Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1882-12-31
GROWING THE PUBLIC COLLEGES
A VERY VALUABLE COMPENDIUM
Showing What Has Been. and the
Contrast With What Now Exists.

VOutIaSt " w ihSt A1VW fSAhStss
The subject of education Is one that has
engrossed the attention of every commu-
nifty in this country from its very incep-
ton. It is one of the fundamental prin-
ciples upon which the stability of our
institutions is founded, and concerning
which every American is proud. The
cities vie with each ether 10 obtain sys
tenn that shall excel all others. and exhaust
every expedient to consummate this laud-
able ambition. Assemblies are held, from
the meetings Of few pioneers who desire
the erection of rude log hut where their
children may be taught, to the grand ma
tional conventions where the chief expo
nents of education in the country meet to
consult and advise with each other for the
better advancement of the cause. The re-
suits of this deep interest taken by the
citizens of this land are seen il the excel
lerce to which the public school system
has been brought in many OF our cities,
the fame of some of which has extended
beyond our waters and brought educators
from other nations to these cities to inves-
tigate the workings of the plans that have
accomplished so much, that they may
adopt them in their several departments
abroad.
The early settlers OF ST. Paul saw the
need of schools and as early as IS47, under
the auspices of the board OF national
education, the first regular English school
was started, with Miss Harriet E. Bishop
as teacher, and nine pupils, of whom only
two were white. This school was a log
hut 1Ox12 in dimensions and was situated
at point about where the corner OF Third
and st. Peter streets is now. neat school
house was built in 1s4s through the COM
bined efforts of citizens and the officers at
Fit. Smelling, at the above To-
cality, which also served for church pur
poses for the various denominations. This
property was afterwards sold for debt
through the negligence OF tie citizens to
pay the school tax. The Legislature passed
an act in 1849 for the establishment and
support of schools, but the citizens failing
to elect school trustees at the general
election, no organization, according to
law, was effected that year.
THE PRACTICAL BEGINNING.
The year 1856 was il reality the begin
ming of the public school system in st.
Paul. There had been before that sys-
committee of citizens elected at meet
ing called for the purpose in December
1949, consisting Of William II. Forbes, Ed
mund Rice, E. D. Neill, j. p. Parsons and
B. F. Hoyt. Three schools were first es-
tablished by them. One in the Methodist
church, on Market street, one on what is
now Third street, and one in lower town
In 1852 the school system was enlarged to
include high school. But the first act OF
the legislature establishing public schools
in st. Paul was passed in 1856. 1t made
St. Paul one school district, and created
the board of education, consisting Of
three members from each ward. Tit
mayor and president of the council were
made ex-officio members of the board
The first inspectors were Mayor George L
Becker, William l.. Ames, 81. E. Baker
Theodore French, P. p Furber, William
R. Marshall, Rev. E. D. NELL, Rev. A. III
Torbit, Parker Paine and E.
Palmer, Rev. E. D.. Nein was cho
sen secretary of this boart
and as such was ex-oficio superintendent
He held the position until 1860, when h
resigned. This position has been sine
filled by Rev. John Mattocks, who held
from 1860 to 1872, George M. Gage from
1872 to 1874, who was the first regula
superintendent of schools, required to Civ
Rev. L. NJ. Burlington from 1874 to 1875
who was relieved by the present incum
bent, Mr.. B. F. Wright in that year.
under which the present school system Wa
organized is as follows:
'Sec. l. That the city of ST. Paul shall
be considered as one school district, an
hereafter all schools organized therein il
pursuance of this act, shall, under tn
direction and regulation of the boar
of education, be public and free to al
children residing within the limits thereo
between the ages Of ten and seven
teen years, inclusive. Provided that al
money, real estate and other propert
now belonging to the severa
school districts, be expended 70
educational purposes, within and for tn
exclusive benefit of said district, by tn
trustees.
Sec. 2. There shall be elected in said cit
nine school inspectors, to be elected in tn
manner following: At the next annua
charter election, there shall be elected il
each ward of said city, three school inspec
tors, one of whom shall hold his Office tw
years, and two for one year; and at ever
annual (charter) election thereafter, ther
shall be elected in each ward one school in
spector, who shall hold his Office two years
and one for one year. No school inspecto
shall be entitled to receive any compensa
ton for his services.
Sec 3. In case of vacancy in the offic
of school inspector, the common council il
the city of st. Paul, may fill the same unit
the next annual election, when, if such va
cancy occur in the first year of the term O
said Office, the electors of the proper war
may choose suitable person to fill the re
mainder of such term: Provided the cit.
clerk shall give notice of such vacanc
prior to such election, as may be requires
in other cases.
Sec.4. Every person elected to the offic