The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1883-04-24
School Committee.

Oouulltt6c WAS uolA AdotcfGhluE, uAbhSIes I1Ol-
den, Brewer. Merrill, Fox, Bradley, Files and
Briggs present.
In the absence Of the Mayor, Col. Merrill
was chosen chairman pro TEN.
Pay roll and other bills, amounting to
S6909.62, read and approved
Committee voted TO proceed ID the election
OF Super intendent for the ensuing year, and
to 90 into executive session. When the doors
were opened the vote showed the reelection Of
Mr.. Tash, and he was sworn in as Superinten-
dent OF Schools and Secretary of the Board by
Mr.. Holden. His salary was fixed at $2050.
The committee, TO which had been referred
the matter OF military drill in the High
School, reported as follows:
The subcommittee on instruction and disci-
pline In the High School, while realizing the
great benefits arising from the discipline OF
military drill, feel compelled, after taking the
whole subject under careful consideration, TO
offer the following vote:
Voted, That the school committee do not
feel authorized. In the present condition of tho
finances OF this city, to incur the expense Of
instituting military drill in the High School.
The report was accepted.
Col Merrill read letter from Dr. Spalding,
Of this city, on the subject OF writing in the
public schools, and Mr.. Briggs one from Mr..
Shaylor, addressed TO Superintendent Tash,
both Of which are given below:
PORTLAND, April %, 1888.
My Dear SirI have not had much time TO
study the question Of writing In the public
schools since your last request 10 that intent.
But so far as have looked into the matter 1t
appears 20 me that the position assumed in one
OF the schools, at least, 10 bad. III all the
scholars In all the schools assume the same po-
sition, then In my opinion, they are being
taught how 10 write in manner contrary TO
what, as we SO far know, 10 physiological, In
tuitiye and instructive. German investigators
have Taught us that the writing book should
M placed on our desk at an angle Of AS, for
and there Is no danssfs ssd Il r. the best advantage
the spine. II the books are placed parallel 10
the long edge OF the desk or parallel to the
short edge Of the desk Gas Is the habit in
the schools) the eyes are approached too near
the page aud one Is taxed more the other. And
furthermore, the spine is rotated uneveBly
when the pupils are obliged TO write with the
book IN either OF these positions. There is
another point in which felt great interest. All
the desks In the schools that visited were ar
ranged 30 as TO have the light come from the
lett, and yet the position assumed by the 6chol-
ars 10 writing defeats the very aim Of that po-
sition OF desks avoidance of shadows, too
much light, etc, for IL compels them TO face
the light, and turns part of their work into the
shade. More potent, however, than the iDves-
tiQation OF scientists and my own discoveries,
are the remarks made to me by teacher,
that some OF the hildren couldn't seem TO
write In that stiff position, but uDconsciously
swung around n their seats and shifted their
books TO an angle with the desk" | would
simply advise the substitution (say in one en-
tire school tor month or more for triai) of the
oblique position OF the copy book on the desk.
The proper angle is about 40o-50o, and can be
easily measured by the teacher or permanent
lines could be drawn or painted across the
desks. will gladly give more time. TO this
question and report at the next meeting
Of the committee If agreeable.
Yours truly,
J. A. SPALDrSG.
Col. Chas. B. Merrill, Spring Street.
122 PINE ST.,
Portland, April II, 1888.
Thomas Tdsh. Esq, Superintendent Of Schools:
Dear Sir:-Yours received aud contents
noted. There are a few school rooms 10 the
city where the desks are wholly unfit for pupils
OF the grade occupying them, some too high,
others too low so that, no matter which posi-
tion is taken, the shoulder is either elevated
or depressed.
In some cases the distance between the seat
and top OF the desk is too great producing, the
same result and these are not suited to any
grade. This is true IN my opinion OF all desks
with folding seats, and with the desks of one
room In Brackett street. III the size Of the
desk Is suited to age OF children occupying
them think there never would be any trouble
or danger arising from sitting with the right
side to the desk. | have often, twben light
would permit,) allowed them TO sit facing the
desk. In many cases the test at times of writ
ten examinations has continued two aud one
half hours without intermsson. and think
some teachers have given a preparatory ex-
animation, or review In writing, which to-
gether with daily writing in spelling. compost
tion, OF other work, reqaires SO much time
that the children become tired and assume bad
positions, although the teachers allow the
front as well as the side positions.
think there are many other causes which
may contribute 10 the difficulty mentioned.
The children do not average more than two
lessons OF half hour each per week ia writing
books during the year.
IL therefore the difficulty does lie in position
IL must be mainly on account of position as
sumed at times when other writing than th at
OF eopy-book work and IL the matter is brought
70 tie attention OF the teachers / am quite
sure they will do all they can to prevent it.
Very respectfully,
II. w. SHAYLoR.
The committee or district lines had no report
ready and asked for further time which was
granted.
The committee on rules made report which
was ordered placed on file.
Mr.. Briggs after a few preliminary remarks
moved that a special committee of three be
appointed to examine into the subject Of In
dustrial and Mechanical Education, and report
TO the board at the May regular meeting the
result of their investigation.
The motion prevailed aud Messrs. Briggs,
Bradley and Fox were appointed.
Voted to adjourn.