The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-07-18
OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Oth ftDLi' O'HOOio'
Superintendent Collier il n public spir.
tied man who has his heart in his work, and
is nm enthusiast on the subject Of public
education. lie il characterized by some
thing, too, OF the scli-dcnying zeal that is
a leading trait with those who prefer their
life work even 10 themselves. He made
an exhibit OF this when on Monday
lac refused an increase of salary. lie sees
that just now the Public School system IL
more on trial than ever that the close
competition Of pay schools makes extra
effort necessary on his and on the part Of
the School Board, aud that all the money
the scant school tax affords Is little enough
with which 10 meet the ordinary
cxigcncics Of the growth Of the
city and tho demands Of the children.
Besides, new buildings are needed and
now furniture and new equipment. An
increase Of salary il not, therefore, to be
presently encouraged. Perhaps the Super.
intcndent is right from the enthusiastic
standpoint, but from that Of all practical
men Of the world lac Is wrong. Hut II was
not TO this that We particularly in
tended TO call attention, but TO
the Supcrintcndcnts advocacy Of an
addition 10 the curriculum Of the
schools in tho form Of reading music at
sight. This we think the public generally
will approve Of. Men aud women should
know how TO read music as thoy 10
language. Indeed music IL tho cquvo.
lent to language and conveys ideas to those
who understand Il ~ readily rs words do.
To read music ut sight will enable man
or woman 10 become interested in musical
Rs they do in essays, |
)r history or dramatic compositions.
Il will refine the taste, ripcn the under.
standing and enable those trained in II to
distinguish between tho merits Of musical
work and enjoy with keen rciiSh the best |
Of the great masters. II will
be- found quite ~ useful as olocuiion,
which, as taught in our schools generally,
has u tendency TO mislcad. 10 take the
pupil away from the simplicity Of style
that should characterize him ns n reader
OF English without GESTURE or physical
relying upon the uso Of
properly trained vocal organs for pras.
ing, rs in the singing Of n simple bal
lad. Tho English educators understand
this best. Thcy train the voice for speak.
ing, and this Is why women In the mother
country have that quality Of voice which
Shakespeare praised above all other gifts
in woman. Elocuton for those who
arr TO become public speakers, public read.
ou or ACTRESSES or teachers OF olocu,ion,
is n nccdiul and necessary training.
but Unfortunately taught, II Is likely
10 have tho effect Of encouraging
very vain and foolish inncics In vain and
foolish heads 10 rcaliIo this ono has
only 10 enter into cnnycrsation with many
Of those who have been even skilliully
taught 10 lind how little use they make
OF their lcSnns In olccu,ion In ordinary
reading On speaking. In conversation
they drop easily back into the vcrnacular
and prefer the lazy aud provincial meth.
OILS OF hall nasal pronunciation to being
distinguished lot correctness In pronuncia.
ton aud elcancss Of cnunciation. Tho
reason Zoe this Is tina, clocuiion IL not i'm.
pressed upon thom rs having n mission
10 correct those 'iults, but " only ior
occasions Of show and display Tor cot
speeches and defamation or recitation. How
much time Is thus wasted the world may
never know precious time that cannot bc
recalled. hut this all illustrates ten.
dcncy u the times 10 build up the mind
artidcially, no, TO strengthen II 10y tasks
such ~ q quarter Of a century ago wcrc
the tests Of scholarship, capacity and at.
tainmcnL
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