The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1883-02-05
THE SCHOOLS.
Something More in Favor Of an Indus
trial School.
poRrnANn Feh 3 1887

PORTLAND, Feb. 3, 1888.
TO the Editor Of the Press:
/ have Just read with hearty approval the
communication on the Industrial School by e.
A. N, in your paper of today
/ agree with the writer entirely that the
pressing need of the time is for a practical
technical education and for men that can do
things,
1t was but yesterday that applied to ma
chinist for position in his shop for boy grad
uate from our High school, The reply was at
need a man who can handle tools, but cannot
afford to take an apprentices"
There are in the Industrial Schools of Boston
and Worcester already several of our Portland
boys.
We must have such school here. 1t is only
a question of time. The sooner the better for
our young men, and for the community.
Retain the High school for the higher educa-
ton Of our girls, but give at least one-half of
the appropriation to enable our boys % earn a
living. III. w. BRYANT.
WANTS THE OLD COMMITTEE OF TWENTY ONE.
To tie Editor Of the Press:
If you are not already nauseated by the
inane twaddle you have recently published on
the school question, from the pens of "would
be Swans would thank you to give me a
little space.
In the anonymous article published this
morning, there are some statements made
which would lead to false and mischievcus
conclusions.
What object anyone can have in inviting
such an article is more than L can see.
The writer says that people criticize the
grammar of Mr. fash, because he is the ser,
wants of the school board, instead Of their mas,
ter, as he ought to be!
Will you be kind enough to find out and tell
me whether or not, the individual whowrote the
very timely criticism of Mr.. Tash's execrable
construction of few English sentences, knew
that Mr.. fash was only the clerk of the school
committed
would also like to know If possible, if BIZ
cared a Eicayune what the precise limits of his
authority were so long as he filed an Office
that presupposes fair knowledge of English
grammar The true reason of the criticism is
that the majority of people believe that thu
| Office of School Superintendent is sinecur'
and ought to be abolished; therefore they
seize every opportunity to find fault with the
incumbent Of the office This office sprung
into existence during the flush times of the
war, and is going out of fashion all through
| New England.
| The supervision of our schools was much
more faithful and satisfactory to the public
under the ''Old Committee of Twenty-One,'
| than il has been since. 1t was then really
Representative body" aud from the accumu
lated wisdo.n of its large number Fof member
| proved to be of greater practical value to tn,
city than any smaller number can be with tn
| expenses of superInten lent and agent.
The old board of twenty-one performed thei
duties without pay, whereas the salary of tn
superintendent aud agent now amounts Il
about $4,000.
If would be a sad mistake to take the contro
of our schools from board of even seven o
our own tax-paying citizens, and confer it upo
one hired from abroad, no matter how excel
tent that ne may be.in education, morals an
experience.
Republican institutionsStoo are averse to on
man power, notwithstanding your correspon
| dents opinion. Statements are made in Gel
tain quarters that Mr.. fash has no power an
no authority; that his hands are tied; that h
can only do as he is ordered; that he is only
| figure head AS a matter of fact such state
ments are untrue. The programme of studie
in the Primary and Grammar schools, is almos
wholly the work of Mr.. fash. The STANDING
committees and the supervisors of the differen
schools were named by him. Any recon
mendations made by him are almost alway
adopted. The teachers are almost invariabl
selected by Mr.. fash l am informed. TIL
changes of teachers from one school to another
are arranged by him. II there is need of