Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-05-20

In my time-and can look BACK over more
than half century, the half century OF the
grandest achievements Of the human race, par
ticularly La the United States-there has been
wonderful improvement in the accuracy and
extent OF mechanical knowledge. l can re-
member when there were neither railroads nor
telegraphS, when there were, from the Penob
scot to the Sabine, f0T taliorS who could ut
coat. few coach makers who could turn out
light and strong carriage, few cabinet makers
who could construct q sfdebOard and few
builders who could put up durable fire-proof
public bui!C g. Drawing was then regarded as
an accom-. ishment for misses and artists with
Which mechanics had naught to do. These were
expected to get through their work by main
strength and aWkwardness.
Now there are draughtSmon In every depart
ment OF the government; not only ID the Land
Office. the Coast and Typographical surveys,
the Bureau OF Engraving and the Bureau OF
Architecture, but In the machine shops, navy
yards and arsenals They are also necessary
adjuEcts In every branch OF Industrial life
They furnish varying and tasteful designs TO
the calico printer, carpet weaver and wall
paper manufacturer. They are the contden-
tial advisers OF the upholsterer, cabinet maker
and tailor. They dictate the pattern OF car
vases and fashion cur bOOk-bin1Ing5. In house
building the draughtsman has changed his
name to architect and has become the master
OF the contractor. In bridge and railroad
| building he has changed his name TO engineer,
| AID his word Is law TO the workmen. In him
| the mechanic has become man OF science and
| gentleman.
| Some ten years ago
| PRACTICAL SYSTEM FOR TEACHING DRAWING
| In the public schools was devised by Walter
Smith. of Boston. Introduced there, 1t was
| adopted In many Of the states and in this Dis
| trict, supplantiDg The crude system OF picture
| daubing formerly In limited use By Its method
| we are preparing thousands OF young people to
benefit BY the higher instruction In Indus rlal
| design, soon, we hope to be established here
by the trustees Of the Corcoran Art Gallery
This system is a valuable boon to the Indus
| trial interests OF this country. We owe for it
to Walter Smith debt OF gratitude which we
| viii always be ready to acknowledge: aud we
| earnestly trust that no publisher will have tue
heart to rob him Of the results of his talent aud
| no petty POLITICIANS to block the path Of his
usefulness.
TEE MODEL HIGH SCHOOL OF THE COUNTRY.
In conclusion, / tender my heartfelt congrst.
ulations to the youth OF this District on the
prospect Of soon having In Washington what has
been for so many weary years so ardently hoped
| learning: a school In which any boy or girl Can
| prepare Tor business life, for Mechanical pur
| suits. or for higher educatlon; Scnool Ii
which cur youth may grow into inventive, 10
egent and moral citizens 9Iasq 1b 70 1syeoI
tons OF the republic.
congratulate, too, the Inhabitants OF tn
| District on the establishment at an early oat
Of an Institution Of learning which Will attrac
the capital city as amer ts
education OF their children as an importan
duty. And when we shall have opened tn
doors OF what we hope to make the Model Hiyl
School OF the United states, to teach our youtl
and form, be sure that the escutcheon carve
In marble over the chief portal Will be tn
crossed pen and pencil, the two mighty fnstru
| menrs Of Human Progress.