davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1895-06-19

rived from gymnastics aud calistheniCS.
Each year these exercises are receiving
more prolonged cultivation
Hans Ballin, one of the most famous au-
thorities of the day, after showing the
necessity for this training in the schools,
addresses the parents of growing children.
For without their cooperation, the teachers
work is vain. He impresses on them that
for the good OF the country they must
have-first of all, healthy children Every
thing else must be subSeFvieUt 10 this end
$50 therefore" he says. let there he
fewer childrens' balls, fewer accomplish
ments, and isms Let them instead turn
in gay circles, let them enjoy gladstone
romp, and do n bold daring action, that
they may grow up healthy and real, JOY
to all, an edifiCation TO themselves, an
example to posterity."
From the above statement it cannot be
denied that needle-work as carried on in
the public schools is success fully taught
The training it gives to the pupil, the help
to the mother and the home, and the bearing
it has on the mind and character of the
child, places the course of sewing under
the list of one OF the most important
branches of industrial work and of the
public school system.
Miss Carrie E. Syphax, the directress
as bOili III WISH ton anu euuCdteu IN
the schools. She is a member of one of the
Oldest and most respected colored families
here, being the daughter of the late Charles
Syphax. Her uncle, the late William Sy-
phaX, was a trustee of the public schools
for number of years and always took an
active interest in all educational Work
Miss Syphax was one of the first sew
ing teachers regularly appointed in the
District III the course of two years,
the success OF her Work entitled her TO her
present position. She received her training
in needle work under one OF WashingtOn's
most noted dressmakers, Mrs Elizabeth
Keekly, who will be remembered as Mrs.
Abraham Lincoln's dressmaker
Miss SyphaS is thoroughly alive to the
Importance OF industrial work, and keeps
i'll touch with the leading sewing schools
of the country. She is a member of New
York Association of Sewing Schools, and
has but recently returned from New York,
where she attended the exhibition of sew
ing held in the ballroom of the Hotel
Waldorf, May and 4. and Where she had
on exhibition some of the work done in
the schools under her supervision.
The Washington times., 1895-06-19
State supt. of Education
Educational Department,


Dear Sir: 1t gives me great pleasure
to learn of your intention to issue spe-
cial souvenir edition of The Washing
ton Times, devoted exclusively to the
interests of the public schools of the Dis
trict OF Columbia. / beg to tender,
through you, my sincere Congratulations
to the officers, teachers, and pupils of
the schools that. in their development
and progress, they have kept even pace
with the growth and development of the
great and beautiful city, OF which all
Americans are proud as the Capital of
our country
The powerful aid of thu enterprisiug and
independent press SuStains and cheers
those in official charge OF public schools,
by maintaining a wholesome public opin-
ion, which recognizes such schools as the
foundation of all those eduCa ationaI sch emes
which are training the youth of our country
for the forefront of the great enterprises
of the twentieth century Very re-
spectfully, E. Z. PRETTYMAN,
State Superintendent Public Instruction.
The Washington times., 1895-06-19
Wisdom For
Par6nf and Pupil.
PHYSIOLOGY AND HYGIENE AND
THEIR IMPORTANCE.
Pupils Given knowledge of
Their Bodies and Taught
to care for Them.
'The proper study o. mankind is man

1T is q fact wei known to the eth
cernible evidences of waning saw
nulogisJ that one OF the first dis
agery or disappearing barbarism is the
discovery that filth is Incompatible with
decency. In his primitive condition
man cared nothing for the appearance or
condition OF his person. but with the dawn
of civilization came The knowledge that
he was dirty.
slight degree Of elevation led 10y the
desire tu HIDE the dirt, TO cover it up,
that II might not be seen 10y Others A
still higher degree prompted its removal,
Till, finally, tu satisfy The requirements
uf the enlightened Chrislian man he must
be absolutely clean, tot IS TO biS deeds
aud JhoEGiIs alone, but as TO his person
as well
Nor is this an. Every means must be
adopted by which the development, shape
aud bearing of this person may be improved
Ia the end that IL may possess health.
vieur aud strength 10 much higher end
that II may better fuifIii the object of Its
creation.
1t is not enough that the mother is ex-
pected to keep her child clean. He
must be taught habits of cleanliness and
regularity which shall insure the perpetu-
alton Of this condition. and at the proper
time be must be Head Ia discover for
himself re reasons for these habits and
his regularity that he may continue this
desirable state Of things and thereby be-
come EIS own Care-t2ker.
It is not strange tEea that the educators
OF the present have arisen 20 a fun real
izatiun OF the fact UHau the enlightened
condition OF our people demands that en-
lightencd methods shan be used IN our
school.
The Washington times., 1895-06-19
each in turn being dissected in presence

