The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-01-31
=. RUSSELL BROWN.

trust companies, pIrt.cl patton account, OF
Nov. II. 1902, amounted TO s7,732, $500, a gail
OF S9b2,63O.73 Cor the year. The number of de
positors was 1903, or an increase of al for tn
year.
Total deposits, savings banks and
trust companies at tho close of
year ending Nov. IL, S92........ S,7 ,63o, s49. Il
Total increase in deposits over 1891 1858, 465. 81
Total number of depositors at the
close OF the year .....".,.,...... 1859
Total increase in number of depos-
itors over 1871 .............. 6,5S'
Education.
Public education continues To hold a proml.
nent place both In the finances of the state and
also Ia tae interests OF its citizens. From the
forthcoming reports of the state board of edu.
cation and the commissioner of public schools
1T will be seen that the gross expenditures for
pubic education amount 10 S9ij, 076.2 II. OF
TINS amount SlV1 1900 was spent for sites,
buildings, and other forms OF permanent in
Vestment, while the balance was used for the
current expenses of various agencies by which
this work IL carried on.
During the year no marked changes in
policy or plans have been introduced. AT the
last January session "a slight step in advance
was taken by your honorable body in provid-
ing that hereafter all schools or institutions
OF learning. private as we'll as public, should
make an annualr report 60 the state board Of
education. This wssa wise measure to adopt,
~ 1tAsAA w plAt ~ III tAANDlt
the board in Its annual survey OF the educa-
tional growth and development Of the state
10 base It's statements and conclusions upon a
full and comprehensive knowledge of all the
conditions. The changes also made in the law
governing the appointment Of children To the
schools for the blind and feeble-mindcd have
worked advantageously. and with the care and
responsibility for the administrator of this
whole branch OF the work ia the hands of tho
state board. but with the powers of appoint
'ment and removal in the hands OF the gov
ernor, the interests of the state on all sides
would seem 10 be provided for.
IN considering tn what extent the interests
or popular education may he furthered by Leg
lslation. | have been led 10 the conclusion that
the FIRST and most important step TO be taken
i mat OF organizing all our OF schools upon the
town plan. The complex system. now i'm opera
ton In many Of our towns, unaucstionably
stands directly in the way OF any material
change for the better. Such n plan of con-
Quoting any enterprise is unbusinesslike,
costly and wholly unworthy OF this day and
generation. Three OF our sister states in New
England have already taken this step, and the
verdict otthose who have tested the new plan
Is almost unanimously in its favor.
NJ the present time, in school administra-
ton, as in other departments, the tendency ia
to a more definite and orderly plan of work 10
amore perfect coordination OF the different
parts OF The work to the securing of specif, re-
suits, To a wise adjustment OF means at ones
disposal and the ends 10 be secured. All OF
these points are beyond the reach OF any insti-
tuition where there ia a divided responsibility.
" would therefore seem 20 be the part of
wisdom for us 10 place our schools where they
may avail themselves OF these tendencies OF
the time. and 50 fall with one accord into line
with the rest OF the world. Many of the prob
lens which now beset the school question
would then be solved, and those that re-
manned would have a broader and n faircr
held In which 10 be wrought out.
Closely allied 20 this change ia general plan
OF administration is the measure introduced a
year ago into the assembly. providing for a
new method Of determining the quslinca-
lions ot teachers There can De no question
but that the qualification of tho teacher
determines very largely the real radcg
and character OF the school. In that
case IT certainly bchoovcs the state % sec
that u gets the very best Ina; the money
ut it, disposal will command. More.
over, as the state contributes TO many towns
N large n proportion Of the money used
Tor teachers wages, ~ H. clearly interested in
seeing that those thoroughly competent are
placed IN the teachers position. In all Of the
more recent systems Of schools. throughout
the middle and western states, some such plan
mas beon adopted 10 the great advantage OF
me schools, and there IL .vcry reason 10 be-
lleNe that our own schoosl would he great
gamers by u similar move In this state.
Another question connected with the
growth ~ our school system Il that Of the
best method for supplying text books aud
supplies Tor the pupils. w ith the great in-
,rcase IN population, and the rapid multipli.
s@'ioh oi iarse schools among that portion VI