Daily national Republican. (Washington City [D.C.]) 1870-1872, 1870-01-15

In 1857 there were 7,0i6 children attend
ing school In Washington, aud $500 In the
whole District.
In 1857 the number OF children Of both
sexes who attended private schools was a.
go. For the current year careful observa-
tlon shows that they may be estimated al
3Sx per cent. more than the above figures.
Tho present state OF public and private
| schools IL estimated as follows; White males
and females In Washington In public schools,
6,l75; In the whole District, 7.l39; colored
In Washington, $3.50, and In the whole Dis
triet, 4,o95i number OF children in private
schools In Washington, 6,5pS; In the Dis
trlct, 7,lt5. These figures show that there
are now 1908 children attending schools In
Washington, and 1902 In the whole Dis
trlct. ...
In answer To an inquiry as 10 the principal
causes of n.attendanco at schools, Mr.. X.
attributes to the want Of suitable accommo-
datlons, want OF funds, tho practice Of TAX
Ing children from school AZ soon as they are
able 10 60 TO work, aud a want Of proper ap-
probation Of the value Of education.
Mr.. Richards says the most immediate
educational needs OF the District are; lSt. A
moro efficient school law; which will bring
the whole District under a general superin-
tendent, with a board Of education, which
shall have the authority 70 decide how much
money should DO raised for school purposes,
how Il should be Spont, and how the schools
should DO CONTROLLED ID. The schools
ought 10 recelvo Congressional aid In view
Of the fact that more than one half Of the
children In the public schools belong To fam
llles connected In some way with some
branch OF the Government, and that their
parents, as general rule, pay no taxes.
DR.. Rowland, OF the county, said that the
county schools were doing very we'll, but q
grant OF land or q direct appropriation by
n.
Nj. Richards thought that tne reason
Congress did not act was attributable TO the
failure Of the commissioner Of education 70
transmit his report on the school census
In the District In 1867 to that body.
Mr.. syphaK, OF the colored school trustees,
said that the colored schools were greatly 10
need Of aid, and he advocated tho appoint.
meut OF a committee TO present TO Congress
and the city authorities the condition and
wants Of the schools.
Mr.. A. B. johnson, OF the Seventh dis
trict, reported that In his district aecommo-
| datlons were provided for not more than
two-thirds Of the children, and he believed
that the other districts Jared no better In
the way Of accommodations. The grammar
schools, he said, contained about thirty pu-
pills and the primary forty-hve; and, as to
the Consolidation OF the schools, they could
| take no action, as they lad no Instructions.
Mr.. Alfred Jones, OF the colorod schools,
said he favored asking aid from Congress.
Mr.. Libbey, of Georgetown, thought some
plan should be adopted to approach Con-
| gress on the subject Of assistance. This was
what the committee was called together for,
aud for no other purpose. In Georgetown
there were not sufficient school accommoda-
| lions, nor funds sufficient to satisfy all the
demands for educational purposes.
| Mr.. Syphax said that, so far as the con-
sh65aaTtIaR y9fH'fS c'6bgF65s. Hllt6Gt is now
needed was money for the support Of the
schools. Should Congress make an appro-
priation 1t would benefit all alike, Iwhlto and
colored.
Mr.. johnson said II We asked for assist
ance specifically for one object Ia would more
likely be allowed. What was most needed
In the county Ia school-houses.
Mr.. Mcclellan moved that committee Of
one from each school interest represented
here be appointed In order TO agree upon
some means Of approaching Congress aud
prepare memorial to be presented to that
body.
The motion was agreed to, and the Chair
appointed Mesars. 2. Richards, A. B. Joha-
sou, W. L. Dunlop, VIM. syphaI, A. E.
Newton said committee.
On motion, the Chair (Mr. A. Hyds) was
added 10 the committee.
The meeting then adjourned, and the COM
mlttee was requested 10 meet at the residence
| Of Superintendent Richards on Monday
night 70 dnaft resolutions and a suitable me-
mortal 10 be presented 10 Congress.