The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1891-07-07
CO-EDUCATION.
Representative Educators Assem-
bled at Kawaiahao Semi

cltlzens Interested in the education
OF the Haweiians were assembled Al
Aawalahao seminary Monday even
ing, July 9th, to discuss the adyisa
blllty OF establishing an institution
for the co education of the sexes
Her Majesty, the Queen, attended
Dy Mrs. w. III. Aldrich, honored the
meeting with her presence. The
number who gathered at the semi
nary became 80 large that they had
to go to the recitation room to be
seated.
At 8 o'clock Mr.. w. r. Castle
called the meeting to order. Rev.
W. Is. Oleson was chosen chairman.
Mr.. Wood, secretary.
Mr.. w. O. Smith being called
upon to state the object of the meet
ing, responded that it was for
the discussion of the co-educa-
ton Of the sexes of the rising
Hawaiian generation. He recog.
nlzed what had been done, and
while not undertaking the same, be-
ieved that much more could be
accomplished In the co-education of
the sexes. He referred to the Amer
lean schools conducted upon such
principles and thought the method
could be tried here.
General S. @. Armstrong, who had
just returned from a visit to Kauai
where he visited the Lihue schools,
addressed the assemblage. He
thought that engaged as he is in the
co education of the Negro and In
dian races, it would be in place to
give his views of the establishment
of such a school here for the Ha-
waiians. He referred to DR.. and
Mrs. j.. K. Smith in their being
promoters of the school for
boys and girls at Lihue. He
told of the location of the school,
its natural advantages and what has
already been done. About $4,000
has been expended. In treating the
subject of co-education, he stated
that it is gaining ground in the
States, and was already established
in many leading educational institu-
tions, where it is being proven to be
successful. In the question of civil
ization CO education is essential. It
is the normal condition of children
in the family life to have the boys
and girls together. He went on to
speak of the experiment of CO educa-
ton some years ago in the Royal
School.
If there is to be an agricultural
school on these islands, Kauai is the
place. The present site is well adapt
ed for this purpose. The buildings
will rank among the finest in any
country. Boys and girls should be
taught and brought up to the point
of self-support and to be made to an
extent Independent. He spoke with
pleasure of seeing here the many
nationalities all working harmonious
" together In the schools. The
young to learn to conduct themselves
properly in society and elsewhere
must go into society. The co-edu-
cation was the best way to learn.
The schools should be conducted
upon Christian basis, yet with no
denomination or sect in particu
lar, but SO none could find
his self-respect touched. In the
Hawaiian race, though sensual,
yet a great deal can be obtain
ed 10y appealing to their better ma
ture. The personel of the Lihue
school was, prospectively looking,
favorable for the future. In refer
ence to the number of boarding
schools, it was stated that there are
fifteen on the Islands, one mixed land
the number of students in each was
given. One of the questions to be
considered was whether or not each
island should have it's own boarding
school. Upon second thought of the
matter, the speaker thought Kauai
should have its school. The ordin-
airy schools gave only fair educa-
ton. More than this should not be
asked in the way Of taxing the people
for the maintenance of schools. Be-
yond this private aid should come in.
Inspector General A. T. Atkins on
was requested to speak on the cues
ton. He believes in co-education, as
it stimulates the girls and softens the
boys. The schools must be carefully
and thoroughly conducted; the
young men and women should be
treated as such, and not as prisoners.
The schools should be put upon a
broad basis, and not be narrowed
down. He gave some information in
regard 20 numbers of pupils, nation
alities, etc.
At this point in the discussions,
the chairman thought it should be
confined more particularly to the OBJ
iect Of the meeting.
Mr.. w. r. Castle then made mo-
ton, which was carried, that it
should be Resolved, that in the
opinion of this meeting the time has
come to undertake the co-education
of the Hawaiian people,"
Chief Justice A. 4. Judd then
briefly spoke. He stated that he had
some experience In co-education In
his own family. He could not see
why schools can not be conducted
upon the same principle as large
family. If the youth of other coun
tries are brought up together, why
not Hawaiian? If the Hawaiian
race is an exception, it is time they
be brought under the general rule.
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