Evening capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1888-1893, 1889-10-23


Nj II. ---
Permit me to urge that penman-
ship is one of the most important
branches of a practical education,
and one that does not receive by
any means, the attention its inn
portance demands.
In view of this fact, arrangements
have been made with Prof. f. NJ.
Garrison, of Pacific University, for
thorough course of one months
instruction, to be given to the pupils
of the East Salem school. Mr.. Gar
rison is an enthusiastic specialist,
possessing an experience in this
work of nearly twenty years. Many
of the citizens of Salem can testify
to the efficiency of his skill and all
will no doubt welcome his return.
Each pupil is asked to pay the
sum of $1.00, and after paying
Prof. Garrison for his services,
the balance will be used in the pur-
chase of a large bell for the school,
and for such other purposes as shall
be deemed most appropriate.
PREMIUMS.
At the close Of the course, an ele-
CANT prize will be awarded to the
one making the most provement,
and also to the one who exhibits the
finest specimen of writing.
Hoping that the above may meet
with your hearty approval, | am,
Respectfully,
S. A. RANDLE,
City Supt.
The JOURNAL office has been Wis
tied by large number of parents
who have received the above circu-
lar asking information in regard to
the matter, and a number have
SPARED no pains in denouncing the
whole proceedings.
In the first place the East Salem
Public schools, is free institution;
that is it is legally supported by the
taxation of the people. In the sec
ond place Prof. Randle says himself
that "Penmanship is one of the
most important branches of prac
teal education and one that does not
receive by any means, the attention
its Importance demands"
The JOURNAL sanctions every
word of the professor when he says
that "Penmanship is one of the
most important branches of a prac-
tical education, but cannot see why
it should be one of the neglected
branches of education as long rs it is
one of the most important element
ary branches of the English educa-
ton.
The directors of this school when
they engage teachers, are always
sure that the person engaged are eff
ticicnt enough to teach the common
English branches. surely. If they
do not, then it is time an investiga-
ton is made, and if there is IA
teacher in that educational institu-
ton that is not capable of teaching
the "art of penmanship," then that
teacher should be given Il vacation
until this important branch is mas
tered. Admitting that Prof. f. NJ.
Garrison is a noted in
structor in this art, and that
he is man of twenty years expert
ence," it is right the JOURNAL
asks, Is it right that parents should
be asked to pay one dollar for the
services of Prof. Garrison, who pro-
poses to give one months course, of
an hour each day, in the building of
the public school? Are parents to
be compelled to pay good rate of
taxation and also be asked to sup
port various instructors whom the
directors of our public schools do
not see fit to regularly employ?
Surely not.
Another clause says, "After pay
ing Prof Garrison for his services,
the balance will be used in the pur-
chase of n large bell for the school,
or for other purposes as shall be
deemed most appropriate"
Now of course it would probably
be to some advantage to have this
"large bell" but if it was of so much
importance, the writer is lead to be-
lieve that the able board of school
directors would have had that bell
IN position long before this time.
Prof. Randle may have inaugur-
ated this matter with good inten-
tions which he surely did, but, he
failed to consider wisely.
If Prof. Garrison desires to teach
a writing school he should rent
suitable building and teach indepen-
dent of the Salem schools.
The JOURNAL Is taking the voice
of the people in this matter and of
whose interest it will always be on
the alert. No injustice is intended
to anyone but only to see justice did
toward all in all matters. Ii Prof.
Randle thinks he is doing this
through the voice of the people he
is a sadly disappointed man. The
and parents are willing to