Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1873-06-14
OUR CITY FREE SCHOOLS.
Visit 10 the COl0red Observation-Disclosures
Of the Boys High School.

Visit 10 the Colored Scho0Is-ExhibitiOn
Of the Boys High School.
Mr.. Baird, the energetic Superintendent
of the city free schools, has been very
busy for the last few days in going around
to the different schools, making examina-
tions as to the progress of the scholars. We
regret that we were unable to make the
entire round with him, but yesterday
morning we accompanied him to the fol-
lowing places:
We first visited Mrs. Blanche Brooks
colored high school, who had an eXami-
nation on Thursday, and consequently
many of her best scholars were not present,
yet those present answered readily almost
all the questions Mr.. Baird asked them in
arithmetic, grammar, geography and his
tory, showing that their training had been
in good, practical hands. In fact, we have
seen few school exhibitions where the
scholars showed more plainly that they
appreciated the advantages they enjoyed,
and seemed more determined to gain there
by.
Mrs. r. e. Harris primary class, in the
same building, Zion Church, on Marble
Alley, answered well nearly all the ques-
tions asked by the Superintendent on the
different studies with which they were &C.
quainted, closing the examination with
some lively songs, in which all, from the
youngesttO the oldest, Joined. All seemed
eager to return to school, and when asked
by the Superintendent who would be
present at the next session nearly every
voice was raised in the affirmative, and
when asked to raise their hands nearly
every hand went up, and one little fellow,
for fear OF not being seen, remarked, Here
1 ISL
Miss frankie E. Harris, who, with an
assistant, has been teaching a school of
nearly 100 average attendance, was next
called upon. Her scholars, too, answered
very well, considering their age and the
advantages they have enjoyed. They closed
the examination with singing, in which
they showed proficiency rarely found
among children of their age. Wethus closed
our round among the colored schools,
feeling we'll pleased with the progress the
colored youth of Knoxville are making in
the cause of education.
In the afternoon Mr.. Baird visited the
Summit Hill schools, which have been
taught by Mr.. J. J. O'Shea and Mrs. Nc
Nichols, but we regret that we were una
BILE to be present. Yet we are informed by
the Superintendent that the scholars
showed a proficiency in their studies far
beyond his expectations.
BOYS HIGH SCHOOL.
This school, taught by Mr.. S. A. Craig,
gave an exhibition yesterday afternoon,
consisting of compositions, declarations,
dialogues, orations, and some good sing
ing, in which they were led by Mrs. Craig,
who has voluntarily. and without any
compensation, given lessons in singing to
her husbands class. The boys all acquitt-
ed themselves creditably, showing that
hoit FOL mi hos in, 70
hands, and it is only to be regretted that
not more of the parents of the scholars
felt interested enough to be present. Yet
there were some few friends of
the free school cause on hand,
and among them, Rev. Mr.. Bachman, who
addressed the school in a few touching
and appropriate remarks. He earnestly
advised them to master thoroughly the
first principles of an education, and as they
advanced in their studies to be sure there
was nothing left behind of which they
were not perfect masters. His remarks
were listened to with marked attention,
and we feel confident that it was seed
sown in good ground which will bring
forth good fruit in due season.
The school was then dismissed until the
first of next September, and teachers and
scholars were soon employed in taking af
fectionate farewells Of each other, all ex-
pressing hope of meeting again at the
commencement of the next session. All the
teachers of our city free schools, so far as we
could learn, enjoy an unusual amount of
the love and respect of their pupils, and
hence the rapid advancement Of the latter
in their studies, while the Superintendent
enjoys the love and respect of both teach
ers and scholars, and hence all have work.
ed together harmoniously, and the cause
of education has been advanced.