The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-03-07
READY FOR THE STUDENTS.
The New H~igh-school Building Dedica-
ted with Appropriate Exercises.
The History Of the Progress of the School
Addresses by the School Authorities
and Prominent Citizens.

Indianapolis has now a High school building
of which the citizens may we'll feel proud. While
not, strickiy speaking, a thing of beauty and
Joy forever, in an architectural sense, yet it is
so well adapted to the purposes for which it was
erected that its plain exterior is lost sight of in
contemplating the utility of it's internal arrange
ments. To the few members of the first class of
the Indianapolis High-school No. l, who were
present at the dedication exercises last night,
the contrast with the bare and meagre
furnishings of the single assembly room
and closet, called by courtesy recitation room
that comprised the accommodations furnished,
them in the old Verp0nt-street school-house No.
l, in 1860, was most striking. Nothing, prob
ably, could more wildly express the great i'm
provement that has been made in the past
twenty years, not only in the methods Of teach
ing, but the appreciation Of and care Tor tn
physical wants of the pupils. The readers
of the journal have recently been
favored with a full description Of the
building dedicated last night, and no
further mention is nece ssary. The building,
lighted up, has a pleasant appearance, and as
the throngs moved through the corridors and
rooms, the architect, builder, and board Of com
missioners received many compliments from the
large and interested number of citizens who in
spected the apartments. Among those in attend
ance were members of the Board of School Com
missioners, members of the present and past
faculties of the school, including all the princi-
pals but Mr.. Squires, graduates to the number
Of 112, designated by white badges, teachers Of
other schools, a sprinkling of prominent citi-
zens, and about 500 others, filing the hall to it's
utmost capacity.
On the platform, which was decorated with
flowers and the national colors, sat the commits
sioners and others taking part in the ceremonies.
Mr.. Robert Browning, president of the board,
presided.
The exercises began with music by Miller's
orchestra, following which Rev. N. A. Hyde
invoked the di vine blessing upon the occasion
and upon the fut ure of the building.
President Browning briefly stated the aims Of
the board in erecting the building, and claimed
that the system of buildings and teach
ing afforded to the pupils of pub
surpassed by those of any city in the country.
This, he feared, was not appreciated by the cit
liens, and he bespoke for them in the future a
closer attention by the parents of the children.
IFOIeSSOr LOWS II. Jones, superintendent OF
schools, read letters of regret from Governor
Gray, Cyrus G. Hines, (now at Fortress Monroe(
NJ. Il. Barnard, Chicago. A. L. Roache and
Austin II. Browne.
Miss Emily l.. Bingham was introduced, and
read a brief resume of the school history of the
State, its magnificent school-fund, the expendi-
lures for tuition and buildings in 1884, and the
investment in school property in Indianapolis,
which is estimated to be 5000, 000. In conclusion,
she read a formal dedication Of the new High
school hnildino Tho mavop Of tho ci{u tho
Hon. J. L. McMaster, was introduced and ad-
dressed the assemblage. He said that if the
prosperity of the past was to be taken as pro-
phetic of the future, the church and school must
do their true and right work IN cultivating the
educational and moral natures of the people.
Without this, the safeguards Of our c%ountry's
stability and progress will be destroyed.
The State demands that the youth educated
in her schools shall develop into good citizens,
liberty and order loving people. By this means,
and this only can the idea of a governmentforthe
people, by the people and of the people be car
ried out. Education is necessary as a means of
reducing the classes constantly warning against
law and order. II sometimes think that com
pulsory education is necessary as n means Of
protection. Let this building be dedicated not
only to the instruction of textbooks, but to that
broader instruction in the duties of good citi-
zenship, and the people will ever regard it with
respect and reverence"
The Hon. John w. Holcombe, State Superin-
tendent of Public Instruction, was the next
speaker. lie discussed at lenSCn the pDllOSOpny
of the principles which lie at the bottom of the
system of public education, and the reasons why
the State undertakes it. He claimed that
statistics show that a common school education
adds so per cent. to the productive power of the
laborer, an academic education 100 per cent,
and a college education from 200 to 300 per cent.
His argument in support of the maintenance of
high-schools was elaborate, logical and con-
vincing.
A pleasing interlude was then furnished by
the indianapolis Mennerchor, which sang In
hammatus,a from ''Stabat Mater" Mrs. John
7. Frenzel sustaining the solo in a brilliant man
ner. An encore was demanded and accorded.
Prof. w. A. Bell, the first principal of the
High school, read an historical sketch of the in
s%titution, which was epitomized in the Journal
yesterday. Since 1869 there have been 594
pupils graduated of the 3,26l enrolled; of
the teachers in the public schools
in the High-school. The Auditors books show
that the parents of "a per cent. Of the pupils pay
taxes on less than 500; 60 per cent. on less than
$500; 10 per cent. on less than $1,000, and 81 per
cent. on less than s., 900. The cost to each parent
who paid taxes on less than $500 was only fifteen
cents. The High-school is the poor mans col
lege. Long may it stand.
Eugene G. Kreider, on behalf Of the alumni,
contributed their good wishes on this occasion,
and to take the new building into their
affections. He spoke of the duties of the alumni
in the future in connection with the High
school and other schools. He suggested that
the saloons should be taxed in order to relieve
the school board of at least a portion of the
heavy Indebtedness which it is now carrying, a
sentiment which met with the approval of his
hearers. Ha urged a more active 1a:sniay 81 So
cial amenities by the alumni, and called q meet
ing at the close of the exercises to arrange for a
reunion in June. The Mpnnerchor then ire
lieyed the monotony of the proceedings" as Nh.
Bell would say, with a song, the audience rising
to its feet.
The Hon. A. G.. Porter was introduced and
warmly received. He spoke of the interest at
tach!ng to the cause of education, a theme upon
which nothing new can be said, and yet which,
when announced as the subject of discussion,
always attracts the largest audiences. The
| United States has done more for the education
of its people than any other nation. But it is