Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1867-01-30
Freedmen Schools In EsiCEs-
Rn0ld

We print below letter by one of the gen
tlemen now laboring in the Freedmen's schools
in Richmond, and who is chiefly supported
in that field of labor by the Freedmenis Aid
Society of Montpelier:
DEAR MADAx.--Your communication of
November l4th was duly received aud read to
ali the teachers at the bakery. For one, 1
NEST heartily s;mpathize with the cheerfully
and cordially adopt the policy therein indica-
ted.
As our district includes quite large per-
centsge of the poorest colored people (being
remote from the dock, canal, machine shops
and tobacco factories, &c, ) of Richmond, and
es all the other societies that have schools
here in the city supply all fuel, DC. grave ap-
prehensions were at first felt By several OF the
teachers, that 10 call on the children or their
parents to supply fuel for the schools, would
tepd to cause many to leave the schools and
otherwise act IN jurlously. Miss Canedy, who
you know possesses clear head. warm heart,
and sound judgment, and has a so the advan-
tage of much experience, felt very fearful that
il would nearly break up the schools. We
consulted In regard to the best course 10 PuT-
sue to accomplish the desired object. The
majority were in favor of calling oD the pu-
pills for five cent contributions weekly. AZ
TO myself, | considered the better way would
be; TO call meeting of the parents and
guardians of the pupils, and lay the subject
before them.
Hence, last Monday morning l requested
the ladies to announce TO their schools that
there would be a meeting OF the parents in
the school-room where we hold the night
school, on "Wednesday evening, at halfp past
seven, and that all were earnestly and cor
daily invited to attend, q matter of much
Z IN 10
presented for their consideration. The notes
was repeated for three days in succession.
At the appointed hour, between two and
three hundred were present. The room was
filed, and many could not gain admittance
tor want of room. Mr.. Brooks was called by
rhe meeting to the chair. After prayer, by
request of the chairman, proceeded to in
form those present of the object of calling the
meeting. That as teachers, we desired TO
personally form the acquaintance of the pc
rents of scholars attending our schools, TO in
form them about what amount the Commits
sion was required to spend yearly In paying
the teachers salaries, the expense of the f.
ting up the buildings, &c. That the good
people of the North paid about nine tenths of
all these expenses. Also what the freedmen
were oolAs feH tesL-s1i-<~ =; -s.--- s-i~aes
that it was becoming very dithcult to false the
necessary funds; that the work was a great
and glorious one. L pointed out to them the
results already ACCOMPLISHED in their midst,
&c., how the loyal people of the North had
been taxed, and what sacrifices they had made
In putting down the rebelilon, and giving
them their freedom. And finally, that they
were now called upon to lend helping hand
towards paying very small portion (ODly
one thlrtieth of the whole amount) of the
pense of supporting schools for their own
special benefit. | estimated the whole cost of
supplying fuel for the schools, the remainder
of the school year, at S20O,-which, for each
of the 400 attending the schools would be
only so cents. That probably some would
not be able TO contribute anything while
others were abundantly able to pay three or
tour times that amount.
After several very favorable and friendly
speeches by prominent colored men, the fol-
| lowing resolution was unanimously adopted
| by the meeting:
Resolved. That the parents present at this
meeting of pupils attending these schools,
agree TO contribute 80 cts. for each child sent
towards providing fuel for the schools; and
those whose circumstances will permit to con-
tribute greater amount.
A committee was appointed to obtain the
church for the purpose, and another nesting
called for next Thursday evening, when con-
| tributons are TO be handed in ' smack down
and right on the spot" as one speaker ex-
pressed 1t.
The meeting adjourned in the greatest good
humor, and all present seemed TO feel that
they had been benefited, and good work
had been accomplished in calling the parents
together.
1 will duly inform you of the result of the
meeting next Thursday evening. an hope
full that We shall be able to carry the schools
through the remainder of the school-year,
without another dollars expense to the COM
mission, beyond the teachers salaries Be
assured that everything shall be managed 30
save and avoid expense as much as possible,
compatible with the interest and usefulness
of the schools.
Most cordially and respectfully,
your obedient servant.
HORACE w. AovEY.