Morning journal and courier., 1888-05-19
A RIG PETITION.


 trOduced Into She Public Schools and Present Before she Board of Education a Petition Signed By Five Hundred Pe0pIe-The New
 Webster School.
 MT. Peck was the only member absent from the meeting of the board of education last night. Major Strong of the committee on school buildings reported that plans of the new Webster school building were com- pleted and bids were ready to be advertised for. The builders thought it impracticable to finish the building by September 1, as they could not guarantee a substantial building. By a special outlay of money the building might be finished by that time, but the builders thought that to do justice to the work they need six months. Dr. Carmalt said that if the scholars were sent to the State House for six months it would be det- rimental to their health. If it was for only two months he would not object The State House is far worse than the present Webster school, he said. It would be a difficult matter to care for six hundred pu- pills there for six months.
 Captain O'Brien said that from past expe- rience he knew that the new building could not be finished within six months, and if the State House was not deemed proper place the committee should look further.
 MT. Graves, in order to test the opinion of the builders and of the board, moved that the building committee be instructed to ad- vertise for bids for the completion of the building by October 1.
 MT. Plunkett thought this nnwise. Past experience had shown that @ sehoolhouse should not be hurried. Of course building could be erected in 8 short time, but the guarantee of it is another thing. He thought I--k n1,s IJ al lock school and those in the West school to the Rosette street school and also utilizing the Welch school, that most of these chil- dren could be accommodated in these other schools.
 Captain O'Brien said that the hall in the Welch school was used by the training class, but that that class might be inconvenienced and have it's exercises after school hours. Superintendent Dutton explained that the hall of the Welch school would comfortably seat sixty-fve children, and he thought by transferring the pupils as suggested by Mi. Plunkett, that all the children of the Web ster school could be accommodated. There could be double session for the small chil- dren.
 MT. Graves motion was put and carried. On motion of Major Strong the committee on schools was instructed to find out and re- port at the next meeting of the board if there is enough room in the present schools for the
 
 At this juncture it was remarked that @ committee of ladies was waiting to be heard. As this is something unusual all the members grasped their neckwear to see that it was all right and smoothed the wrinkles in their coats and, putting on some of the most all turing specimens of smiles, arose and stood while the ladies entered. There were three of them, Mrs. Dana, wife of Prof. Dana, Mrs w. H. Lowe and Mrs. Fisher. Mrs. Dana led the way, and they took seats next to President Welch at the head of the table where all the members of the board could see them. They bore a voluminous batch of paper, which proved to be petition. It is as follows:
 To the Honorable Board of Education: Gentlemen: We. the undersigned wish to ex- press our hearty approval of the measures already taken to improve the public school system of the city by the incorporation of those clements of in dsrial training that tend to elevate the character Of our youth and promote the well being of the
 Believing that among these forms of training plain and nutritious food holds place ek the first st importance, we hereby respectfully petition your one more grades of the Grammar schools.
 The petition was signed by about five hun dred persons, among them being many of the leading citizens of the city.
 The ladies desired that the board give the matter careful consideration. They cited cities where cooking lessons were given in the public schools, and they thought it neces- sity.
 Mrs. Dana and Mrs Lowe did all the talk ing. The members seemed to take a great deal of interest in the ladies' mission for they kept their eyes constantly riveted in their direction. The ladies were asked many questions.
 'sNo," answered Mrs. Lowe, s'there have been but few who refused to sign this peti- tion. I met but one, and he was an old gen tleaaan. Of course you know about old gen. tlemen-"
 As she made the last remark she cast a glance at MT. Welch, and the board exploded overhead danced with joy, and the gaslights fickered and vertically howled with delight over the big joke on Mir. Weloh.
 Mrs. Lowe, who had unknowingly mag netized the board, put her hand in front of her face and eaid: "You know what mean Mir. Day" MT. Welch's gray hair turned blue, but he still retained the same bland smile, while Mir. Day sunk down several feet in his chair with his face buried in both hands. The other members were roaring and several brought into play their handker- chiefs to wipe away the tears brought on by laughter.
 ''We are all young here" said MT. Punk cit when he had lighted himself. This caused more laughter.
 Mrs. Lowe created more fun when she said that at the Y.W.C.A.'s rooms there was a class in cooking composed of young ladies engaged to be married, but who knew abso- lutely nothing about cooking when they came there.
 After the ladies had gone it was voted to leave the matter to the committee on schools. It was suggested that after the petition is placed on file it be sent to the