New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-04-21
DEBATE OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS
Mr.. CROSBY SAYS NOT ENOUGH GRAMMAR -
TAUGHT-SHARP WORDS.

TAUGHT-sHARP WORDS.
The IclntroducOn OF the resolution OF Commits
sioncr Crosby calling for the appointment OF CON-
mittee OF three to decide what changes should be
made in teaching grammar and history in the public
schools caused a sharp debate In the Board Of Edu-
cation yesterday In advocating his resolution the
Commissioner said Tint two weeks ago he had ex-
amlncd the record Of the City College, and found that
large percentage of the applicants for admission TO
that institution alarmingy deficient In the ee-
mentary branches OF study mentioned. He had gone
again yesterday morning to verify the figures by 10
examining the records To his astonlshment he had
found that the records had been removed from the
college by order OF the chairman Of the executive
committee OF the college, composed Of members Of
the Board Of Education.
81 Furthermore told" continued the Commits
.ioner that they had been placed in the custody
of the clerk OF that committee in the offices OF this
Board. But when l asked to see them found that
an expert employed by the committee had taken
them to his home. Now, Mr.. President, l wish TO
know by what right this action was taken, and why
l. us q member OF the trustees OF the college, ex-
ofIlcio could not those recOrisl'
Commissioner Holt chairman OF the executive CON-
mlttee replied 10 Mr. Crosby that this had been
done by his authority. When we read certain arti-
Giles in the public prints" he continued, "rehecting
upon the efficiency OF the applicants for admission
TO the college, It became duty 70 examine those
record. ! doubted the accuracy Of the figures, which
II correct did reflect seriously upon the schools. We
attempted TO 90 over the records and found IL I'M
possible 10 secure the Information necessary without
an elaborate table Of the questions marks, etc To
obtain this we removed them, ana employed clerk
&c prepare the desired table"
This explanation did not satisfy Commissioner
Crosby But Commissioner O'Brfen then moved that
The resolution be referred to the Standing COMMITTEES
on Course OF study rather than to a special committee
Of three. TO this Commissioner Gerard objected.
That committee he said, has become blinded. 1t
is composed OF fossils and report from will simply
result In commencing the present system. We want
reforms there is for reform. Ny young friend,
Commissioner Crosby, Is anxious to bring that about
The fossils OF the regular committee cannot do So"
But Mr.. President cried Commissioner SANGER
springing TO his feet object 70 the learned gentleman
maignng himself. II Commissioner Gerard will refer
TO the personnel OF the Committee Course Of Study
he Will find that he Is one OF its most shining lights
lie Is certainly no FOSSIL
After the laughter had subsidized President Hunt asked
permission say that the present Committee Course
Of study composed OF new blood. lie read the
nnmcs OF the members at present aud those OF the
committee whci the present curriculum introduced
into the public schools. Among the latter committee
he mentioned hi, own name.
Indeed shouted Commissioner O'Bren, whose
cnmltv 10 President Hunt IS well known, Il knew
that the present committee differently constituted
from that Of l-eo | should never have moved that
the resolution Dc rcefIfu I'D tliN tOnlInltttt'
Commissioner Crosby made another attempt to 80
cure the appointment Of a special committee. The
pupils OF The public schools he said do not learn
grammar. went few days ago 10 one 81 the gram
mar Schools selected five pupils and had them write
business letters. The letters would have put TO shame
Il boy in cross roads school In Arkansas. Are YOU,
gentlemen Of the committee afraid Of nvestigationl'
lis query was answered I'm the negative, and when
the vote WIS taken the resolution was sent 10 tho
Committee on Course OF Study.
About s2j, 900 was appropriated yesterday Tor re-
pairs in school budings II was also decided % build
A new schoohouse at Eighty hrst-st. and Avenue \.
A communication received from General Horace
Porter as president Of the Grant Monument Associa
tlon asking that the pupils OF the grammar schools
be asked to write upon General Grant, in order
TO promote feelings Of patriotism. This will be DONE
W H. DE War appointed sanitary inspector 70
succeed Inspector Taafe. \ protest from Mr. Taate
agaiust his dismissal received by the Board lie
declared that him due the credit OF discovering
the alleged scandals in the department Of buildings