to me here
Mr.. stckney left his school. entering the SER
vice as private in one Of the Vermont regi-
ments; was promoted TO lieutenancy. and ap-
pointed Superintendent Of the colored schools in
New Orleans. He is a thoroughly good repre-
sentative Of the State Of Vermont
J.sA
The article alluded to by our friend, Is
from the New Orleans Times Of recent date.
We copy 1t below, and take the liberty to
add that the FREE Pass has repeatedly no
ticed Lieut.. Stickney's labors in New Or
leans, and has always given his name cor
rectly.
Few persons are aware that there are sight
colored schools in successful operation in this
city. A visit to them last week, in company
with the Superintendent, Lieut.. W. B. Stckney.
enabled Us to learn their exact condition. We
we're very much surprised to find them. with an
existence Of only nine months or less 50 well es-
tablished and in such Aourishing condition.
The largest proportion Of the scholars are well
advanced in the common English branches-some
50 far as to be able to enter stores as clerks The
scholars learn very readily They are clean, and
vell-behaved. Their teachers are happy in their
work, ami all Of them express themselves highly
encouraged at the progress WHICH IS being made.
The children who are regarded by some men,
and women too, as 30 stupid that they could
not learn, are found 10 learn very rapidly;
and from considerable experience with the peo-
pie Of Louisiana, we win venture to say that
there are among these scholars some who were
formerly slaves who can now read and write
better than their old masters.
We find considerable good already from the
war; and no greater good than that Of free edu-
cation 10 all classes Of people in the south
The men who have rallied round the flag Of their
country in Louisiana, and swept slavery out Of
their way, have been educated % believe free
schools and free education as essential ss bread
and butter. Il IL one Of those results which !
must be expected. Although there are many
persons still IN Louisiana VINO oppose universal
education and that show themselves 10 be mere
creatures Of the past, blind to the inevitable
present, yet the glorious work has commenced,
and will 20 on forever.
There are now eighteen hundred colored schol- |
ar attending the eolorei day schools in this
city, and in one year more, at the present rate
Of increase. there will be several thousand |
There are twenty-five teachers who would be
credit to any schools in any part Of the country.
In looking over the weekly report Of the Super |
intendent we notice the following very encour-
aging statement
These schools are no longer an experiment. 1
The colUred people seem t6 comprehend their
situation; and, poyerty-stricken as many Of
them are, they evince something Of Yankee tact
IN managing 10 keep their children at school.
" The pupils are eager TO learn and notwith-
standing al the theories Of shareholders to the
contrary, are proving that in aptness 10 sequirs
knowledge, they are not inferior to the whites. (
The progress that has beon made since the open
ing Of the schools shows that they are as caps
ble Of learning the rudIments Of su English ed Z
ucation as the Anglo-SAxon.
The teachers have been untirIng in their ef- |
forts to promote the welfare Of their pupils and
deserve much credit for the zeal and energy /
which they have manifested in the discharge Of |
their duties from the commencement Of the (
schools TO the present moment"
The visit which we msde to these schools en-
ables Us TO appreciate the report Of ths Superin-
tendent who h.S BY his energy brought these
schools to their present happy standard There
are in this State At present about forty schools
for colorei persons. When the schools in the
various school districts are established, the num-
Der will reach At least one hundred.