National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-04-13


Mr.. Lovcjoy, that frst-class certificates had been
issued to Phoebe Helen Pitts and S. Lillian Park
| hurst
An offer from Professor R. E. Odlum of season
ticket to the swimming school for the best scholar
in each of the several eighth grade boys schools
was respectfully declined.
Mr.. Lambert, of the second division, reported
that FL. A. Matthews had been appointed janitor
at the Riggs Building, vice F. A. Benter, resigned
SCHOOL STATISTICS.
Superintendent Wilson presented an abstract Of
the reports of the superintendent for March, show
ing that the whole number of pupils enrolled
was-white, 14,740 colored, 7,451; total, 22,191.
Average number of pupils in daily attendance,
2O,274. Number of teachers employed-white
schools, S02; colored schools 156; total ass. Num-
Der of cases of corporal punishment-whtes schools,
13; colored schools, 90; total, 105 Number of pu-
pills dismissed-white s; eolored, TO-. total Is.
THE PROGRAMME FOR ANNUAL EXAMINATIONS.
Mr.. Farley, from the committee on examinations,
reported the annual programme of examinations
and closing exercises for the year 1SS0S1 the dis
tribution of certificates to pupils being omitted, in
| obedience to former action of the board. The re-
| port was adopted.
Mr. Brown offered a resolution that one of the
new school buildings be erected, at a cost not ex-
ceeding $780, near Tennallytown for white pupils
pupils. Referred.
| The committee on accounts reported bills
amounting to 81 1862 which were approved.
MRS BRIGGS COMPLAINT
Mr. Pearson, from the committee appointed to
investigate a complaint made by Mrs Emily Edison
Briggs against the pupils of the Wallach school
building, reported that they had met for investi
CATION but Mrs. Briggs had failed to appear and
support her complaint by further testimony Tes-
timony was presented as to the general good char
acter of the boys. The committee did not doubt
that Mrs. Briggs had been annoyed; yet no evil
dence was educed duplicating the boys of the
Wallach building. While it was to be hoped that
Mrs. Briggs would be subjected to no further an
noyance, the committee concluded that the teach
ers were not responsible of the conduct of the
pupils when out of school. The committee was
discharged from further consideration Of the sub
ject.
Mr.. Lloyd offered resolution, which was
referred to the committee rules, that teachers
who have served continuously in any one grade
for three years be promoted to the next higher
grade provided that the record shows that she has
been successful as an instructor and disciplin-
arian.
THE EASTER HOLIDAYS.
Mr.. Smith offered resolution providing that the
schools be closed from Friday, the 18th, 10 Tues
day, the 18th instant
Mr.. Lovejoy proposed as a substitute that the
pupils be granted holidays on Good Friday, Easter
Monday, and FarragGt statue day.
81 offer substitute" spoke up Mr.. Middleton,
"tnat the schools be closed during the of the
year"
And on Barnum's circus day." interposed Mr.
Lloyd.
Mr.. Smith accepted Mr. Lovejoy's substitute.
Mr.. Curtis stated that he had hoped this year
would pass by without this question coming up.
He opposed the resolution On the ground that the
board should not recognize any religious holidays
If the children wanted to go they should go the
Jewish children went on their holidays, and have
the time marked against them. He urged that
there were less than 40 school days in the year,
and the time could not be afforded. He did not
recognize Good Friday or Easter Monday as any
different from any other Friday or Monday.
Mr.. Lloyd favored allowing those children whose
parents desired them to go to church TO go, but he
was opposed to letting the children out to run the
streets.
Mr.. Farley thought the holidays were good
things and should be recognized and that if there
too few school days the school year should be
heightened.
Mr.. Lovejoy supported the resolution in half
humorous and half serious speech saying that Mr..
Curtis showed the same antagonism to holidays as
the devil did to holy water. He divided the
world into four classes-infdels, Christians, Jews,
and Curtises. He argued at length, showing why
the reverence for holy days should be encouraged
and the wishes of the majority recognized.
Mr. Curtis said that he would not vie with Mr.
Lovejoy in piety, but he could only wonder that
remarks so proper for a pulpit, for which Mr..
Lovejoy by nature destined, should be uttered
in profane school board. He proceeded to argue
that they had right to shut the schools against
respectable minority. He asked that if the reso-
luton was to be adopted that the Nth of April the
anniversary of the death of Lincoln, be also made
a holiday.
The debate which followed was participated in |
by several members of the board.
Mr.. Brooks, while indorsing the views expressed
by Mr. Curtis, favored granting a holiday on the
occasion Of the Farragut statue unwilling.
Mr. Nourse made serious argument in behalf
of the resolution, and deplored the unchristian
spirit that seemed TO prevail
Mr. Curtis in reply, said that he was reared in |
a country school; where Good Friday and Easter
Monday were allowed to pass without notice.
lam sorry for you,'' said trustee.
And you cannot tell the amount of commiser- |
alton have for you" replied Mr.. Curtis.
"a He is Christian, 1 hope" remarked Mr..
Nourse, referring to Mr.. Curtis.
"Only by brevet,' answered Mr.. Curtis who con- |
tinued at length to show why he thought the days
should not be recognized.
ment to have holiday on the anniversary of |
President Lincolns death, it was discovered that
that anniversary occurred On Good Friday, so Mr. |
Curtis withdrew his amendment
Mr. Pearson offered an amendment, which was |
adopted to strike out the words Good Friday and
Easter Monday" leaving the days TO be described
merely by their dates
The question was taken first On closing the |
schools ON the 18th instant and the resolution 10
- r q
result of the vote closing the schools on Easter
Monday was the same. The vote in both cases
was as follows:
AYE-Lovejoy, Lambert, Matthews, Brown, /
Nourse, Farley, and Smith,.
NoE+Sampson, Dodge, Middleton, Lloyd, Pear
son. Curtis, Williamson, and Brooks-8.
The portion of the resolution providing for the |
closing Of the schools the 18th instant when the
Faragut statue viii 1e unveiled, was then adopted,
Messrs. Middleton, Matthews, Nourse, Farley, |
Smith, and Wilkinson voting rgainst it.
THE HOLY DAYS RECOGNIZED.
Mr. Lambert offered the following:
Resolre6 That the children in our public schools
who are of such denominations of the Christian
faith as observe Good Friday and Easter Monday
as holy days may be allowed 10 absent themselves
from their several schools on the 18th and 18th
instant without prejudice to their standing in their
schools.
Mr. Curtis seconded the resolution. Mr.. Love-
Joy made motion, which was lost, to lay the reso
luton on the table. An amendment by Mr.-Mid-
dleton to allow teachers to furnish substitutes
the days mentioned, was accepted by the author of
the resolution.
The resolution was adopted by vote of 9 to5.
Mr.. Smith offered an amendment to the rules,
which was laid over, to make Good Friday and
Easter Monday regular holidays
The committee on teachers, through Mr.. Lovejoy,
the appointment of Miss H. NJ. Bruce
as an assistant grammar school teacher in the An
thony Bowen building. Approved
Mr.. Loyejoy also proposed an amendment to in