Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1876-08-16
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

AS the numbering express wagons be-
gin to creak and rattle along the streets
with their topping loads Of baggage
and the incoming tide of tanned women
In linen dUs. ers, scowling men with
empty pockets, and children in worn-
out summer clothes, the public begins to
fesl interested in our city schools. In the
present condition Of our public schools
thsre is much to encourage, but some
thing to deplore. In th6first place, the
election of 1T. Lesth as superintendent
is csuse for congrstulation. Under his adj
ministTation the public schools were em-
inently successful. All concede his abil-
tty, and as all have implicit faith in his
honesty, purity, and scrupulOus desire
TO do right, the public will have conf
ally sustain any policy he may suggest.
The selection Of William H. Foute as
assistant superintendent is also favora-
bic omen as to the future success Of cur
public schools. He has been raised in
MemphiP, is familiar with the wants of
the people, understands their peculiari-
ties, and as he is a young man of
scholarly attachments, ability, bril-
lisncy and slertness, he will shine as
assistant superintendent. Another au-
curry Of SUCCESS consists in tbs fact that
the services of the teachers OF the last
scholastic year are to be retained.
Public sentiment was divided as to the
late superintendent Of the city public
schools; but there has been no division
as to his corps Of teachers. Without a
single exception they were laborious and
efficient, and carried with them in their
simmer recreation the good wishes of
the parents whose children they had so
faithfully served. The people cling to
an honest, faithful officer, and we are
grstified to see that the same prudential
motives have induced our school board
to retain the teachers in the public |
schools. The preacher, the orator, the
hero and the fashionable belle are 2, n
orally the pets Of the community, tut |
the school teachers, the modest, earnest, |
even tempered step-mothers and STEP
fathers OF everybody's children, should |
be the cherished idols of the
community In which I they live.
They in their quiet and patient way
sway and fashion the Grant forces upon
which depend not merely the rise and
fall of rudimentary knowledge, bat the
security and growth of 81 that preserves
and exslts society and gives to popular
government its progress and IFS glory.
Nine-tenths Of cur children get the most
OF their education in the public schools,
aud their can be no higher mission than
that OF school teachers, who bring the
boys Snd girls, who are to be our future
men and women, safely through the de-
cisive experiences which, more than all
else Of life, fix the bent OF mind, If man.
ners and OF morals. According to the
teachings OF teachers must be the char
scter Of the schools; and as the schools
are 80 viii be the citizens-which is :
but saying go will be the nation for hon.
OF Tor shame, While we congratulate
the public on these favorable indica-
uohs as to the future success OF !,
Gun public schools, We regret the posi-
Dllty OF suspendiDg the high schools, )
Inc board OF education has managed to :
Keep up these high schools, and we see
40 reason why the same economy and
wise management would not perpetuate
Ihem' When community commences
re1rograde movement in educational Z
1Hslrs, It will retrograde in morals and )!
,englon' Let US take no step backward y
Lei US continue the high schools as ',
invaluable aids to civilization and u
Instead of retrograding Q
,Or schools should constantly extend Y
ne scopes Of their usefulness, Every 81
eii-"isher to freedom and to human tt
togfess would deplore to zee our public o.
chooi system diminish its facilities. tor &c
-, .-. tnust eoHeede that educstion-por a
!, tnA tD1g but liberal educatiop-is "
ne .eSI security for our republican in h.
81 long as the public schools ts
re maintained intact, the repubIlc Is ~
ecuTe. ''UNiio ID "a
81