New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1873-12-18
From Missouri.
KANSAS CITY, Mo-, Dec. Q, 49,
II. CoRDELIA RAY.

KANSAS CITY, No, Dec. Q, 1873.
70 the Eh,or erHe Neto National Era and citizen:
In my last confessed to the efficient char
actcr Of our temples of divine worshp-thosc
shrines at which every faithful follower of
Jesus always delights to offer humble sacri-
fee of praise and prayer, and which all civ
iii2ed communities regard as the framework,
if not the basis, OF their progress in whatever
direction they may extend their efforts or
push forward their enterprises. Churches
90 hand in hand with the schools. But at
the present time Kansas City has greater
reason TO be proud Of the latter than Of the
former. Her schools, generally speaking,
are noble monuments the pride, the energy,
and the progressive spirit of her citizens.
Seven years ago they were but a myth-a
mere possibility, which coming years might
transform into 4 reality. Then there was
not public school house in the city, and up
TO that time since the war no appropriation
FOR free schools had been made. But the
intelligence Of the city comprehended the
fact that the growth of no community could
be permanent unless based upon education
and good morals. 4 school board was formed
and the work Of establishing schools begun.
To-day the city boasts Of twelve large school
houses, OF tasty and attractive architecture,
and conveniently located. They are large,
roomy, and supplied with all the modern
convenences throughout. Last year the city
paid her teachers $50, 900 in salaries, ranging
from $50 to S 800, most Of whom are ladies,
but all Of whose salaries are graded accord
ing to a standard of qualifications, expert
ence. sc.
| The colorcd children are excluded from the
! schools, save the one assigned them in West
! Kansas, which is not only unjust, but works
| great hardships to many of them, especially
| those who reside far remote from their school
| house. The prejudice that is so blind and
narrow as to pursue such a course is worthy
only Of the most selfish and foolish minds.
| The fact that we are now American citizens,
and are called upon to take part in the affairs
| Of the nation alone should induce those OF
| liberal ideas, those who have the interest OF
the nation at heart, to do all in their power
! TO raise us TO a higher standard of excellence
/ III the soCl.ti us NcIi as III thC "tSiiCNtui
scale. Horrible as the idea of mixed school
may appear TO some, the fact is quite cleal
that such IA school will do more to elevate
the race than all else beside. In Cleveland
Ohio, the mixed schools are 4 success, and
whites are as good and intelligent as if they
had never seen a negro, while the negroes
are much brighter and great deal better
than they would be if they were thrown to.
gether and treated as they are here. Where
there is one per cent. Of injury to the white
there is fifty per cent. or good to the colored
children.
! The main colored school building in this
city is of brick, one-story, with 4 sitting capa
city of one hundred and fifty pupils. 1t is
relieved by two other rooms rented by the
board contiguous TO the main building.
I Your humble correspondent has had charge
Of this school during the past five years, and
as vet has had no occasion to regret the fiat
( Of fate which brought him hither to labor anG
/ think and watch for the rising Of his pupil.
in the scale Of honest fame.
One great want deeply felt among us i,
musical culture. Our children should be
taught 10 sing-not only with the spirit, but
with the understanding also. Their musica
powers surpass those Of any other race, ant
why not cultivate them. The experiment Of