National Republican., 1876-09-23
A PLEASANT OCCASION.
Presentation by Pupils Of the colorsa Schools
to Ex.Trustee johnson.

In the large hall in the John F. Cook school
building was witnessed yesterday afternoon a
pleasant and long-to-be-remembered scene.
The pupils of Grammar schools Nos. 1, 2 and
8, under the respective teacherships of Misses
Cook, Foote and Brooks, expressed desire
upon learning of the resignation of Mr. John
son as trustee, to tender him a mark of their
appreciation. In furtherance of this object
they set quietly at work, and In order that the
matter should be surprise in reality to Mr..
johnson, they managed it so sdroitly as to
keep from the children of that gentleman, who
are daily in attendance at the school where the
idea originated, any knowledge of their inten-
ton, lest they might convey 1t to their parent.
The hour designated was Q O'Clock p. m, at
which time the pupils from Nos. 2 and 8
Grammar schools marched into the large hall
occupied by Grammar school No. l.
The principal in charge, Mrs. A. P. Spencer,
after welcoming those present, stated that
they had convened for the purpose of per-
mitting the advanced pupils in the Second
school district an opportunity of attesting
their love and respect for ex-Trustee Henry
johnson.
The exercises commenced with singing by
sll the pupils, with piano accompaniment by
and well rendered. After which young miss
advanced modestly to the platform and in a
clear voice, marked but not marred with emo
tion, made the following presentation address :
"Nr. johnson, Gentlemen and Dear Friends !:
We have invited you here this afternoon for
the purpose of showing you how mach we ap-
preciate your kindness toward US whiie trustee
over the public schools. To me, as represent
ative of Nos. l, 2 and Grammar schools, in
this building, has been delegated the pleasant
duty of rendering to you this slight token of
the esteem and goodwill of the pupils now
present, not for its intrinsic worth, but simply
to remind you that we are grateful for past
kiDdnesses, and for the many encouraging
words spoken in due season, assuring you that
they have fallen like seed upon good ground,
to be seen and gathered after many days. On
behalf of my school mates, tender you this
ring, and, like it, may the bond that has held
US be endless"
The ring, which is a perfect specimen of
workmanship and beauty. was received by Mr..
johnson with some neat remarks, among
which he stated that his resignation as trustee
was made necessary in order that he might
give needed attention to his private business.
He assured those present that they might rely
on him 10 do now, as ever, all in his power to
advance the cause of education among his
race, and concluded by paying high comph
ment 10 his late colleagues in the board, teach
ers in charge of the colored schools and the
honorable Commissioners of the District for
the interest manifested by them in providing
for the comfort of those attending the public
schools.
Trustees Brooks and Cary received at the
hands of the pupils beautiful floral offerings,
and in reply m ~de neat and happy responses,
the former referring in highly complimentary
terms to the service rendered the colored
schools by Mr.. johnson, and remarked that
the manifestation OF love and gratitude shown
by the pupils to that gentleman found hearty
welcome from him.
In addition TO the pupils all the ladies con-
nected with the building were present, and
entered with much zeal into the spirit of the
occasion. After the exercises the pupils,
numbering nccr 200, filed past Mr.. johnson,
shaking his hard and giving other manifesto
tions of their pleasure in meeting him. He in
return had kind word of encouragement for
them all.
Tie following letter was read by Mrs. spen-
GER:
OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF CoLoREDl
SCHOOLS OF WAsHINGToN AMP GTowN,
SUNNTR B'DG, 18th AND NJ STs., N. W.,
WASHINGTON, d. O., Sept. 2, 1876.
Mrs, A. p. Spencer, Principal John F. Cook
School:
MADAM: You will please tender to the pupils
of the Second district Grammar schools my
thanks for the kind invitation to be present at
the presentation this afternoon, and regrets
that engagements will not permit. You will
also make known to them my hearty appre-
citation of an act showing timely and we'll
deserved recognition of the valuable services
of an efficient school officer.
Very respectfully, &C., G. F. T. Cook,
Superintendent.