The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1892-02-05

1t is claimed that superintendent are
corruptly influenced by book publishers
to make these changes; but it would
not be fair to even intimate such a
thing conc erning the immaculate off,
cials who preside over the schools in the
national capital
In a majority of the towns. cities and
counties OF this country, since the new
year dawned, the children have been
going to and from their schools, either
walking upon or wading through the
snow; or rushing with flying feet
through the bitter cold air which comes
with biting strength from the far north
land. In this city, however, where the
climate is Modified and modified by the
genial influence of the gulf stream, our
children, young men and maidens trav.
erse clean, smooth sidewalks and streets,
some of them wearing neither overcoats
nor heavy wraps, because of the mild.
ness and balminess of the atmosphere.
One thing, however, is noticeable
here, and it is SO wherever public schools
are open and f1ourishing, the children
master and absorb the contents Of any
of them. Little ones not more than
ten or twelve years old are bearing on
their backs the burden of at least a
dozen books; but they will never bear
these burdens upon their brains, be.
cause it is impossible for young or old
to gain erudition by absorption. One
thing at a~timc, and that done WELL is
an excellent motto which very, few in
structors ever learn. They push pupils
through curriculum and eventually
give them certificates which inform the
public that their possessors are educated,
but, in nine cases out of ten, the high.
school graduates cannot correctly spell
vernacular English. 1t would be better
for the little ones to spend the first two
years in their spelling books, with no
other study whatever, than to push them
along through SO many books that they
do not know even the names of the au.
thors of them. 1.-two years were spent
in the spelling book, one year In gram.
mar, another year in arithmetic, and an.
other year in penmanship, with review
of other studies, better scholarship
would result.
In that manner, there would be laid
a good, broad and deep foundation, and
every little mind which is imbued with
a natural desire for information could
develop itself without extraneous aid.
These are words of wisdom.
Down town, in the heart of the city,
opposite Franklin park, stands the most
desirable school in the city for children
to attend. The grounds are large, the
tiful park in the city is directly oppo-
site, and during recess or at noon time
there are more bright and happy faces
to be seen in the vicinity Of Franklin
school than anywhere else in Washing
ton. On every other side of the park
are the homes of distinguished people.
Their children are among the throngs
Of happy rompers who take possession
of the place. There is nothing better
and more clevating for the heart and
soul of man, especially in this sin-rid-
den city, than to spend an occasional
hour in the atmosphere of childhood,
youth or young maidenhood. Such an
hour spent this morning in Franklin
park, watching the children and indulg-
ing in speculations concerning their
present and future. Thereafter I ex-
amined the superintendent report with
a great deal of interest, and concluded
to transmit these facts and thoughts to
nv reading friends throughout the
country. SMITH ID. Fry.