The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1880-05-22

lfE PUBLIC SCHoOLs.-The Committee on
schools OF the City Council were engaged
Yesterday in visiting the public schools OF
the city. The committee were met at the
Richmond High School by Mr.. james II.
feay, superintendent of schools, and Mr..
Alfred Moses, secretary OF the School
Board. The first exercises witnessed were
IN The assembly-room, conducted by Mr..
Fox, the principal, assisted by Misses
ONeil and New. They consisted OF read.
ing and singing, after which the various
schools were dismissed TO their respective
rooms, where the committee witnessed the
usual everyday school work, which cer-
tainly sustained the very high reputation
that this school so Justly enjoys in our COM
munity-that Of one OF the best in the
South.
From the High School the committee went
TO the Leigh School-Rev. w. b. McGil.
yray principal. AS the party entered the
building gentleman thoroughly conversant
with the public schools Of the country re-
mars ed to the writer, "Tbis is one OF the
best schools | ever saw; and after the ex-
animation the visitors were fully prepared
TO endorse the statement. We have rarely
seen more satisfactory exhibit made.
From the smallest child in the infant class
TO the Oldest pupil in the highest grade
there was scarcely mistake in the various
exercises. and all showed that they had been
well and thoroughly taught.
One of the most interesting features OF
the day was the visit to the colored school
on Baker street-Mr. T. p. Crump princi-
pal. There several Of the teachers are
graduates OF our High School. The build
ing was found to be neat and clean, and
conducted precisely as the white schools
are. The scholars were tidy in their ap-
pearance, and showed marked proficiency
in their studies. DR.. Robert &. Cabell, OF
the committee, addressed the school. and
gave them some good advice as to their
duties. He was followed by Mr.. Leroy S.
Edwards, OF The committee.
On the way to Bethel School the commit
tee stopped for few minutes at the Col
ored Normal School. but it being the hour
OF recess no opportunity Was afforded for
an examination. The committee, however,
were entertained by the admirable reading
OF a selection by one Of the girls. The last
school visited was Bethel, and il any men,
Der OF our City Council doubts that
the money voted for the support OF
the public schools is not well ex-
pended he should honor this school with
his presence. A few years ago this
school was in a condition that would bave
disheartened the warmest friend, but we
are satisfied that there is not in the city OF
Richmond to-day school that will reflect
more credit upon our public-school system.
The committee made 4 thorough eXumina-
tiOn OF every department, and thtre was
but one opinion at the conclusion
that Bethel School is one OF the best taught
and best managed in the city. At 3 o'clock
Mr.. Thomas, the principal, assembled the
groups OF schools in the assembly room,
where the committee were entertained with
some very beautiful singing, and a fine ef-
fort at oratory by pupil about six years
OF age, who is regarded as a second Patrick
Henry. At the conclusion OF these eXer-
cises he children were addressed by Messrs.
Edwards and Dicker>on, both Of whom
congratulated the children upon the re-
markable proficiency that they bad dis
played, and promising by their Influence
and votes to support the public schools.