National Republican., 1876-10-09
APLEAsANT OCCASION,

Presentation to Ex-school Trustee johnson.
The ladies teaching in the public schools for
colored children in the cities of Washington
and Georgetown, after having learned of the
positive determination on the part OF Mr..
Henry johnson to sever his connection as trus-
tee of public schools, set on foot movement
among themselves to give that gentleman an
evidence of their appreciation Of him as scnool
officer and friendly adviser in all that which te-
lated to their duties as teachers in the pr.blc
schools. The matter was studiously anrI sue
cessfulIy kept from the knowledge of Mr..
johnson, and the plot was the more mystifed
to that gentleman by his receiving local tele-
gram IN the evening requiring his immediate
presence at home. In response he answered
and reported in person, and found everything
quiet and his family ignorant Of the message.
The mystery, however, was secn explained, for
in q brief period an avalanche composed of
nearly sixty ladies connected with the colored
schools of Washington and Georgetown, under
the captaiucy of Miss r. J. Cook, marched in
and took complete possession of the house and
rs contents, and proceeded forthwith to spread
table-cloth and unpack from baskets brought
by them all the delicacies of the season, and
before Mr.. johnson could divine their purpose
he was requested by Superintendent Cook to
step into an adjoining room, and was by that
gentleman presented to Miss Mary Jane Pat
terson, principal of the High school, who ad-
dressed him in the following neat and chaste
manner:
Mr.. johnson: In behalf of the teachers
of the public colored schools of Washington
| and Georgetown / am commissioned to offer
you a small token as an evidence of our appre
citation Of your earnest and untiring efforts in
our behalf. During the years in which We have
been officially connected we have ever found
you the teachers friend, showing both by word
and deed that hearty sympathy and kindly con-
sideration which tighten toll and render duty,
otherwise hard and at times disagreeable,
pleasure. This is in nowise intended as a COM
pensation for the many kiudnesses which we
have received at your hands, but desiring to
give some expression of our respect and esteem
for you, we beg your acceptance of this gift.
May il carry with it the assurance that we
shall never forget the work you have done or
the record you have made in these Schools
record equaled by few, surpassed by nome
and that by you no duty was ever neglected, mo
interest uncarcd for. Although the official re-
lation between US is now severed, may the
bright golden links of this chain be as so many
pleasant memories, uniting US in Strong and
steady friendship which shall endure while life
lasts.
Mr.. johnson, in accepting the gift, which
was massive and beautiful gold watch chain,
remarked that words were inadequate to eX-
press the feelings and sentiments of his heart.
All had been so kind to him-the press, that
powerful educator: his late colleagues in the
school board; the pupils of the Second district;
citizens and friends generally, and last, but not
least, come those whom he has been most in
timately associated with for number of years,
to attest their love and confidence in him. The
elements, he stated, were moistening the earth
with the dew dIops of heaven; they had
l,-+ +bn;, fol
ness and generosity a spring in his innermost
soul, that would flow and keep green the most
pleasant association of his life-his relation
with the teachers of public schools for colored
children in Washington and Georgetown. To
be just and useful had been his purpose, and
whatever success he had attained In the per-
formance of his duties was, in the main, at
tributable to having the respect, confidence
and hearty cooperation of superior minds, as
is represented in the corps of ladies attached
to the colored schools.
Without their assistance and cooperation a
trustee would be powerless and useless. The
two together working in harmony, with the
advice of that excellent adviser and educator.
Superintendent Cook, there need be no fear
for the continued success of the colored
schools, and he assured those present that
they could always rely upon him in assisting
in anything that would best advance their in
terests, and pledged himself to the teachers as
their lifelong friend.
The occasion was pleasant one in every re-
spect. In addition to the ladies there were
present Superintendent Cook, Trustees Ryder,
and Ferguson, 7. W. Hunster, drawing
teacher; S. lie Count Cook and several other
gentlemen. Trustees Brooks and Cary were
invited by the ladies, but, owing to previous
engagements, were unable to be present. The
former presented Mr.. johnson the night before
(his birth mighty with a splendid oil likeness
of Hon. Fred. Douglass as a token of his per-
sonal regard and esteem. The company re-
mained quite late, enjoying themselves in the
most agreeable manner. The occasion was
one of the brightest recorded in connection
with the public schools.