each in turn being dissected in presence
of the pupils, that they may see the
structure aud use of each organ.
Now the child is sufficiently strong to
understand the reason why the skin must
be kept clean, why the air he breathes
must be pure, and why alchohol and to-
bacco are Injurious TO the system, because
ur their effect upon the action OF the heart
Here the different kinds, shapes, and
sizes of bones is shown and their uses,
the various kinds OF teeth and their uses,
the stomach and its action-in a general
way, its care and purposes, finishing the
child's health primer as a reader.
The continuation OF the work in the
fifth grade embraces the study OF the bones,
muscles. digestive org ans, respiratory
organs, and the circulation of the blood;
also the study of food and its power of
building up and repairing the different
parts OF the body, as well as know ledge
Of such poisons as alcohol, tobacco, and
opium
These subjects are taught as far as
possible effectively as well as from text
books, and pupils are encouraged to bring
into class any outside Information which
may be helpful. The purpose of the work
is TO teach the pupils TO know themselves
and to have clear kno owIedge OF what is
in the study of food pupils are led to
classify food under the three great heads,
animal, bic, or mineral, and TO
know which are tissue or muscle-making
foods and which are fat making. The
value OF the purity of drinking water and
the properly cooked foods are also dis
cussed
Next follows the study OF stmulants and
narcotics, the origin and nature OF alcohol,
and the deadenng power over the nerves
OF alcohol, tobacco and opium. 1t is
proved before the class that alcohol is
present in all drinks. such as cider beer,
wine, etc, by distilliBg
This may be made a very simple expert
mpnt We have always used a brass tea
kettle with alcGSol lamp attachment, n
glass bottle placed in a basin of crushed
ice a rubber tube connecting the neck OF
the bottle with the spout of the kettle, and
a pint OF hard cider The cider is heated
by means OF tie alcohol lamp, which is
allowed to burn until the water in the
CIDER almost reaches boiling point The
alcohol OF course boiling first passes off
where it condenses The alcohol is then
poured into a saucer and made TO blaze
by Lighting with a match.
Fermentation is also taught by expert
ment, Nearly all the children press apple
juice iEto Il glass and bring it to the
school room. where il remains till vinous
fermentation takes place. II is then
left until the cider turns TO vinegar, or the
aCidOus fermentation takes place They
are also asked to Eotice the fermentation
which takes place i'm bread-making, and are
taught that the alcohol passes off in the
hot oven.
The Washington times., 1895-06-19
Department of Education.

Columbia. S c., June 9TH, 1895
Dear Sir: ! am Informed that in a few
days The Washington Times VIII issue a
souvenir edition devoted to the public
schools of the District OF Columbia. / wish
TO commend this enterprise on the part
of the press with all my heart.
There is nothing that can so effectuaIIy
benefit and improve the public schools as a
full aud free endorsement of them by a
sympathetic press. The TOint reached and
the splendid work in your schools is we'll
known to the educators of the country and
1T is all due to cooperation on the part OF
the. press with the school authorities.
Yours very truly,
W. d MAYFIELD,
State Supt. of Education
The Washington times., 1895-06-19
AnnOVinU

Between Stafford and Manchester is glue
factory A lady, obliged to take the ride be-
tween those two points quite often, always
carried with her bottle of lavender salts.
One morning an old farmer took the seat di-
rectly opposite her. As the train neared the
factory the old lady opened her bottle ofe
salts. Soon the whole carriage was filled
with the horrible odor of glue. The old
farmer stood it as long as he could, then
leaned forward and shouted Madam,
would you mind putin the cork in that ere
bottle?'-Exchange
The Washington times., 1895-06-19
Department, of Education,

