The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-01-30

taxes for sgovernment inspection which they
do not adequately obtain. by making TINS
commissioner a member OF the state Board OF
Assessors before referred 10. the entire taxa
tion would bc placed under the control OF one
body. The revenue from insurance com
panies. agents and State banking institutions
during 1893 amounted TO Si35,2so.2'.
Education.
Isuggested TO the last General Assembly cer-
tain lines OF legislation which believed would
Improve and strcngthen our system OF public
education. Among the important measures
adopted was one having for its object the pro-
vision of free text books and supplies TO tue
pupils of our public schools.
The brief period that has elapsed since this
law went into effect Is insufficient 10 properly
estimate the advantages that will accrue
therefrom, but Its acceptance by the cominun-
ity has been gratifying and there Is every in
dication that its ultimate benefits will not fail
the expectations that Promoted its adoption.
lam informed, howsyer, by the Commissioner
of Public Schools thsTt in some instances the
obligation OF the city or town 10 carry out the
law has been questioned. While the language
OF the law seems 10 be sufficiently emphatic
TO leave no grounds for such dispute, the
necessity of providing some means OF enforc-
ing its provisions is a matter for your consid-
GRAFTON.
desire again TO voice the sentiments OF
prominent educators who favor the abolition
of the complex and costly system OF public
school administration now in force In our
State. and the substitution therefor, OF the
more definite and orderly plan of government
by the towns. -Four of the New England
States have already set an example In this di-
reotion, and their experience alone would
Justify you in favorably considering this
change. Accompanying such reform, there
is need of legislation which viii supply
method of determining the qualifications or
for he
strIctors of whose capability and merit there
Is no question. When we provide for our pub
lie schools the best teachers and the finest
equipment we popularize and strengthen the
most potent OF American institutions, ana In
that our duty Is clear.
These recommendations touch upon the
principal disadvantages under which our sys-
TEN of public instruction is operating today.
Notwithstanding these detriments, IL is
agreeable TO know that reports submitted 10
the Commissioner of Public schools show a
salutary and vigorous progression In all
branches of educational work
The expenditures ior educauonh purposes
during the past year have been Sl,332, ,4l4.s3, of
which sum S300,S7Ll5 was devoted TO build
ing and equipment. OF the total cXpendi-
ture SEA 1869 was drawn directly from the
State Treasury and 81, %. S.Oi was furnished
from the treasures of cities, towns and dis
tricts. My attention has been drawn TO the
ment of new school buildings which during
the last two years has amounted to nearly
three quarters of million dollars. surely
this fact signifies that the state is not me-
glecting the solemn responsibility OF providing
for the proper training of her future citizens.
The number of children enrolled during the
past year in public schools was 53.69j, an in
crease of 95s over the year 1892 In addition 10
this number 1860 have received instruction
in Ga private institutions, including kinder
garten and parochial schools, according TO the
reports received by the Commissioner.
The most important and gratifying events OF
the educational year will, think. be found in
the completion of the Manual Training School
in Providence, and the occupancy by the
Rhode Island school of Design OF its hand
some new quarters on Waterman street, In
Providence, which was the generous donation
OF public spirited citizen. These two insti-
tutions, together with "A manual training
school now in process of erection at Newport,
mark significant step in the direction of the
special technical education so essential TO n
manufacturing community like Rhode Island.
The State has for many years past made an
appropriation for the purpose OF providing
scholarships for the School OF Design, and the
fact that such provision has at length become
inadequate TO the demand is surely not to be
regretted. AT present the State supports l23
scholarships. and the beneiiciaries come for
the most part directly from the factories and
shops Of our industrial centres
Education of Deaf Blind and Feeble
t Minded.
The new State establishment known as the
Institute for the Deaf aud admirably locatod
at the corner OF East avenue and Cypress
street Providence, was dedicated with appro-
pirate exercises on February 2lst, last. Ii be-
gan this year with 81 pupils. The Board OF
Trustees has now 10 report the completion of
the equipment and furnishing of the insttu-
ton at total cost for construction of about
S5l.OJ1 The cost of maintenance during the
past year, as shown by report Of the Borrd is
Sl3,3l5.gi, which leaves Sl,6Di.0o OF the appro-
priation unexpended. As the school is con-
tinually growing, do not think il advisable
to curtail the annual allowance.
Two children, both over ID years of age
and too old TO be treated by the oral method
of the Institute for the Deaf, have been
placed at the American Asylum in Hartford,
CT.
here are also at the Perkins Institution for
the Blind at South Boston and It's kindergar-
ten In Jamaica Plain nine boys and eleven
girls from this State.
Attne .,t reepio minoea IN Wa
verify Mass, tilere are now six boys and five
girls.
Normal school.
The report OF the trustees Of the State Nor
NAL school Is a satisfactory record of success
ful work, bringing with II the promise Of rich
achievement; when the new building shall
have been secured towards which the last
Legislature took the intiatory step by APP
pointing "a commission and making an appro-
pration Of SD,0cJ
The commission is giving much thoughtful
attention TO the matter OF a suitable site. and
IL is confidently believed that work will be
commenced on the new quarters early this
Spring. trust YOU will render such further
assistance as YOU may find necessary TO pro-
vide without delay the relief required by this
useful institution.
The opening of a new model and training
school on Benefit street under the joint over
sight OF the Principal of the Normal School
and the Superintendent Of City schools is the
distinguishing incident of the school year.
Ii is designed TO furnish the training necessary
for the development of good teacher by CIV
ing students OF the Normal school the control
and management OF pupils and requiring them
To carry on their work under the guidance and
watchful care of n competent teacher critic,
This plan will not only awaken additional in
terest in the students of the Normal School.
but viii be the means of providing u certain
supply of competent and we'll trained in
structors.
College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts.
The Rhode Island College of Agriculture