The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1874-11-20

of the city, the study of vocal music, re-
spectfully report:
That they have given the subject care
full consideration, and have come to the
conclusion that the efficiency of the pub
lie schools would be greatly increased by
the introduction into them, of the study
of vocal music.
Your committee therefore recommend
the adoption of the following resolutions:
Resolved, That the committee on Rules
and Regulations be Instructed to report
rule or rules in regard to the study of
vocal music, providing for the introduce
ton of the same into the public schools
of the city as a part of the regular in
struction to be given therein, say from
the first of January, 1875.
Resolred, That the COMMITTEE be
authorized to make inquiry for COM
petent teacher of music, whose duty it
Shall be to give music lessons each week
in each school room occupied by the pu-
pills of the city public schools, and also
one lesson each week to the teachers of
the public schools, upon the science OF
music and the art of teaching the same;
the committee to report their inquiries 10
the Board for its final action.
The report of the committee and the
resolutions were adopted.
INTERPRETATION OF RULES.
The committee on Rules and Regula-
tions made the following report:
! To the Board of Education:
At the last stated meeting of the
Board, the committee on Rules and Regu-
lations were "instrHcted to consider and
report the true intent and meaning OF
Rules and 9 of the General Rules.
The committee met on Monday evening
the 18th inst, every member of the COM
mittoe being present. These rules were
carefully considered and an earnest
effort made to arrive at their true intent
and meaning. TheSuperintendent being
present, by request of the committee,
submitted his written opinion on the
subject. His views, in regard to "the in
tent and meaning" of the rules and the
practice of the teachers under them, were
found to coincide IN the main with those
entertained by the committee, and it was
resolved, unanimously, to report them to
the Board AS embodying the views of the
committee.
In regard to the meaning which is at
tached to the word necessary in rule I,
your committee are informed by the
Superintendent that, in answer to inqui-
ries OF teachers upon this subject, he has
advised them to accept without question
the statement of parents or guardians.
requesting or excusing the absence or
tardiness of pupils, when such statement
represent the absence to be necessary
The parent or guardian has not been re-
quircd to mention the special cause OF
absence of the pupil in ordinary cases.
When, however, the pupil has been alb
sent five days in four consecutive weeks,
then the question of such absence comes
under another provision of Rule !, snd
its consideration under the rule, contem-
plates IA more spdcitic statement of the
parent or guardian in regard to the cause
of the absence;> this latter statement to
be made to the Superintendent.
This practice, under the Rules, we
think is as liberal, both to the parent or
guardian and the pupil us the interests
OF the schools will justify. 1t is more
liberal than obtains III most of the lead
ing schools of the country.
Your committee, in the consideration
ofthcSc rules concerning attendance, de-
ducc the following conclusions, viz:
First, That regular attendance is essen
tial to success in any school. Second,
That the enforcement of wholesome rules
is essential to regular attendance. Third,
1t is inconsistent with the interests of
any school that parents or guardians
should ask that pupils be excused from
attendance on school, except for the pur-
poses which are clearly necessary.
The committee would again submit the
report made at the last meeting, relating
to the printing of the law and rules, and
they recommend the adoption of the rcsO
luton accompanying the report, viz:
RcSolred, That the committee on Rules
and Regulations be instructed to collect
all rules adopted by the Board since last
publication, and have three hundred
1900 copies of the laws and rules print
ed without delay, at a cost not to exceed
the cost of the last publication of the
laws and rules.
After the reading of the above report
Cant. Wilson arose and was about to
make some remarks OH the subject when,
"A point of order was raised. Then
followed a disconnected debate between
several of the members, after which
Can't. Wilson took the floor, and in
n somewhat excited manner made
"A statement in relation to the controver-
~ between himself and Rev. Mr.. Nc
Mcchcn, principal of the Centre district
school. Captain Wilson denied that he
had sought to prevent Mr.. McMechcn
from making statement to the BoarG,
AS the Reverend gentleman had asserted
in his card, but on the other hand
had insisted that Mr.. McMechen
and himself be heard, and have
the difference between the Superinten-
dent and Principal raj himself decided
in its true merits. The members who
were present at former meeting of the
Board and heard Mr.. Wilson, sustained
HIM IN the above statement.
After some further discussion, on mo-
ton of Mr.. Biekcl, the report was refer
red back to the committee, and the clerk
instructed to request Mr.. Wilson and
Mr.. McMechen to appear before them
and make their statements and gricv-
ances.
The report of the committee on ac-
counts, WAS received and adopted.
On motion adjourned.
For fine yard wide half blcached mus
lin, at cents, go to Lewis, at No. 2lO2
NJ, -.r.., DlFD