Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1885-06-18
THE DISTRICT SCHOOLS.
THE ACQUITTAL OF CONSUL
MAGKAY.


feasibility OF Some OF tho OMcials.
The Washington Monument Struck
by lightning.
Special Correspondence Of the se,stinel.
WASHINGTON, June 15.-It is said
that the public schools of the Ameli-
can Capital are the best in the United
States. The statement will meet with
contradiction, of course, but all must
admit that unlimited praise is deserv-
ed. This, too, when the system still
needs Improvement. The evil of mem-
orization, as we'll as dependence Of
books, streaks the Washington system
scarcely less than that of other cities!
Commencements and examinations are
now the rage, so to speak. Yet three
quarters of those who pass the ordeal
are compelled eventually to resort to
the Business Colleges to acquire
more practical knowledge of the re-
quirements of livelihood. What is
learned in the Business College can
be taught in twenty-five percent of the
time required to reach the High
School. Which is more essential can
be easily determined. Which should
be exclusively chosen can be deter
mined only by the circumstances of
the student.
THE WHITE SCHOOLS
intended by law for the children of
bona Gdc residents, are composed of
lads and lassies from all parts of the
United States. Government officials
often smuggle their children into the
public schools of the American Capt.
tai, when, in law, they have no right
to enter. In this manner, the schools
have become overcrowded, and a num-
Der of nat1ve-born children excluded.
Frequently, teachers are compelled to
resort to a division of the day. This,
of course, pleases the children, but
incenses the parents. Fifteen years
ago, when North Carolina had 200,-
900 white children of teachable age,
the number of pupils in ID. G. public
schools was scarcely 5000. More, in
deed, were enrolled than taught. To-
day the number is fifty percent great
er in both respects. There was no
High School fifteen years ago, nor
such magnificent buildings as the
Franklin, Jefferson, Wallach, Lincoln,
Twining and High School.
| THE NEGRO SCHOOLS
were authorized in 1862, but practi-
cal establishment did not take place
until 1867. In 1867, the negro pop
ulation, of Washington and George
town was 34 900; the number of teach
able children, 5000. The negro pop
ulation had increased more than 90
900 during the preceding seven years.
1t is estimated to-day that the negro
population reaches 10000. The num-
uer of teachable children has, of
course, increased. The evils affecting
the white schools affiict the negro
schools, but both arc on an equal foot
ing as regards advantages and facili-
ties. One negro father attempted to
gain admission in the white schools
for his children, but he met with
prompt rebuff in shape of law and the
contempt of his own race. Drawing
exhibitions have unfortunately been
abandoned. But eight years ago THE
SENTINEL representative visited the
drawing exhibition of both white and
negro schools, in the interest of both
white and negro press. There was
positively no difference discsrnible be-
tween the white and negro artist be-
yond the slight, almost imperceptible
delicacy of touch of the former. In
deed, there was a wide difference OF
taste, but some very difficult drawings
were admirably executed by the ne
gro artist. No doubt was left that the
negro is fitted for the art of painting.
| CONSUL BEcKFoRD MACKEY,
who recently shot Brazilian in self
defense at Rio Grande du Sui, is one
| of the youngest, if not the youngest
members Of the u. S. Consular Serv'
ice. THE SENTINEL representative
knew Consul Mackey three years ago
when he was departmental clerk. Al
that time, he was, in appearance, q
mere boy, but remarkably handsome
boy, with all Of the beautiful limo
cence of youth. Tall and lean, but
symmetrical and dignifed, with the
blaekest hair We have ever seen, the
clearest eye that ever sparkled, and q
most winsome face and manner
Beck" Mackey was conspicuously
welcomed wherever he went. Indeed
be was most companionable, Iovablt
acquaintance. OF course, infuenc,
afforded him many opportunities, th'
lamented Congressman Mackey, o
South Carolina being relative, bu
he is a young man of sterling ability
and integrity. The uaanimous acquit
tai, as well as the support of all con
suls at Rio Grande du Sui, leaves NJ
doubt of his perfect blamclessness. OLD
departmental friends have watched
the case eagerly, and are glad to hea
that "Bcck" has been exonerated. FL,
is endeared here no less than at Ri,
Grande du Sui, or in South Carolina
ARIsTocRATIC DEMOCRACY,
If We may use such conglomeration, i
not what the people sought last No
vember. Every American public OF
ficer, high or low, s:iould be approach
able. There is neither sense or righ
| in his inaocessiblity. Under Repuh
lican regime, the inaceessibility OF th
public officer was astonishing. M
man, in recent years, ever dared T.
| stake his American citizenship agairs