The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-05-10
NEW CITY SCH00L-H0USES
THE BOARD OF EDUCATION ACTIVE,
BUT SLIGHTLY PERPLExED.
How Preference in Location, II Any
Must Exist, VIII Be Decided-The
Schools Said to Be Due Money From
Old City Taxes.

President r. d. Jordan and the finance
committee OF the board of education are
exerting themselves in the interest OF the
new school building proposed to be erected
at the cornerof Third and jefferson streets
They are in a somewhat perpleXcd state
over the disparity of Architect Beers esti-
mate OF $50, 500 and the bids submitted by
local contractors and builders. The varia-
ton was so entirely excessive that the
board decided to lay aside the bids re-
ccived until further effort TO reach the
bounds could be made. Mr.. Beers has
been appealed to for harmonizing inter
ference. lie will take advantage of every
avenue open to him, and in case his pre-
vious judgment is found TO have been at
fault, the board will accept the lowest and
best bid received and allow the work Of
construction to begin at the earliest posi-
bic moment. 1t is the intention to have
the new structure ready Tor occupancy by
the next lall school term.
The board has not us yet fully decided
upon the method and arranged for the
raising of money necessary TO erect the
new building. The levy Of 10 cents for
school buildings and grounds is not suili-
| cient TO have the work done on strictly
cash basis. In fact ii this were the only
alternative, it is doubtful ii this desirable
contamination would ever be attained A
loan or something OF that nature will have
| TO be effected, and here 10 where executive
abilities OF the highest order will have 10
be brought into play. Several gentlemen
of wealth and influence have already given
the promise Of assistance whenever called
| upon, but the extent is rs yet Il matter Of
doubt. There arc two sites where new
| buildings are in almost positive contcmpla-
ton, viz: Fourth and jefferson and Lin
den street. 1t is within the range OF pos
sibilities that should public preference be
first in favor Of improving on the Linden
street lot, II will be done. IL is claimed
that there is little as between the two in
favor Of one over the other, aud cxpc.
diency will he the controlling influence in
| the decision.
President Jordan has expressed himself
positively on the point OF locating the
first building. His preference is for Third
and Jefferson first, because there is moth
ing there but n vacant lot, ready for occu
pancy. II the wealthy people who would
patronizc the school ut that point will
rally to It's speedy completion, then mp II
goes; II not, and those dependent upon
the other site will do so, then reason and
common sense suggests that IL be given
priority. Mr.. Jordan further stated that
the schools had lost good deal Of money
by the extinction OF the old municipality.
When the act repeating the city's charter
became q law, il provided simply for the
combining OF all outstanding liabilities
into one general fund. OF all the colloc-
tons made since that satc, nothing has
been given the schools. He feels that this
should not BE- the ease, and will probably
appeal TO the next Legislature for correc.
ton. This sum, he says, amounts 10 n
handsome item. In case Of success Ia
this and also in the passage Of a desired
act authorizing the issuance OF bonds ior
the purpose, the board will at once have
both the proposed buildings TO bc erected
One thing is certain, President jordan ans
his associates are in earnest about attend.
ing 10 the schools.