Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1891-02-27

NTA0~N
itself. 1t shows the remarkable differ
ence in attention paid to educational
matters in the old state of Alabama and
the new state of North Dakota. Educa-
ton is the keystone to the greatness of a
nation. Educate the masses and the
masses will accumulate wealth, develop
the country, and promote prosperity and
happiness. In educational work North
Dakota has taken a foremost stand, and
the following communication from the
old Empire state is particularly pleasing
to all especially interested in educational
matters:
NEW YORK, Jan. 90, 1891.
Hon. w. j. Clapp, State superintendent of Pub
lie Instruction. Bismarck, N. D..
DEAR SIR: Your first biennial report
received three days since. l nave exam
lned with great interest and pleasure. BY
q mere accident the day after it came 1
received from the state superintendent of
public instruction Of Alabama, the thirty
sixth annual report of the department of
education OF that state. The first thing
which struck me- was the remarkable diff
ference in the paper, typography and
whole get up OF the two reports, yours be-
ing in this respect UNNECESSARILY the
superior.
AS they will undoubtedly interest you, l
present herewith a few comparisons |
made from the two reports as they laid be-
tore me.
$50. N. Oak. Alabama.
rop {s.s fim fs'9 more than N: D. }Ss'f2' l''0S'0'S
Gs.5 times more than N. o. '
Percentage, of school, popula-
ton to whole population. POS 34.6
-, ~ per C mt more than N. D.
:. N.4 times more than N. ~
Average attendance. ..... 1886 It's, 1858
C9.s times more than N. d.
Percentage of average attend.
ance to school population. 1913 1875
LS:i per cent. less than N. d.
jS7.25 Per cent: less than N. d. ~
amount expended on p bile
education in 1890 ........ $685., al $S46, 693
Amount spent per enrolled
(or one,seventh OF N: D:j w." N''
Amount spent for public edu-
cation per capita of total
Tor one sixth Of N. D.
think your young state may we'll feel
proud of such a record. l was particular
ly satisfied to find on page q a special
alluSlOn to patriotism as a subject of spe-
cial study and attention in your schools.
Although you are generous enough to say
that it is being introduced INTO the curricu-
lum OF the chOol of the United States, yet
ytutS is the first report of the kind in
which l have found the subject made a
special topic, and its necessity strongly en-
dOrsed.
The fact that you have already forty
three libraries (School) with 2,O58 volumes,
is very gratifying. With such a good be-
ginning, you can in a few years, at a mod.
crate expense, have a well selected library
in each district. If you do not happen
to be familiar with the California law,
on this subject, permit me to suggest that
you get a copy, as also a copy Of the last
biennial report of the state superintendent
and see what a work in this direction has
been done in a few years. You will be
surprised at the results, and l say it ad-
viSedly, that your state cannot do better
h a copy her methods.
l was also quite struck with what you
have done to create the nucleus of a refer
ence library for your own office, and in
order TO aid in the good work | will send
to your address to morrow by mail an an
nlal report, 1880 to 1887, inclusive, which,
with the two You have, will give you the
reports for ten years; a copy of an annual
school directory for 1890 and of our manu-
al and new course OF Study-all of which
please accept with my compliments. When
our report for 1890 comes out in April l
will not forget to add the volume to your
series.
Wishing you every success in your noble
work. l am
Very truly yours.
(SlRned) GEO. T. BALCH,
(Auditor Board of Education).