The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-05-26
A FIRST CLASS SCHOOL SYSTEM.

10 the twelve young men ana women
graduates Of the high school The INDIE
PENDENT tenders its congratulations
and good wishes, though it will vary
the programme this year by Withholding
the customary quota OF advice; the
graduates have had all they wanted OF
that from instructors and parents and
each has been doubtless bored by too
much advice from the other. We have
ouly to suggest that education, like cap
ital or Great Falls flour, is a commodity.
1t may be- had in various ways at the
price Of time, money and labor and there
is always an endless stock on the market.
Having secured this to a degree, we may
hope that the graduates understand its
use and will turn it into such forms of
value as Will bring both prosperity in
life and the added comforts of mind which
come from a broad and cultivated vision.
In other words, see that you get the
best return for the work closed last
evening. That is a plain business prop
osition which we hope will be fully ap-
preciated.
Our congratulations, however, are
genuine. 1t is the largest class ever
graduated from our high school and in
appearance was as creditable as could
be desired. Indeed, it was quite in keep
ing with the beautiful new high school
building, the best of it's kind in the
northwestern country. We may add
that the instructors and the trustees are
entitled to q part of the credit for these
honors. The school system of Helena 10
something to call forth the pride OF
our citizens. Within the past three
years a half dozen fine, modern build,
ings, thoroughly equipped and up tc
date in every respect, have been added
to the city's provisions for instruction.
The finest of these, of course, is the high
school, which is something superb.
Every citizen ought to see the interior
of this building to appreciate what has
been done. The furnishings are not only
solid and enduring but arranged with
fine regard to good taste. 1t is a most
gratifying surprise and despite the
heavy expense, we believe that the in
vestment has been a good n SO far as
the honest cost of all that is there is
concerned. The equipment provides the
best opportunities for an elementary
course in all the branches of scien ce.
The laboratory is we'll arranged and the
cabinets promise soon to have Exhaustive
collections Of all native geological spec
linens.
During this period of progress there
has likewise been marked improvement
in methods of instruction and the choice
of teachers. This is especially notice
able in the primary department, where
the teachers arc now deservingly better
paid and, as n consequence, better SER
vice is had. The most important feat
ures of an educational course are found
first, in the groundwork, and secondly,
in the post graduate courses which fit
pupils for tho practical side of a tech
meal education. Without offering any
criticism on last nights exercises, it oc-
CulS " US iIhu ulOlo UIllc ohoulo NC
given to tho study Of elocution aud the
practice Of essay writing and debating.
instruction of this sort is of a real prac-
teal nature. 1t enables the pupil to
gather his thoughts, gives ease Of OK
preston and, If rightly handled, gives
such knowledge as all should nave on
the topics of the day. There never was
n better educational institution than
the old fashioned school debating So
clety. 1t ought to be revived in Helena
md the curriculum Of tho high school
should include in each term a series of
debates on questions Of momentary IN
%terest, like tho Boring sea issue. the
silver question, the tariff and the many
socialistic questions discussed on two
continents. Tho prestige of New Eng
land at the bar, at the forum and in the
pulpit was largely due 10 this discipline
1t can be made a study as delightful and
interesting as it is profitable and we
hope to see more attention given to il
during the next school year.