Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-10-08

Preparations for the celebration Of Columbus
day, October 81, by the children Of the public
schools are in active progress. The day IL q
general holiday and it is proposed that the
school children assemble in their respective
school rooms and there carry out an appropri-
ate program. The order Of exercises, which
will be the same throughout the schools. will be
conducted BY the teachers. A flag will be raised
and saluted by the children and il is proposed
when possible, to secure the services Of a detail
of veterans Of the war to perform that duty
Then The Song Of Columbus Day." set
to well-known music. will be sung.
There will be an address to be detained BY
the best speaker among the boys, and an ode
which will be read recited by a young lady
The singing Of America" will be the closing Of
the musical part of the exercises. This pro-
gram is the one arranged by the executive COM
mittee of the superintendent of education, and
will be carried out in the public schools Of the
country.
SUPERINTENDENT PowELLs SUGGESTIONS
At the meeting Of the board Of school trustees
today the following letter from Superintendent
Powell was read, and the suggestions com-
mended to the attention of school trustees.
OCTOBER z, 1891
To the Board of Trustees of Public schools,
d. c.:
Gentlemen: The discovery OF America a
of the world since the dawn Of Christianity
1t will stand TO all intelligent thinking minds
for all time as one Of the early trfumphs Of
scientific endeavor. resulting in the develop
ment o. a people whose first and distinguishing
characteristic is a solemn and dutifuf respect
for the rights Of man. Recognizing this great
fact Americans, to whom the resulting advan-
tages and blessings have been immeasurably
great, should be willing and anxious to cele-
brate the anniversary Of this discovery. The
anniversary will be appropriately celebrated by
the dedication of the worlds fair exposition
buildings in Chicago.
Sunlight and air have been given 10 the nv
riads of things and beings that have covered
the earth since life began without diminution
of supply or impoverishment Of sources, max
ing more apparent and better understood day
by day the magnificent splendor OF one the
benignant invigoration of the other and the
sustaining power of both. knowledge and
thought may be given to bless and enrich the
recipient without impoverishment or loss to
the giver.
As light and air are free, SO knowledge should
be free, the God-g1ven right Of man. The free
schools exist in recognition Of this right.
1t is especially fitting that the schools should
celebrate Columbus day. The school officers
and teachers of the District Of Columbia will
join in this celebration with delight and en-
tbusiasm. The children will show their knowl-
edge Of the origin and growth Of free institu-
of these blessings by giving willing cooperation
to this celebration.
The President Of the United States. in ac-
cordance with Joint resolution Of the Senate
and House Of Representatives, has proclaimed
the 2lst day Of October, the anniversary Of the
finding of America, a general holiday, recon-
mending that the public schools Of the whole
land join in the celebration Of that day as
Columbus day."
The superintendent department of the Ma
tional Teachers Association has taken active
measures to make such celebration in the
schools national
The Southern Educational Association has
given its strong Endorsement to the movement
recommending by unanimous resolution that
the day be observed by all the schools Of the
south.
l have the honor to recommend that the
board Of trustees authorize and direct the
schools Of the District to celebrate this day in
an appropriate manner, and that they invite
the citizens Of the District to Join In such cole
bration. Very respectfully. you obedient SER
want. W. B. POWELL, supt