The Leavenworth weekly times., 1876-02-03
SEEING THE SIGHTS.
A Joint Committee of the Senate and
House of Representatives,
Pay a Visit to the leavenworth State
Normal School.
After Which They Adjourn to Take a
Look at the Kansas State Peni-
Tertiary.
SEEING THE SIGHTS.
IN THE MORNING.

Senate and House of Representatives OF the
State Legislature TO insPsc; ard examine
into the workings Of the Leavenworth State
Normal School and the Kansas State Pen
itentiay arrived in the city yesterday
morning BY the l0:05 Kansas Pacific train,
and were Immediately driven from the de-
pot to the Normal School, where, under the
guidance OF Prof. Wherrell, they were
shown through the various departments of
the institution. As each room was entered
by the committee the Professor showed
forth its uses and adaptations, explaining
in detail the different modes of instruction
and the manner in which
the pupils, who, when graduated, them
selves became the teachers, wer. taught.
The committee also paid visit to the
training schools, on the first and second
1oors, where the Normal scholars, during
certain hours, employ their time in in
structing themselves in the art OF teaching
the young and INEXPERIENCED idea how TO
shoot, intellectually speaking. These
training schools are nothing more nor less
than graded schools, and are presided over
by regular teachers, paid by the Board of
Education which differ from the other
graded schools OF the city only in the fact
that at certaid periods during the day the |
Normal student relieves the regular in |
siructor, and becomes the teacher instead |
OF the taught Alter making themselves |
thoroughly acquainted with the manners |
and customs oi tine school, the gentlemen of |
the committee adjourned to the Oak |
Street High School, where a few pleasant
moments were spent. At noon they |
proceeded 10 the Delmonico, where |
an elegant collation. had been |
spread. Alter the performance OF the duty |
imposed upon all, io-wit, the discussion OF |
the good things of this life, the committee
boarded Halls bus, and proceeded to pay |
their respects to Maj. Hopkins and the
PenitentIary.
IN THE AFTERNOON.
81 half past one O'Clock the committee |
proceeded TO the Penitentiary, arriving at !
this institution exactly at half past two.
according to programme. Under the |
guidance Of Wsrden Hopksns and Deputy |
Warden Hanks, the gentlemen visited the 1
wagon, shoe, saddlery and other shops where |
the prisoners were busy at work, under the |
direction and supervision Of the different
superintendents anu guards. All expressed
themselves astonishsd al the system and
manner in which the labor ,f the convicts
is utilized. Warden Hopkins and his As
sistants, seem TO have perfect control of
these men, and one would SUPPOSE from
the way in which they work day after day
that they were honest men, obtaining
livelihood, by honest labor. Alter visiting
the different shops the committee was IN
vited TO supper, and though they all had a
large dinner, they seemed TO highly relish
the substantial food set before them by the
State. The most Interesting part OF the
visit was the meal OF the convicis Over
four hundred men in one large room, in
peculiar garb, and of different races, is a
sight not often seen, and not soon to be for
gotten.
When the members of the Legislature
had satisfied themselves that they had
seen everything at he Penitentiary, they
TO the city, arriving here at seven
clock, when they adjourned to the par
ors of the Missouri Valley Life Insurance
Company.
IN THE EVENING
1t about eight, quite number assembled
in the Missouri Valley building. Among
hose present, in addition to the committee,
Aere members OF the Normal School Board, |
If the CITY School Board, and several citi-
.ens. The object of this meeting was 10
hear from Prof. Wherrell, and the gentle
men Of the Board, what was needed for the
support of the Normal School for the COM
ing year Prof Wherreil, in a sensible ad-
dress, laid before the committee the work
ings Of the school located in this city, the
number i'm attendance, the occupation OF
heir parents, the cost Of their living, aud
other interesting items. He was frequent
|y interrupted by members who desired in
formation, which was given in a manner
highly satisfactory to all Prof Williams
called upon and endorsed Prof. Wher-
relrs remarks, and stated distinctly that
there was no connection whatever between
The Leavenworth High School and the
Normal School.
At the close Of Prof. Williams remarks,
Gov. Eskridge spoke for a few minutes
about the representation OF Kansas educa-i
tional interests at the Centennial
The committee spent the night at the
residences of several of our citizens, and
leave this morning on the narrow gauge for
Topeka. They appear pleased with their
visit 10 the metropolis, and we believe have
been kindly and Hospitality entertained.
PERSONAL.
The following are the members OF the
who were in the city as mem
,ers of the committees on Ways and Means,
and State Penitentiary:
Senators Martindale, Greenwood county
Linn county; Gillespie, Atchi-
,on county; Crichton, Labette county;
Bartlett, Allen county; Parkinson, Frank
lin county; and Representatives Eskridge,
Lyon county Hastings, Atchison county !;
Douglas county; hoyt Craw-
lord county; johnson, Ottawa county
Stone, Lesvenworth county Perrile, Usage
county, and Nichols, Cloud county.