New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-11-13

JOHN SCHUYLER CROSBY FAVORS A REVISION
OF THE PRESENT SCHOOL SYSTEM.
In the following letter to Adolph l.. Sanger
nouncing his resignation as School Commissioner,
John Schuyler Crosby makes n strong plea against
overlooking the public-school curriculum with
studies which the majority Of pupils are unable
to pursue through lack of time and opportunity:
Adoph H. Sanger Esq., President of the Board Of Edrea
ton, Ncw-Yor<.
NV Dear Mr. President: beg to inform you that
have this day forwarded to His Honor the Mayor OF the
city OF Ncw-York my resignation as Commissioner OF
Common schools.
take tais step with much regret, but under the COM
p sion OF and the advice OF my physician
who warns me against residing IN cold climate during
the coming winter.
NY service was full OF interest II OF labor and re-
sponsblity and the memory Of hope Of usefulness
and that OF sympathy aud cooperation received
from my colleagues in the Board OF Education still re-
mains among pleasant and valued legaeies OF
the past.
was associated In endeay0r and especially TO the
gentlemen OF the different committees CT which was
member the Of my regard and gattide Tor
their kindness In performing In addition TO 'he'r own
ahors tie duties assigned to but when, owing to
severe and dangerous physical complications was uhaDe
10 during the Last hDc montlsf
not doubt that the work Of reformation begun over
year ago in the board, desptr the inert put powerful
influences Of custom and conservatism. win be at ~ dis
lnnf
b Intelligent and patriotic gentlemen comprising the
Roori OF Educaon that their attention has been
awakened, VII, permit the many abuses that nave c'epc
into the public school system OF the city OF New" YORK 10
cxt longer. The idea Of giving academic education
To tn, majority OF the children In the public scnoos Is
essentially faLcious eight out of ten OF the pupils
b. longing they do, to the great Industrial cas' are
couod to leave before the course Is half ni'acu thus
deriving no oil from the higher and more am
tiou. features Of curriculum AMI only traction oil
Tn, advantage they s.or1 derive from the simple textures
Indeed IL must evident that our system i not
adaucd needs aad circumstances oil tho, VINO seek
il, help chlrcn who cent to the pubic SCHOOLS
xrcnt those who signify their OF remaining until
graduation would best served ~ p'in elementary
o,ro I'm the English language embracing also American
history aud inf rmation b. which they eoui dcq IRE
,h ao yedyc Of how t, become intelligent citizens. Nine
on, OF ten OF the children ar not ada 10 remain longer
thu, ia necessary % acquire tn 10, bran hes and there
,orc even IL wcr, the proper function OF government
., olyc the reople luxurious and purely ornlmcntll
,dsa.on children Themselves are not able - improve
the opportuaity AMI fact ret,fueu rather thai
uol;ci hy its presentation
Parents who wish their children TO acquire foreign lan
ou,ccs music belcs.Isttrs ETC.. should send them
Iri>ete institution, Of learne. Neither Inc oonsaonS
Of tire the circumstances OF the a. gr GU IN
wsr art pr sent sys.em pursued IN our P"Dic SCHOOLS
me pro.r function OF FREQ ,ducaton Is to make GOOD
An rcan citizens ard It's bc1ccnt forces should not be
enfec ,,.d and dl-spat,i In chinercal experiment. We
have seen the old system does not educate Why
rot a ,nion /. for Tat vii
Pardon this c,tnccd letter and permit me to rlad In
cycnrnon tle deep Int have always fc't and shall
always .ccl IN the public schools OF N'".iofk
Keep the schools rom the e'Ii na,hla'oi' OF the
ward politician. ire nom all setiril" ana ic'
Commissioner with iwi'i"a nee !" an '"hs' IN
n,'rcs; Of the school ehilofsn' ana ole\e with
rrop'f revision aud change AID new Jaws the sehoo
system Of New. York nay show great rsult' Very sill
ccrrly yours, JOHN srii' lL''i' SHOsBN.
Washington. Oct, 20. 1898.