Evening star., 1869-10-02

ntelfeCtudl expansion, II becomes the duty OF
the social compact which 10 TO be benefited
thereby, TO provide means TO accomplish the
desired object. In every society will be found
large numbers who are without means TO
whose children, by reason Of unfa vorable sur
roundines, would be left to grow up in igno-
rance, and without mental culture. To over
come these dfmculties, and in order TO reach
every child in our city, our tree school ystem
has been instituted. Although it is of recent
origin, it is yet of vigorous growth, and prom.
conducted by a Board Of Trustees, composed
Of some Of our most intelligent and res pectable
citizens, who have shown q commendabIe zeal
in their philanthropic work. 1t now has a
superintendent distinguished for ability aud
experience which peculiarly adapt him for the
duties OF his position. 1t always has an ample
number Of competen Mt teachere for the different
grades Of schools, who are devoted 10
their good work, and TO whose care
and instruction any children may safely
be entrusted with certainty OF Improvement
people, who, through their Councils, appro-
pirate three hundred thousand dollars annu-
ally to support it. This Franklin School build
ing is one of the fruits Of the system, and stands
proud monument to the honor of those who
have been interested in its construction. MI
Ado1ph Cluss has acq uired additional fame as
it's architect TO the Hon. ex.Mayor Wallach,
OF its grand design and foundation; but 10 the
Hon. Mayor Bowen, and his associates, we
must award the honor of having manifested
ing and finishing this magnificent structure,
especially as it was done at a time when the
city Corporation was labering under most dis
tressing financial embarrassmepts And to the
citizens Of Washington, who have SO patiently
borne the burden of taxation to complete II we
give all praise. The laurels won by its compile
tion will never fade while the blessings OF the
instruction impaired here continue TO fall
among grateful people.
Turning to MIR. Browne, Mr.. Crocker said
Sir, representing, as do, the corporate au-
M hQ Qit nf Wae I'M Utn 4 ha, tha
honor Of delivering 70 You, the senior member
OF the Sub-Board Of Trustees OF the First
School District Of this city, these keys, and
with them the possession Of this building. /
perform this pleasing duty in the name and on
the behalf Of the Mayor and Boards OF Alder
men and Common Council Of this city. You
are 70 receive the same on behalf of the Board
of Trustees Of Public Schools, whose duty il
has now become to carefully preserve this
Franklin School edifce and occupy IL for the
exclusive purpose of Imparting knowledge to
the rising generation, under our free school
system. The intelligence, integrity, and be-
nevolent character Of the gen tlemen who COM
pose the Board Of Trustees are a sure guaranty
that this sacred trust could not be confided to
more worthy hands.
Mr.. Brown, on receiving the keys, addressed
the acting Mayor as follows:
TRUSTEE BROWNS ADDRESS.
Mr.. Nayor:-Until a recent date 1 had hoped
and expressed that the pleasant duty now as
signed me would have been discharged by a
zens OF this District are indebted more than 10
all others tor the construction of this noble ed-
ice, and whose eight years service on the
Board OF Trustees and incessant labors for the
elevation Of the public schools of this city en-
Title him to the esteem ard gratitude Of ali
classes Of our fellow.citiZens. i reter to J. O.
Wilson, Esq. But on his retirement from the
Board the duties and responsibilities as chair
man OF the Building COMMITTEES, involving an
oversight OF the work Of the contractor and the
selection and purchase OF the furniture and
" lvaA m Ind fhoca
cumstances you can hardly appreciate the
pleasure l feel as l stand here o-day in behalf
Of my colleagues and myself to receive these
symbols Of honor and trust confided to our
charge. This building has not risen to COM
pieaSn meeting . waa sss full share OF
Tho ground was purchased At q reasonable
price, only by Withholding from the public a
knowledge OF the purpose for which It was to
known, citizens residing in the immsdiate
vicinity commenced fierce opposition against
ITS erection, on the supposftion that their prop
erty would be greatly reduced In value, and the
congre CATION of so large a number OF pupils
would prove an intollerabie annoyance to the
community. But the purchase had been made
with full knowledge OF these facts, and in the
hands OF gentlemen less self.reliant and perse-
veiing the enterprise might have proved A
failure. a plan OF the building was, however
,sS hp Ss DfS ana adGped apRropra
structlon IN due time commenced. A variety of
reasons combined TO retard the work, so that
nearly three years elapsed before the walls
enclosed. a. this step Of Its progress a new
andtformidable opposition appeared, looking
to the sale Of the building to the Government
the friends OF the enterprise again
rallied with renewed yigor and determi-
nation, and as the result Of these efforts are
iS mere to-day to dedicate the building 10
the sacred cause Of popular education
But the scene Is now happily changed. Oar
former enemies have become our friends, and
many OF those who opposed the erection Of the
building in all OF Its stages have, since its com
pletion, placed their children within its walls.
1t is further apparent that real estate situated
In this immediate vicinity has, since the erec.
than fifty per cent. About twenty first.cIass
houses have already been erected der its yerv
shadow, while in its immediate vicinity similar
buildings have been commenced or completed,
nearly half a million of dollars. In view of
these facts we may, think, reasonably ASK of
our fellow.ciizens, so largely benefited by
this structure, at least a liberal Subscription
towards filling the now empty shelves
of our spacious and beautiful library
It is due to the architect, A: CIuss, Esq, that
to overcome difficulties and remove ohstrnc
tions, as we'll as by the unstunted appIication
OF his ingenuity and skill as an eminent artist.
ne ne mas won tne confidence and is entitled to
the gratitude OF the Building Committee and a
generous public. OF Mr.. J. G. NayIor. the
contractor, desire to make honorable meption
IOr MS scrupulOus nQellty In executing to the
letter all of the details OF his contract and
for fitting compliment to his kill and fidelitv
he may well point to this building. 1t oniy
remains or me to say IN conclusion that the
present sub-board appreciates the honor ana
responsibilities conftded TO them and will en-
deavor to discharge it with q view to the h,eh.
est welfare CT the schools and all the in nterssts
therein SO long as they remain in
charge OF them. t.
OBLIGATORY ODE.
The dedicatory ode, written by u. J. Barter
Esq, was sung by the school choir and the
The following are the words:
Join we noble song;
Its echoing notes prolong-
A hymn of praise:
Gladly our hearts unite;
Sweetly our songs in vite;
While We In Joy and light,
Our anthem raise!
This temple proudly stan6s,
Wrought out by skillful hands,
Firm built and strong:
Here Learning's light shall eIeam.
A clear and constant beam;
Here VISIONS 3 votartes teem,
A countless throng!
We dedicate these walls,
These fair and classic halls
This homo Of youth:
TO Freedoms glorious name;
To Honor's sacred flame;
To Wisdom, Power, and Fame;
TO Love and Truth!
Then raise our vol ces high!
Shout to the echoinG SKY .. r.-f t.i