The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-06-02
MEMPHIS APPEAL.
WEDNESDAY, ;. JUNE 2, 1855.
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

THE PU BLU HNhOObos
The commencement exercises Of the |
city public schools at LeubIies
Theater last evening we're largely a.
tended. Regular tickes oil admission
were issued, which prevented the I'M
seemly jam witnessed on similar occa-
sions, and the result was parents, guar
dams and all directly interest d in the
public schools bad an opportunity to
witness the exercises. The entire
building was filed and was rspressn-
tative OF the intelligence and substan-
tial worth Of the community. The
APPEAL woes the opinion oil all pres
emit in avsrring that the exercises
showed that our public schools will
compare with those of any other city
in the whole country in the efficiency
OF teachers and thorough t aiming in
liberal and refining education. The
practical workings and benefits Of our
public school system we're most salts
factorily demonstrated. The city
schools have never been go prosperous
as during the present year. New
school buildings have been erected, an
other will &c on b constructed on the lot
on Jefferson street donated to the pub
lie schools; the attendance has been
larger than usual; in fact, the public
schools have kept abreast Of the gen.
eral enterprise and prosperity Of the
city. Much Of this success is due to
ths Board OF Education, composed OF
R. D. D. Jordan, president; CIV. Ram
baut, P. M. Winters, James Deg
nan and A. W. Higgins. The
position occupied by these gen
tlemen fecures ingratitude and thank
lessnefs as compensation for toll and
worry. But they have labored with
matchless zeal aud wise discriminating
judgment for the public schools, as
is attestsd by their efficiency and
general prosperity. 1t is impossible
TO estimate the valuable services of
Superintendent Charles II. Collier in
lifting the public schools to their pres
ent high standard. lie has grown
with the years, and at each succeeding
annual commencement the account
which he renders OF bis stewardship
makes him still stronger in the conf.
dence and affections Of the people, go
that he is now considered an indis-
pensable adjunct to the public schools.
1t Is net likely that his paltry pay will
become the coveted prize Of some hum
CRY expectant. But il II should, the
people will, in no uncertain sound,
demand the retention OF Super,nteud-
ent Collier In the place he has long
filed with 30 much honor 10 himself
and satisfaction to the community.
His servicssI viii be continued, and in
the iutures as in the past, he will at
each new commencement add some
new ieael TO the wreath of fame he
hAsRheady won as one OF the most
valuable educators in the South. The
need Of public schools is stability in
Rperintendents, principals, teachers
and school books, The schools cannot
be successful 30 long as teachers are
in constant fear OF removal at each
election Of teachers and new can
didates are invited to intrigue for po-
stlons already satisfactorily filed.
The efficiency OF teachers very largely
depends on the knowledge that they
will be retained in Office 50 long
as they discharge their du-
ties faithfully. Permanently OF ten
ure as supe intendent, principals aud
teachers is essential to the welfare Of
the schools, 1t ID generally under
stood that, whenever candidates are
brought iorgArd against teachers who
have discharged their duties, some
other object tlVn the welfare Of the
schools lies beneath the movement.
There should also be permanenCy in
the school books. Change brings
confusion and expense, which should
not be imposed on the poor. In all
the States there Is a constant pres sure
brought to bear on the school autholi.
ties in favor Of the adoption of text
books different from those in use.
The large publishing houses are con-
stantly forcing new books on the mar.
ket. Occasionally a few Of these
books have real merit But poor peo.
pie cannot meet the burdens imposed
by a constant change OF text books
made to enrich greedy publishers,