Arizona citizen., 1875-06-19
LOCAL MA TIERS.
The TucsOn Public Schools.

tion at the courthouse was witnessed by a large number of citizens. The review of the studies showed that the children
 have made most rapid progress and have learned very thoroughly as far as they
 have gone The pieces spoken did credit to the children and the careful framing of the teachers. The vocal music by the girls was charming, and the school news paper called, "The Arizona Educator" was the source of a good deal of amusement, and displayed considerable newspaper talent for new beginners. The exercises were closed with an address by Ignacio Bonillas, young man who has been in school less than four years and who could not speak a word of the English language when he commenced. The ad- dress was delivered in good style as fol- lows:
 "Teachers, scholars and friends: We have assembled here to-day for the pur- pose of witnessing the examination of the public schools at the close of the term. It is only four ysars since any attempt was made to establish public system of education, where the rich and poor of any nationality nd<creed could go and, free of charge, receive the rudiments at least of an education. w h n these schools were first started, we had neither books nor school-room accommodations, and means to keep the schools going but limited portion of the year; few, if any oi us, could speak, or read, or write scarcely a word in English. Those friends who have so generously stood by us and aided us in our education, a life of gratitude will never repay; all the reward we can now offer, is to point you to the examination you have witnessed to-day as an evidence that we have made the best of our opportunities and appreciate the ad- vantages you are giving us. Many Of our number have already through these ad- vantages been enabled to procure lucrative employment where they are now. in many instances, contributing to the support of aged parents. To our teachers, who have many veXations and trials, we return our heartfelt thanks. If we have caused them trouble we are sorry for it. if at times we have been uneasy because we have been restrained, we now see that it was for our good and wherever our teachers may go, we shall always feel that they have been our truest friends. To the school trus- tees, who have often visited and eDcour aged us, and who have always been ready to do all things in their power to advance our interest and comfort, we owe a deep debt of gratitude, and if by a firm resolve to grow up and become good and useful citizens they can be compensated, then we will endeavor to reward them.
 Now, kind friends, we are about to separate until the Fall term commences, when we hope again to assemble in the new and commodious school-house our friends are building for us, and if you are pleased with the progress we have so far made, with the increased advantages you are soon to give us, we hope to be able at the next examination to give you increas ed pleasure in the progress we shall make. I thank you one and all for the interest you have taken to educate and elevate the poor children of Tucson, and hope that the pleasure Of this examination may often be repeated"
 Want of space compels us to refrain from only making a passing notice this week of this most interesting exhibition we shall endeavor in our next issue to | give full report.
 UNTK the last year or so the people of this vicinity had 10 struggle along with 1