Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1880-03-20
A NEW EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION.

~%--~ @SNC-@2S
tional institution is being prepared in Sacra-
mento, but no general understanding as to its
I objects and proposed methods has been given
5 with clearness. The RECORD UNION was,
some time ago, advised concerning the plan,
the objects of its promoters and the methods
to be employed, but at their request agreed
to refrain for time from mention Of the pro-
posed scheme. in order that by noannoying in
quiry, interference and application, the de.
signs of the promoters should be hindered
and possibly frustrated, as the institution is
to be largely experimental, having for its
/ purposes commendable aims, and looking to
| the advancement and employment of youths,
| 1t needed to be introduced with the utmost
caution and to be quite thoroughly prepared
| before public announcement of its plans was
made. A portion of the city press, under
stood to be likewise pledged TO refrain from
publicity OF the scheme until the proper time,
has made some reference to the proposed in
stitution, and thereby awakened much specu-
lation and volunteer criticism. The RECORD
UNION has been relieved from its promise,
and though quite premature, a general out
| line OF the institution IS now given. Certain
persons of means have resolved upon estab-
fishing here mechanical school, upon a plan
original in itself, yet bearing similarity to
schools of technology and mechanic arts
which have been successful elsewhere The
purpose has no speculative feature in it what
ever, but is aimed at utilization of waste
force, as one of the promoters expresses it,
and the giving to young men practical and
theoretical knowledge of certain me-
chanical followings. With the Board of
Education arrangements have been con-
Guided by which the Franklin Gram
mar School building, at the corner of
Sixth and L. streets-some time since aban-
doned as a school house-has been secured for
the mechanical school, and it is now undergo
ing thorough overhauling and is being fitted
up for its new use. The institution has for
its Trustees Josiah johnson and j. ID. Lord
This Board of Trustees has not yet formu-
lated the rules and regulations for the school,
Generally, however, it may be stated that the
course will embrace not less than three years.
The pupils will be taught the theory and
practice of working in iron and other metals.
Whenever a principle in mechanics is taught
it is intended to practically illustrate the
same. Work in wood will be taught SO far
as the same relates in any way to work in
metals. Mathematics will be practically
taught so far as the same relates to mechani-
cal principles and practice. The literature
of the arts will not be omitted and all edu-
SdIloiiaA DIdIlCucS Will I6CtlhC aiJSHblOH neceS-
sary to the practice of mechanical arts en-
braced by the school. These will include
mechanical drawing, designing, penmanship,
etc. The lower floor of the building will be
used as the main machine shop. the second
floor for draughting rooms and light machinery
and the upper story for pattern making.
An engine, recently used in large factory,
has been secured and is now being set up in
the rear OF the main machine.room. just
outside of this room the boiler will be set up
In the yard on the south the foundry will be
erected, and be of sufficient capacity for the
operation Of foTty-fOot crane now on the
grounds. The Toulouse, already erected, is
located on the west side of the yard. On the
west and south of the old building a black
smith shop has been erected, and one forge is
now In use. Several machines are already
upon the grounds, and others will soon be re-
ceived.
1t is the intention to begin in a small way,
and care Is taken not to arouse great expecta-
ton in the public mind as to the possibilities
of the institution, though its promoters are
sanguine as to its success. 1t is intended
mainly for the benefit of youths who have had
fair grammar-school education. and who. hy
three-years' term may be enabled to be-
come proficient in some of the lines of me-
chanic arts to be embraced in the plan of
instruction. The desire is to have the insti-
tuition grow with the demand for it, and ip
just that proportion as it may be found to be
successful Hence its beginning viii be
modest, and no forcing process will be per-
mitted. 1t is designed to make it self-sup.
porting in time. No tuition will be charged,
but pupils admitted will be expected to re-
main at least three years Skilled workmen
will have charge of the various departments,
and their qualifications must embrace ability
to instruct.
1t is not probable that the school will be in
active operation for some two months yet,
though few workmen will be put on duty as
rapidly as the demand for labor in
fitting up the building requires. The
Trustees are not yet ready to receive
applications for admission, and while
kindly disposed to give all possible informa-
ton regarding the scheme, they will be not
little hindered i'll their work by persistent in
quiry and premature applications Such is
a general outline of the plan, and what is
hoped to be accomplished. The promoters of
the school have had much announcement
from many citizens, several of whom have
voluntarily come forward and rendered money
to aid the undertaking, but the means neces-
sary for thorough trial were guaranteed by
an able and liberal person before any steps
were taken at ALL
1t is probable that one or two years of trial
~ ~ eiie SOiooi 10 onSo oPeneu VIII eutctu-
ally demonstrate the possibilities of the
scheme. Many practical educational sue
cesses have had even more modest begin
nings. and while this is the first effort in this
line in California, the friends of the school
think that their study of the principles in
volved in the plan, their experince in similar
lines, and the demand for such an institution
warrant the prophecy that it will prove
credit to the community and great benefit
to Sacramento youths.