Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1877-07-11

1esilc concrete tongue tnat We speak Is SUI
hcient for common school Purposes. Society
becomes more homogeneous by the use of
standard language. Special instruction IN
modem languages must for the present be
pupils are encouraged to learn Latin and
Greek, and TO pass on to all kinds of valu-
able learning; but the mmon-school teach
ing itself does not go so far.
SPECIAL STUDIES are necessarily few.
Drduing Is one of these. and, as the basis OF
all industrial art, IL is deemed indispensa-
Die. The pleasing evidences of proficiency
displayed in exhibitions of the work OF pub
lie school pupils. cause a regret that this
study OF the useful and ornamental was not
sooner and more generally pursued Under
competent art-instructOrs, copies are made
from nature, models, casts, architec .ural or
naments, &c, &C Many superior original
designs are made. Altogether, this branch
of study is found too prod liable 10 be omit
ted Music is not the least useful study.
Children are not supposed 10 become pro-
ficients in the science or even the art. but the
rIdiments of both are taught to great adya1-
tage Tie most civilized nations, recogniz-
ing the value OF music as refining element,
have grated its culture on the course of on D.
lie education. When the mind begins to
weary with ordinary studies the gentle fnftu-
ence of songs acts with refreshing yigor II
is a sweetener of toll, and solace of life.
No pupil is too young to catch melody and
none 100 Iar advanced TO be beyond its
power. Beautiful moral sentiments are
taught by the breath of music. Patriotism is
tuculcated and stimulated by IL. II cannot
be struck from the public school course of
instruction without society feeling its loss.
A few competent instructors go from school
TO school, and by means of chart and book
and voice, and sometimes Instruments, i'm
part knowledge of music.
HIGH SCHOOL FOR BOYS.
For such there is great need. The COM
plant on this score is just. Girls have the
Normal School, but boys pass no higher than
the Grammar School. Girls are educated at
the public expense until qualified to be
teachers. When graduated, they almost in
SANITY command salaries. II young men
wish to become qualified as teachers of high
grade schools. they must go from home per-
hSps at an e. penSe of thousands of dollars
When young man is appointed TO a teach
ership. he finds his salary fixed at no higher
rate than that OF the young woman whose
education cost her nothing. For the higher
grade male-schools men are generally re-
quiTcd as teachers, and none but the eff cient
should be so engaged. But they cannot,
without loss TO themselves come into com
petition with female teachers educated by
The public. The discrimination is unjust
1t Is also unwise. Great difficulty is found
in retaining at Inadequate salaries bright
minded, extensively educated men. They
must try TO get back Tile money invested by
themselves or their friends while exploring
fields of learning. Boys sometimes have
cause for thinking that they are ill-used. Let
there be an equality OF sex, to the extent sug-
gested, at least. Then superior young men
will not be SO apt to turn lLeir backs on the
schoOl-house in disgust, TO the loss of this
District and the profit of some more appre-
ciative section.
COMPULSORY EDUCATION.
By the act of June 25, 1864, IRE enacted by
sec "a, Oh. Il, o.. S. Rev. ST. relating to the
District of COlumbia.l Congress recognized
its power and its duty in regard to this sub
Ject. The law requires that every person
having control OF any child between tle ages
of eight and fourteen years shall annually,
under penalty OF twenty dollars, send such
child TO some public school at least twelve
weeks, six of which shall be consecutive,
unless in case of inability or attendance by
the Child at private school for the same pc
ROD. This power is founded on the first law
In nature-the right of self preservation-and
1t rests upon as firm basis as does the ri yht
OF protection from small pOx by compulsory
vaccination.
Arguments against 1t are based on abstract
and impracticable theories. Enforced edu-
cation is not usurpatiOn of parental au-
tnorlty, although courts in some states doubt
the Inherent right of a common wealth to
thus protect Itself against the wolves of ig-
norance. Paltisanship has blinded their
eyes. Congress has theorized more wisely.
III has assented TO the doctrine that, OF twenty
men, The nineteen who educate their children
Should be protected against the one who does
not educate his. 1t is safeguard to the
we'll behaved ma jOrity against the diabOliSfn
of depraved few. The law against mad
dogs is not more beneficent police regula-
ton. The legislatures of states enforce this
fundamental law. So do the nations that
champion the cause of civilization in Eu-
rope. 1t is not novel; for Scion prescri bed
that every man should cause his child To be
taught music and gymnastics. In Sparta,
according 10 the laws of LycurguS, the state
took charge of the education of children from
their seventh wear. Charlemagne founded
primary schools, and compelled the children
OF his courtiCrs 70 attend them. In 1919, the
synod Of Wurtemberg imposed fine for
non attendance at school. In 1113, Saxoly
look charge Of education of children from
their iii b to their fourteenth year. In 1875
The supreme authority OF France directed that |
all children throughout the Republic should
be compelled 10 att end school but OWNS to the
luroulence OF the times, the mandate became
almost dead letter, and ecclesia stical dom
nance prevented its resuscitation. The late
Emperor tried in vain 10 dispel the mist OF |
ignorance. He knew what his people in 1870
learned TO their grief, that nation is none |
the less strong because its 'bayOnets Think
In Sweden, Norway and Denmark, parents |
are fined for not sending children to school. |
These are examples 70 show that even mon |
arches find edu, liion promotive OF good or
der. In this republic, the Proclamation Of |
Ignorance means destruction to free govern |
ment. Some degree Of school learn ing is |
necessary for the intelligent exercise OF the |
most ordinary duties of citizenship. This |
fact reeds no proof. or the imported soul |
begrimed Thugs of the mining districts Of |
write? Statistics show that it is with diff |
Guilty that their progeny can be taught to |
read ballot Yet the MOllie Maguires are |
sought TO be rescued from the gallows be- |
pulsOry education is the only protection. So |
much as to the right to gislate in favor of |
school learning.
Where there is a right there is a cores I,
pOnding obligation. If the government COM |
pels children to attend school. il must pro- |
vide the means of learning. Taxes are paid |
by many who are debarred the promised !
benefits. There seems to be a premium on 1
truancy. If sufficient school houses were
provided, the law could be enforced and al
sentees be brought in.
Respectfully submitted Signedl VIM.
Henry Brow ne, Robert Reyburn, NJ. D., John
III. Brooks, Chas. T.. Hovey, b. +. Lloyd,
Committee on Annual Report, Board of
Trustees of Public Schools.
THE SwINDLER STILL ON HIS TRAVELS.
The notice given through the papers that
James 5. Porter, the champion swndler was
operating in Harrisburg, Pa, and Baltimore.
In raising money through false preuences
ard upon forged checks, did no. prevent him
from visiting this city under the name of
charles Il. Patterson, perpetrating like swim
dies on parties here, who did not know him
as James T. Porter, the pretended secret ser
vice agent. From one hotel keeper in this
city he made q raise of $50. He took board
from q poor man, carpenter, and after
swindling him out of ten days board he
passed a forged check purpOrting to have been
signed by w. A. Cook & Co., payable to the
order OF Charles B. Patterson, on the Ger
man American Savings Bank of Washing
ton, ID. c., tor S2s, dated July I, 1877. He also
obtained from DR.. Fayles SO, and from other
persons various sums, and left the city on
TUE sday night last.
PURE RASPBERRY wines are now being