Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1884-12-17
MANCHESTER MATTERS.
Report on the Condition or School Build.
ings-HustinRs C0urt-Free Bridge, &c.

Report on the Condition or School Build.
ings-Hustings Court Free Bridge, &c.
There * now pending before the Man.
chester Council Committee on Finance a
communication from the special committee
appointed by the School Board To confer
with the Council and ask an appropriation
Of $4,000 for building and furnishing two
sehool-houses- one FOR the white and one for
the cOlored schools. This report shows that
ty the last census taken the school popula-
ton was 1,204 whites and 6I6 blacks, and
this pumber viii be increased by the census
TO be taken next month. OF the present
1890 school population, 405 are enrolled in
the white and 276 in the colored schools,
and many have been turned away from the
colored schools for want Of room. To the
seven rooms. in the white department are
allotted respectively 33, ~, 43, 40, so, ~,
ard 93 scholars. [The room having %
scholars is divided INTO morning and eve-
mrs sessions.l In the colored department
there are four rooms and 276 pupils-l30 in
one loom.
These and other figures given in the re.
port show the rooms for the lite scholars
10 contain about one third and those for
the colored ore fourth OF the space con-
sidertd by the best authorities to be neccs-
sary for the comfort and welfare OF the
scholar. The report closes with these
words:
Twice have these buildings been con.
demned by the grand jury Of our city aud
once by your Board OF He1ltb. We enclose
herewith a copy Of the last report OF the
grand Jury, which closes with this en-
pba,ic language:
"In fact, new buildings are necessary
both for the health and comfort OF the
schools"
We have no words with which we 'an
hope TO impress more deeply on your
minds the imperious necessity which
prompts this appeal in behalf OF the public
free schools. The houses now used by
these schools are rented property, and IN
such condition as to require a heavy an-
nual outlay 10 maintain them in habitable
condition. There are no other suitable
buildings 10 be found in our city.
The lease on these building, expires
with the coming year. and every considera-
tion excludes the contemplation OF further
occupation; and unless some other prOyi-
SION can be made the schools must close.
We trust that you will, by your action,
avert this unfortunate result. The Board
Of School Trustees have not the the means
to erect the required buildings.
With 1000 appropriated to the control
and use OF the school Board the amplest ac-
commodation can be furnished for at least
500 children, probably 200, and the school
BOARD relieved Of the heavy burden OF
house-rents and repairs. which average
about 5000. VI will be enabled ut an early
date to discharge the debt which now op-
presses il, as well as to extend the benefits
Of the public free-schooi system.
With the foregoing statements, which we
respectfully recommend to your careful
we leave the matter with
you.
Supplementary to what has been said in
this report. it might be added that, In addi-
ton to more room, more teachers are
needed.
The Council will doubtless give this mat
ter its careful consideration, and, IL posi-
bic. make the Appropriation asked for.
The Hastings Court was In session yes
terday trying civil cases. The court will
adjourn for the term to-day. The Court |
has ordered that all Of the heirs and dis |
tributors Of the estate OF the late DR.. Will |
liam X. Weisiger be summoned to appear !
in said court on the first day OF the Febru-
ary term and show cause. II any they can, |
WHY Tue VIII vi rtiu III. w WcioioSA Sb"h h"t |
be admitted TO probate.
At a meeting OF the Board OF Supervisors
OF Chesterfield held at the COURTHOUSE on |
Monday 5000 was appropriated to the re-
pairslpf the Free bridge, and Captain L. +.
Lockett, member OF the Board, selected
to represent the county in the Board OF Com
missiopers OF said bridge.
The second Monday in January court
day. was fixed as the time al which the
Board shall appoint the road commissioners
provided for in the new road law for that
county.
Moses Cranberry and Mollie Claiborne
both colored). were before Mayor Taylor
yesterday morning, charged with INSIDE
They were both committed to
Jail for ninety days.
There Will be the usual services at the city
tonight.