Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-03-21

The High School Question II, q Ne,U Dress.
To the Editor of the Globe.
I confidently hope that you will not be
wasting printers ink in giving this COM
munication to the public. In it will
endeavor to state no facts but what will
be readily admitted by both sides to this
controversy. I believe that both Rev.
Mr.. Dana and ssTax-Payer'' are conscien-
tious and truthful In the expression Of
their views, but think I will easily show
that neither have touched the quick of
the question. pride myself In being
friend Of high education and am anxious
to propose and see in operation some new
plan that will foster 1t far fmore effectu-
ally than would the continuance of the
present system. :
Ihave been frequent visitor to four
High schools 1.-TWO Of them in Eastern
cities), and as far as pupils are concerned,
I must say that ours is exactly similar to
the others. The facts. will state may
prove disagreeable, but where is the
teacher that will uplift his or her hand
and say, "This is not So"
The truth, the whole truth and moth
ing but the truth. Oh !! the beautiful
formula, Il it was only heard more often.
Now then, I am informed that out of d
new class of fifty there will be less than
ten who will remain through the four
years and graduate, and it is well known
and will not be denied that of those who
finally do get their sheep skins there are
always some who will pull through by
the skin, of their teeth, or sometimes
through mistakes, pity shown them at
examination time, or still more by cheat
ing, yes, wholesale cheating. What then,
if you please, does this prove? The
truth, that miserable, naked truth, is that
perhaps three-quarters Of the High school
pupils have really no claim whatever to
its educational advantages. Not satisfied
with their eight years. schooling else
where, they must come to the High school
and for one, two or three years more drag
their slow or lazy minds through its mot
marble) halls, and wear the life out Of
their worthy teachers.
While this too numerous class of pupils
generally calculate to have good time,
their parents, fondly believing that they
are improving their minds, will often
keep them there when not prepored to
spare their time or stand the expense.
This criminal waste Of precious time goes
on till perchance the pupils themselves
desire to try pastures new, or else their
parents receive new light and place
them where they may do some good to
everybody themselves includedl.
Thus they drop out, one by one, but
the next yearly examination is sure to
bring the sad infiction of another lot Of
much chaff and little wheat).
T,,% \, Nf
where would be the justice of more taxa
tion for the purpose of increasing or even
keeping up the expense Of the High
school under the present management,
when it is positive injury to many OF
those who are attending?
Must we then condemn the whole thing
and do away with the High school alto
getherl Not at all. Even if there should
happen to be, among the graduates OF
each year, only five or six worthy pupils
who would not otherwise have been able
to secure such education, would say,
keep on affording to such pupils an equal
chance with their more fortunate COM
panions, but to those only and strictly,
let the boon be extended, not as charity,
but as a right, earned through their tai
ents and good conduct.
Is there way to accomplish this? Un-
doubtedly. Let there be established
certain number of prizes to be competed
for by pupils during the eight years of
schooling in the lower grades, and let
that prize consist of a ticket
of admission to the High school,
if it is to be continued, or
else let the city pay, say sl0o year for
their tuition IN some equally good school
(which in that case would soon make its
appearance and I know prove satisfactory
to the public.
Above all, let the final examination of
the eighth year be searching, and con: