Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1889-12-05

was thrown open TO the public fer the
hrst time Yesterday afternoon and a rieat
many people not only in the imme diste
neighborhood. but throughout the CITY
taking an interest 10 our public schools,
were present between the hours an
hounced-2 and 4
The exercises took place in the main
stairway, new flag hanging loosely at
one side from the upper floor. viii e the
board occupied the seats on tine main
hoor below with the visitors, AMI the
principal. Miss Mcdonald, and the other
teachers and the children, occupied the
seats on the stairs and landings.
MIR. j. j. Reimers. ex.president Of the
school board, made the presentation of
a handsome new flag on behalf If the
citizens who had contributed it, ard ad-
dressing
THE BOARD OF EDUCATION,
he said:
The people of the upper part Of the
city, particularly the Sixth ward. feel like
congratulating each other on the complies
ton OF the new No. school building.
and thanking the board of educst on for
providing so admirably for the growing
requirements of their children. The
building tern down last summer had long
been outgrown. 1t was intended origin
ally only for beginners. and since that in d,
tention was manifested in brick and NOR
tar the beginners have had time to grad
uate at our high school. where excellent
accommodations have been provided.
Unlike the old house, the new building.
which commences its usefulness TODAY, is
complete grade school, with a full corp
OF teachers tor every step to the door of
the High school itself. 1t is handsome in
appearance, convenient in arrangement,
and has all the requirements of comfort
and health"
Il speak for my neighbors as well as
myself when / say we are pleased with
this building for the education OF our
children, whose advancement il life is
more to us than our personal aims and
ambitions. lspeak for them in returning
our sincere thanks to the board OF educa.
ton and promising To sustain is menu
~
after do to increase the usefulness of the
schools OF Rock Island and render the
path of learning less thorny to the young
and tender feet"
PRESIDENT THOMAS REPLY.
President T. II. Thomas. Of the Board
Of Education, responded as follows:
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: On behalf
of the Board of Education, lid you a
hearty welcome to the opening of our
new school building. ! desire to thank
the people Of this immediate vicinity for
the fine flag they have kindly donated
this school. IL seems to me the most ap-
propriate gift that could have possibly
been given-One that will help engraft
IN the minds of the children educated
here-love OF country, its flag and its in
situations, among which one of the most
important is our public school system.
The presentation of this flag gives the
board more pleasure than any thing else
could have done. because We be lieve il 70
be an indication of your approval of and
satisfaction with the building The boar d
are proud OF it. We believe il TO be one
of the best school building. 10 the state
for the amount OF money expended. con
tanning, as il does, every modern i'm
provement Another very appropriate
thing you did was the selection Of Mr..
X, liners TO make the presentation No
person has done as much as ne toward
securing you this school building. Some
members would have preferred waiting q
year or two before erecting it. having
expended $4,000 for high school two
years ago. but when by his efforts the old
house was shown 10 be I'M
safe. they were unanimous in or
dering its erection. i believe in good
schools and good buildings. l. helps any
city that has them. The first inquiry of
q man OF q family before he locates in q
place is what kind OF schools have your
A persoI's first impression o. city is
formed from the character of is churches
and schools. Allow me again to thank
you for your attendance and attention
| shall conclude by giving you a general
idea OF the condition of our pr bic schools
compared with July. 1887. For several
years previous to that date the tax levy
had been from $25 900 to $2s. 900; the
expense OF teachers and janitors being
about that amount. At this time they
are nearly $50 We were in deb
about $13. 900. We have since made
three tax levies in 1887 and 1888. S35,
900 each. and in 1889 $40 O1. We now
owe $43, 500 In per cent bonds. have
built two fine school buildin IS and fitted
them up at q cost OF $47 900; so al
though our tax levy for the past tire,
| years is larger our next al nual repor
will show q decrease of our Indebtedness
OF S17 900 and two fine modern school
! houses built in accord with the wants o.
the times and worth all they cost Tn,
total cost of this building, not including
furniture. is about $4,000.
In conclusion President Thomas re
quested that Mr.. Reimers now presen
the flag
To THE PRINCIPAL
of the building. Miss Mcdonald, and b
| Aid an In tho foliouinu lanonsue.