AuStint IeNdS, June Oth, 1895.
Dear Sir: Permit me to extend cordial
greetings to the public school officials, the
pupils and the people upon the wondrous
development of the public schools of Wash
ington City and the District OF Columbia.
The proposed special edition OF The
Times must be hailed q a great triumuh
for public schools everywhere. No single
event has occurred within the recent wears
full of greater promise to the vast inter
eSts involved of the public school idea as
the emphatic recognition OF the popular
and public interests involved, which VIII
be thus so splendidiy declared
1t means the preaching OF the gospel of
popular and universal interest in the pub
lie schools through a medium which on
every hand is recognized as the most intel
ligent and most effective known to modern
times-I mean the press.
j. NJ CARLISLE,
State superintendent
Educational Dcpa rtment
Augusta, Nc, June Sd, 1895.
Dear Sir: feel that there is no agency in
The Washington times., 1895-06-19
For th8 Schools
Hnd th6 TineS
PRAISE FROM EDUCATORS ALL
OVER THE COUNTRY.
Valuable Opinions from Men
Who are in Touch with
the Public Schools.
Praise from Sir Hubert

Praise from Sir Hubert"
- oMMENDATIoN Of The Times for
undertaking the enterprise now be
fore the public in the form OF this
souvenir school edition is not con
fined To the District of Columbia From
scores of leading educators all over the
United States, who realized what this work
would do for the public school system, have
written letters expressive OF their enthusias-
ticapproval. Fromthem the following have
been selected for pub ubIication to-day. Others
Will appear later
Department Of Public Instruction,
Sacramento. Cal, June 3. 1895.
Dear Sir. The enterprise Of the press in
general and of The Washington Times in
particular is to be commended fOrthe interest
shown in popular education. May the pace
you have set be taken up by all the lead
ing dailies in the country.
The future prosperity OF the republic is
largely in the hands Of the public schools
It's immediate prosperity Is Just as largely
in the hands of the newspapers Two such
potent factors should 60 hand 10 hand
Your souvenir edition cannot but b. pro
ductive OF good results. not only in the
District or Columbia, but in the United
States gene rally. Very respectfully.
SAMUEL T. BLACK,
Supt. of Public Instruction of California
The Washington times., 1895-06-19
Mrs. Louise Reed StoWell.

Mrs. Louise Reed Stowell graduated
from the University of Michigan in 1876,
receiving her masters degree the follow
ing year on examination. She was at
once retained by the university authori-
ties as an instructor in microscopical
botany. and she remained connected with
the university until her coming to this
city some six years ago. During all
these years she was the only woman in
the university faculty.
Mrs. Stuwell has written for a large
number of scientific Journals her articles
now numbering in the hundreds. Her
work has always commanded high prices,
as she illustrates all her writings with her
own pencil and brush. She was the first
woman ever elected as a member of the
Royal Microscopic Society of London,
aud only about four have ever been thus
hunored. She is also the member of a
number of scientific bodies in various
parts of the country.
Mrs. Stowell comes naturally to her
work, as she has been in similar places
before. She has taken an active interest
in her present place and has visited and
carefully examined all the schools in her
district. Besides attending To this work,
Mrs. Stuwell gives a full course Of lee
lures at the School for Deaconesses in
this city, on Church History, a subject
to which she has given much thought.
The Washington times., 1895-06-19

The study of bones is next taken up by the
the class, and the ideas developed are
first, their use as the framework OF the
body. In connection with this the prin-
cipaI bones, such as the skull, chest-bone,
upper ard lower limbs are exhibited To the
class. The composition OF bones lime and
grstle-is taught objectively. The leg
bone OF a chicken is soaked in muriatiC acid,
which takes all Of the lime and leaves the
gristle, and a ham-bone is burnt in a slow
fire, which makes pretty specimen re-
sembliEg coral, and shows the lime re-
naming.
Bones are obtained from the butcher
and cut to show cells and the cavity which
contains the marrow. Joints are gotten
20 show ball and socket movement and
the hinge joint. Pupils also discover these
in their own bodies.
After the study of the bones, muscles
are taught effectively by showing speci-
mems of lean meat which contain bun
dies of fibers and the connective tissue.
The connection between the bones and
muscles is illustrated by the tendons of
a chicken leg, and the contractility OF
muscles the class realizes by experiment
ing with the muscles of their arms and
legs.
Digestion and its Importance as the
means OF converting food into blood to
be used by every part OF the body is the
next subject under consideration. The
digestive organs OF a chicken give the
idea and arrangement Under the head
of digestion the teeth, their use, number,
substance and care; the stomach, its
work, action, walls, muscle aud juice;
the intestines, their work and juices sup
piled by the pancreas and liver, are all
dwelt upon and located by means of
charts and the bodies.
After the class understands how blood
is made they are led TO see how neces-
sary il is that 1t should be purified and
in this way tire study OF the lungs is
taken up, the respiratory organs, the i'm
portance Of fresh air and proper clothing
and the proper way OF breathing.
Then follows brief study Of the heart
and the circulation of the blood.
The composition of blood and its color
in the arteries and veins, the pulse the
result OF the heart beat, are all discussed.
In connection with each subject the
pupils talk of the evil effects of narcotics
and stimulants on particular organs, and
compositions are written on these va
rious topics.
The Washington times., 1895-06-19
Department uf Education.

