Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-03-18
THE CITY SCHOOLS.
Specimens OF work Prepared tor
the PhLlndelphih Centennial.

INV EAaAouoApnAa OentonhAAA
By invitation Of Superintendent Pick.
cit a representative Of the LEDGRR Wis.
tied the rooms Of the School Board at
Odd Fellows Hall, Thursday, to inspect
maps and other work prepared to for
ward to the Philadelphia Exposition.
We found there several Of the lady
teachers, a few Of the School Visitors,
Mr.. Pickett and a number Of the pupils
who we're eagerly looking on, examining
each others work.
The specimens OF map-drawiuE and
other results Of school-room labor are
bound in seven large handsome volumes,
and TO examine them carefully and crit.
cslly would be several days hard work.
We spent an hour or two. however, in
very close examination and found much
to commend. OF course there we're de-
fects and mistakes, but it would be IN.
generous to point them cut. The map
drawing was highly creditabls as a gen.
eral thing, although too much time
may hsve been consumed that way.
This ia a question with two sides,
bat the pupils aud teachers are not re.
spopsible for the policy Of Mr.. Pickett or
the board. We merely speak Of the
specimens examined upon their merits.
While map drawing wss 3 conspicuous
feature Of these folios. It did not Gil sll
the space. Muct0room vas taken up
with specimens Of chirography, compOsi.
tons, rhetoric, slgebraic aud srithms-
teal problems worked out, the analysis
of sentences, biographies descriptions
Of countries, etc, etc also exercises in
German and in all the studies taught in
the public schools in the various grades.
The nam Of pupil aud teacher and
school was given in each instance; also
the time occupied in performing the
work. The evidences Of consecutive
progress we're not az distinct as
we expected under ,he boasted
system OF graded schools. Industry and
sprightliness and good tutorship will tell
regardless OF conventional rules. Some
Of the younger pupils showed marked
proficiency, while others o. larger oppor-
tunitiea made less display.
In addition to the works described we
have been permitted TO examine come
maps drawn, bat not bound or intended
for the Centennial, which are likewiseE
highly creditabls Without invidious com
parsons, VIC may mention q map Of the
United States and Maryland and vir-
ginia, drawn BY John Lanier. aged nine
years; various small maps, by Mollie
Greene, aged ten years; Willie Gourley,
aged ten years; Hattie Hawthorne, aged
twelve years; Jessie Blskemore, aged
twelve years, and Minnie Ashcraft, aged
twelve years, Of Miss Mary Bodies
school. We have also examined some
very handsome work in this line BY pu.
pills of Miss McCain's schools on Court
street, We would cheerfully mention the
names OF teachers and pupils which ap.
pear on the msrgins Of maps and other
work in the bound volumes. but they are
so numerous that We must plead want Of
space, and it would seem unfair to single
out a limited number.
The Clay Street School (colored),
makes a fair though not a brilliant show.
ing. Considering the Disadvantages Of
the race, their hsbitual sluggishRess and
lack Of ambition as we'll as opportunities,
the specimens Of work by the colored
pupils is at least pssssble. 1t will take
them several centuries to catch up with
the white race. Yet If they ever make
any great progress it must be under the
encouragement and patronage OF those
who once held the social and legal rela.
ton Of master at the South. The only
hope Of the negro is under the tutelage
OF those who ence owned them az chat
tel or piece Of personal property. Ten
years OF education and freedom has done
something for the colored children, al.
though We fail to see where they have
made any great progress beyond the psi.
mary branches. or those studies which
are purely mechanical.
AS to the utility Os %propriety OF spend
ing the peoples money and three or
four months Of valuable time to get up
this show for Philadelphia, to crafty a
momentsry vanity, Gud never be heard
Of again, we shall reserve the right to
express an opinion at a more convenient
season. The pupils and teachers have
worked faithfully, aud we cannot find it
in our heart to say a word that would
check their enthusiasm and laudable
pride. When the lex centennial comes
around they will be too old to take much
interest 10 such matters, but the LEDGER
will just be entering upon a good green
old age.
KAHN & FREIBERG