Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-12-13
PUBLIC NIGHT SCHOOLS.
Not a NOveIfy-Their History in Wash
ington-Enc Experiment Not a Sue.

To the Editor OF THE EVENING STAR.

To the Editor OF The EVENING STAR:
From recent publications it would appear
that such schools are now proposed to be es-
tablished here tor the first time and as an entire
nooelty. few references to the history of our
schools may therefore not be out of place On
the I'd December. 1889 an act was passed by the
city councils of Washington authorizing the
board of trustees Ito establish one night school
in the first and one in the third district for the
instruction of apprentices and Others" and BY
an act passed January Is. 1859 an additional
night school was granted to the third district
These schools We're placed in charge of the
principals of the first. third and fourth district
schools. and were continued in operation four
months at cost OF about 500 Mayor Berret
August 50. 1859. recommended that provision
De made Tor their ORGANIZATION and maintenance
as a permanent part OF our school system" In
the 10th annual report of the trustees dated
September LIST. 1862 it is stated that might
schools are no longer considered experimental
1t is found that there are a sufficient number
who cannot attend the day schools and who
would gladly avail themselves of the opportu-
mites afforded b. the night schools to justify
the expenditure"
Mayor Wellach in his report to the councils,
September l, 1861, SAYS: "Our night schools
were opened during the months of November.
December. January and February, and were
all things considered. tolerabIy successful
Truth, however, compels the admission that
your Gberality to that portion of our youth
whose occupation renders il impossible for
them TO attend day school is not by such pupils
duly appreciated. For if it We're they most
certainly would bestOw on their duties the care
and attention requisite to render these schools
entirely successful, which certainly was not their
condition at the time of closing But as these
schools are far from proftleSs and the expense
oil maintaining them comparatively speaking
SO trihing. We recommend their continuance
On the 18th OF October. 1860. councils passed
tofr H. -,
ton Of the public school SYSTEM directed the
trustees to organize such a school on or about
the fifteenth OF October in each and every wear
in each school district to be kept open four con-
eecutive moths. and to employ teachers at a
salary of $50 month.
In accordance with this act night schools
were opened on the Sth of November, 1861. and
continued till March L, 1862. In the trustees
report. November, 1868. it is stated: "Of late
years the experiment of night schools has not
been successful one. Very few are found to
avail themselves OF the advantages offered"
Nothing appears in the reports of the school
board in relation to night schools until January
1865, when discussion took place as to their
continuance. On the 10Th of October a resolu-
ton was adopted to keep the schools open las
long as ten scholars attend"
In the report for 1866. prepared by Mr. W. J.
Knees, he states: las TO the utility of these
schools there seems TO be no difference Of opin-
ion though in our city, owing to many unfayor-
proved successful. Ii is SO unjust and oppres-
siye TO require a teacher who has faithfully per-
formed his duty in Il day schoo, to take charge
OF another school five nights in week that the
board has not felt it to be proper to open any
evening schools until appropriations are made
TO provide competent teachers to take charge of
them. What Is wanted is the establishment OF
school of design and the organization of
Courses of lectures. with illustrations and ex-
periments on practical as Well as scientific sub
tects. These would not only attract our youth.
but be OF vast Importance In developing our re-
sources and material interests
AT one time very vigorous effort was made
by Trustees Mitchell H. Miller, o. c. Wight and
William j. khees to induce young men to at
tend the night schools. Advertisements We're
inserted In all the papers. circulars distributed
In all the stores, shops and resorts OF youth and
posters displayed on every corner or vacant wall
in the second district. These gentlemen took
turns In attending the school every night dur
ing the winter to give it encouragement. The
experiment, however. for the reasons given
above, was not successful IL needed more
money and an extra corps OF teachers. and these
Were not provided. 1t is earnestly to be hoped
that more liberal spirit now exists on the part
OF our authorities. Ex-TRUsTEE.