Atlanta, Ga, Juns 8, 1895
Dear Sir: The proposed souvenir edition
in the interests of the public schools of the
District of Columbia, is capital idea. I
know of no scheme more calculated to bring
before the people at large the distinctive
features of the Washington schools.
1t Will prove most emphatically the power
which the press has TO bring before the
people in strong and intelligent light the
great value of such a public school system.
/ most heartily congratulate you and the
city of Washington. that The Times is to
devote an issue To this purpose With high
regards, l am yours very truly,
G. K GLENN,
State School Commissioner.
The Washington times., 1895-06-19
Providence. Ri. Nav 80. 1895

Dear Sir: Il is impossible that your
proposed illustrative sketch OF the public
schOOlS of Washington should be accom-
pIishcd without great good resulting Ia
them The schOOIs of Washington have
had for many years tie benefit of the
supervision of one OF the most efficien'
and thoroughly qualified superintendent
in this country, and the results accom-
pliShed Ivy him are worthy Of the most
careful attention and study, not only
of the citizens Of your city. but Of all whe
are interested in the development OF the
American public schUOI I hall hs
pleased T., see the result OF your labor
Very respectfully yours.
WM B. STOCKWELL
Commissioner OF Public Schools
The Washington times., 1895-06-19

! four Others stand on chairs and sway theil
arms to and fro with the music. These
! are trees with the wind among their
branches. Six stand with their hands
| clasped upward, to represent flowers, and
three or four are birds that fit around
| them; some are bees, and buzz most noisily,
much to the annoyance OF the caterpillar,
which is slowly making its way across
the room.
1t is autumn and the caterpillar goes to
sleep in its cocoon. The birds fly south to
the warm sunshine and the bees huddle
! together in their hive. The flowers die
and the leaves fall from the trees as the
little arms plainly indicate, and move slowly
and sadly to plantive music.
Then by and by spring comes. The
sunshine wakes up the flowers, the leaves
come over the trees, and the birds and bees
return. The caterpillar comes from his
nest, a butterfly, and spreading the arms
in most graceful manner, TO represent
wings, darts among the trees and flowers,
while all the children Sing in a glad chorus.
There it is, OIL see it fly
A lovely, lovely butterfly
1t spreads its wings 70 CaZZling bright
And seeks the joyous air and light
Another pretty game is the postmau.
All the children sit in a circle on the floor,
and hold their hands open. These open
hands are supposed to be mail boxes.
The postman is child in the center with
ball He rolls the bail to each in succession
aud they are all quite dexterous in cap
turing it, while they sing.
Come over, come back here
our pustman in gray,
And bring MS letter
For Raymond to-day"
The teacher often asks what news is in
their letters and S ONE OF the replies are
very amusing. The boys have mostly
warlike intelligence. They are going
to get gun, or a sword, or flag Some
times it is a puppy, what they will do
on the Fourth of July, that eugrosses their
minds, aud some have sporting prCclivities
and announce their views on baseball.
The little girls usually say they are gUingto
have parties, or TO get another doll baby
Some have yearHnes for new dress.
The little ones play skipping and jumping
games, and those of the venerable ring
species They sing all manner OF verses.
One which can be heard in many juvenile
games is of great antiquity:
The first lieutenant he was so neat
He stopped in the battle TO wash his feet
Brand says that the EngIish-speaking
children have been singing that doggereI
since the days OF Henry ~, and il is sup
posed TO be sarcasm on the military eX-
quisites OF that period.
Besides the attention given 10 the play
hours, there is growing sentiment in
favor OF the higher physical culture, de-
The Washington times., 1895-06-19

