Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-06-12
Practical Education" Again


Cleveland. Ohio, is another city that
recognizes the wisdom OF having estab-
bsbed a manual t.ainlng-school. Ii seems
that wien the scheme was first broacbed 1t
encountered considerable opposition, and
n was ssme time before 1t could be put
into practical operation. 1t was originally
proposed 10 "introduce manual training
In connection with publc-school educa-
ton but even some OF the educators
objected to that. They held that
the attention Of the students In
the manual school would he diverted from
their regular school studies, and they would
as q consequence fall below the standard.
A compromise was therefore effected, and
the Cleveland Manual School was estab-
lisbed upon an "independent basis" The
results Of the experiment are most crafty
ing. Not only are youths OF mechanical
turn OF mind Afforded an opportunity to
develop their talents In that direction, but
the habits OF discipline acquired in the
Manual School are redsunding TO the adj
vantage Of the regular p1olic-school sys-
tenn. The Cleveland Plain Dealer says
that most Of the pupils in the Manual
School are scholars In the Central High
School, who have 10 take the full course in
the latter without regard TO work done In
the former, and adds:
awe hope objectors will carefully study
the reports Of the principal and the pro-
lessor Of mathematics in the Central a. 10
The effect OF the manual training education
on the boys In the High School. Principal
Campbell says they acquire new interest In
their studies; that they fully sustain their
former rank In scholarship and more, that
there IL great gain In the matter Of dis
cipIine, and that the influence OF the train
ing-scbool upon the morality OF the pupils
Is commendable. The professor Of mathe-
MATES gives Independent testimony TO the
same effect in all respects. What have the
directors 10 say now?"
We have frequently said that II Rich
mond Is ever TO take the position as a
manufacturing centre she Is entitled TO she |
must have a thoroughly equipped indus
trial school-a school embracing art and |
dSigniand manual training in Its course.
We have also held whenever we have dis |
cussed the question that such a school |
should be supported In large measure by |
private enterprise. BY the expression sin
dependent basis" as applied to the Cleve-
land Manual School, we do not understand |
that that school Is supported by private en-
terprise. We take the expression to mean
simply that II is disconnected from the |
general school system as far rs management |
Is concerned. And now we ask. IL under |
these conditions manual school has
proved such "triumph," what might not |
be expected for an industrial school In
Richmond which was supported In great |
degree and controlled by those who would
have the greatest interest in lis SUGGEST Is
not the experience Of the friends OF "prac-
teal education" In Cleveland strong ap"
peal TO our people Of all classes to come to
the aid OF the proposed mechanics insti-
tute and DO prepared to meet the Legisla-
ture more than half way when the ques-
ton Of appropr'ailng money for the enter
prise shall again be agitatedS