Morning journal and courier., 1890-06-16
CONTRADICTIONS
Tho Hfnh Sohool.


 To the Editor of the JOURNAL AND COURIER:
 The papers have published 50 many arti- cles giving only one side of High school mat ters, that it seems only right that the public should have glimpse of the other side.
 First, word about examinations. In every school in the oity promotions are made at the discretion of the principal, and he Is governed by circumstances, the crowded condition of the lower classes largely affect ing promotions. In the High and Grammar schools the pupils work through the year should and does affect his promotion, for some children become 50 nervous during ex- aminations that the result is not fair show ing of their attainments. Then, too, inex- perienced teachers are sometimes appointed to the High school. The principal sees that they are working hard and faithfully, knows that they have the requisite have been appointed, and every thing appears to be going on smoothly. But when examinations come there is diff culty. The teacher has perhaps overesti. mated the progress of his pupils, and has given them test on which large part of taiaed in dropping class of thirty or forty because of their teachers inexperienced It would not be just to the pupils. So they are passed on, and their progress through the next year carefully looked after, and the teacher, pro6ting by this experience, often makes one of the best instructors in the school. Is not the same thing done ia col leget
 Another point mentioned is the lack of harmony between principal and teachers. It would not be strange If, in school of twenty teachers and nearly eight hundred pupils, there should bs occasional misunder standingn between teachers and principal. But the fact that seventeen out of these twenty teachers have recently expressed to and their esteem for him, with the hope that he might long continue the head of the High school, shows the real feeling which exists. And the school is not going to destruction. With eight hundred pupils and seating ca pacity of barely six hundred, with recita- tions conducted in dreseing-rooms and crowded schoolrooms, the order of the school awarding of honors in the Sheffield Scientific school, out of eleven honors five were given to high school graduates, while four of the philosophical orations in the present aea- demic junior class were won by High school boys, an unprecedented honor for any one for a boy-"High school graduate or pupil preferred" What does this meant The majority of our most successful teachers are High school graduates. Add to this that the principal is entirely free from religious or race prsjudics, and that the poor mans child Is treated with as much consideration and favor as the child of the most influential citi- zen of New Haven.
 The past and present pupils of the school have the greatest affection and respect for Mr. Whitmore. His moral influence is worth great deal to his scholars, and the wholesome advice which delinauents receive from him, often changes an idle pupil to an l ambitious one, and 0 boy who is difficult to govern to one who can govern himself. Granted that the principal, being mortal, l has made mistakes. Is a lifetime of arduous, zealous work for the welfare of our children l to count for nothings Are we so eager to see | a mans faults, that we cannot see the long record of good deeds, the kind, sympathizing heart, the years efindefatigable labora B.