Charles Dickens
IMPERFECT education has three quail
N \ ties-it is mental, moral, and physi-
cal 1t is now universally ac-
knowledged that all three must be
trained to work in harmony. Manners and
morals are easily taught in conjunction
with ordinary lessons. Physical study
and simple recreative play seem very
insignificant to be assigned place in
education equal to mental and moral
culture. But, as Lord Pacon says, 1.-The
smallest hair casts a shadow" so the
philosophy now in vogue is to utilize
every force of nature and make it, serve
purpose IN the great structure of knowledge.
superintendent Powell struck this key
note with a master hand, when he said,
Exercise is not in itself cultivation,
but exercise, methodically taken and
properly directed, is cultivation"
With this idea in view the District schools
are generous in giving play times, and
Jealous in observing how that time is used.
Children who attend school all day have
three rccesses. A quarter of an hour
at 1890 "a M, an hour at noon, and five
minutes at p. IN. Those who attend
of fifteen and another Of five minutes.
During this time the pupils have absolute
freedom to amusc themselves. They
must, however, avoid such playing as
would be injurious to health or lead 10
rudeness. They are also absolutely for
hidden to deface the school property in the
smallest degree. The teachers gay they
The Washington times., 1895-06-19

DedIlUB upon tne ear, the eye the
nose" etc, are duly presented.
In connection with each and every sub
Ject, we endeavor to strongly emphasize the
evil effect OF the use of stimulants and
narcotics, for we consider it the teachers
golden opportunity to guard the young
committed to her care against these two
'slaves" that have wrecked the lives and
homes of many in cur glorious land.
In the study OF the nervous system we
ndeavor to show that the oval shape OF
the head is the best TO afford protection
to the brain within. We take the human
skull, and call attention 10 its form, its
separate parts or bones, noting its varied
thlckneSSeS, its hard and spoDgy plates,
its kind of Jennings or sutures, pointing out
the various canals for the safe conduct of
nerves and blood vessels
one or more of the spinal vertebrae serve
to teach how nature has provided for the
safety of the spinal chord. The method
Of nerve distribution is shown and the
functions OF the more important explained,
stress being laid upon the fact that il Is
through these that all sensation ard mo-
tion are given to the animal body. 1t is
i'll these that thought, intelligence, and
power or speech lie, and by them are con-
trolled the circulation and digestion
The hygiene, teaching the pupils how
the human system may grow and be kept
in its best physical condition, should be
touched upon in this connection and to do
this, emphasis is necessary upon the need
of an Inherited, sound nervous system, per
feet circulation, and proper exercise of
both body and brain, with intervals of
rest and sleep
Drunkenness and other habits OF pa
rents, causing tendency to the same habit
in their offspring, as well as the more
baleful effects these habits have upon
growing children themselves, are touched
upon, and wherever possible instances
Of such evil effects upon the young are
given.
Ventilation is a subject constantly be-
fore the children and no physical eXer-
else is permitted without lowering the
windows, affording the pupils an object
lesson, as without an increased circula-
tion of pure air, during this daily excr-
else the pupil at once becomes depressed
and execute the movements with a lack
OF that vim that should characterize them.
Not many years since our children were
Ovcrstrained by the cramming process,
memoriZing dates, learning by Tote, striv-
ing for prizes and overwhelmed almost by
the fear OF the two or three days of final
examinations that We're held at the close
of the school year in June. All this has
been done away with, and we no longer
hear of children Withdrawing from school
during May and June for fear of this
final test, as such tests OF scholarship
are no longer permitted by the school au-
The Washington times., 1895-06-19

any community that can render its public
schools Teater service than that which may
be performed by tie public press You
are In position 10 give the public Just
and intelligent ideas OF their purpose, work,
and value You can arouse in the parents
such an interest in the schools and apprecia-
ton OF its mission, and develop such a
sympathy for the teachers and their er-
forts, that in time it may become the
largest facoOr for the solution Of the
problems OF municipal progress. All good
citizens should feel that this work Is not
more for tue good Of the public than ths
salvation OF the republic.
/ am glad 10 know OF your efforts 70
make the best things n our national lifa
better / devOUtly pray that others may
aid in your labors, and be inspired by your
successes.
The schools OF our National Capital should
Set the standard and give the pace for the
schools OF the nation To this proud sta
tIUn l hope you may q Jain