Daily Republican., 1883-06-28
THURSDAY. JUNE 2s. 1883.
Our Free Schools.

OyStcH VI w llIulnSIOn was leSJeu last
evening before the Opera House-full of
interested children, parents and citizens.
The result was that the school stood
the test and the people have right to
be proud OF the grandest institution of
learning that was ever conceived Of
There was potency, point and pith in
the remark of Rev L. Marks in the
presentation ofthe Adams prizes when
he said that this great institution of
learning did not belong to those who
were to graduate, and those who were
to be the recipients Of Mr. Adams
munificence, but it belonged to the peo-
pie Of Wilmington and was supported
by their help.
The public school system of Will
mington is Democratic institution.
1t closes its doors against none, but
welcomes all to its benefits. Its popu-
larity is shown in the fact that over six
thousand children, between the ages of
six and twenty years, were enrolled
as pupils the last year From child
. hood to the commen encement of man
hood and womanhood, the doors of the
public schools Cf Wilmington are
thrown open to the children. But few,
compared with the great number of
those who start, reach the end and
graduate with distinction and honor
as did the twerty-nine fortunate young
ladies and gentlemen last evening"
These were the strong swimmers, who
stemmed every adverse current and
reached the objective point. But these
are not the only successful pupils
They are the advan ce guard of the
great number who were equally bene-
fitted by the public schools, but whom
adverse circum stances pre-, ented from
attending through the whole course
and graduating.
But it must not be understood that
the children Of wealth and atfluence
only compose the graduates of our pub
lie schools. A glance at the list of last
nights graduates disproves this idea if
such one was entertained. The
children of the rich and the poor, with
out rega rd to caste or creed, received
from President Baird the evidence of
the worth and merit which distinguish
ed all alike and animated all with the
same spirit of devotion to study and a
wholesome emulation.
The public school system is especially
the college of the poor. We're there no
public schools thousands of children
would be deprived of an education, and
even some who graduated with such
distinctive honors last night would
never have b5en heard of by the
public. While it is the college of the
poor especially it is good enough for the
rich.
These annual exhibitions of the High
School bring the school room with its
course of studies nearer to the hearts Of
the people, Just where it should be,
and it is encouraging to know that the
school examinations this year We're at
tended by greater number of parents
and those interested than in forme,
years.
A couple of months vacation vii
soon pass by and children and teachers
will meet agai and enter upon the du-
ties and studies of another year Pro
motions will be made, and each of the
5000 children in attendance will be adj
yanced a step higher. The advance
ment of the scholar will depend upon
his or her diligence and application T,
their tasks. The year will soon ro
around, and another High School com.
mencement will be held. The advance.
ment made will depend upon the cos
applica ton Of the scholars to their stu
pend upon the number OF pupils who
will hold on to the end. 1t should bt
the ambition Of every boy and girl in
the public schools to stand amongst the
graduates before they leave the public
schools. 1t is encouraging to know
that the number Of graduates is increas
ing, and every friend of the publ,
school system Of Wilmington will re
joice to see the number doubled.
The number of graduates will deepen,
in a great measure upon the interes
that parents take in the schools. Man,
of them it is true need their children a
home to assist in making financial end
meet, but it is worth d sacrifice to hav
their children 60 through the Who'll
course If the public school studies.
will fit them to fill important position
in business that they would not be othp
wise qualified to fill at any rate it woul
make them more intelligent and bett,
IL lIItnS. W lth lNt auInlfable SySttI
ut rrc schools that exist in WilminGto
ear ciry should be noted for the INTEL
gcuce If its citizens. The public scho
L. he ever that is to elevate society
a higher plane. 1t is til" tulcrum upc
which balances the social and busine
status Of our city. Dear as it is
5000 children as many parents and
the p"opr at large let it be ever che
ished aud supported in the way
should be by th" generosity and mum
cence OF u people that appreciate
benefits.
FNJSNIllI I&D-ly.y i s Ca