The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-05-07

Rev. J. Stephens, the Methodist Episcopal
church pastor is a man of much capability
and has around him a working congrega-
ton.
Two weekly papers look out for the In
terests of Livermore. The Herald, under
the editorship OF ]. H. DUNCAN, is most
excellent paper, snappy and Intelligent.
Mr.. DUNCAN was enrolling clerk in the
Senate last winter. During his absence
the editorial chair of the Herald was occu-
pied by Rev. Joel Gilfillan. w. E. Sill is
the independent industrious editor OF the
Livermore Echo, paper that is doing its
work in the world.
Above everything in Livermore stand
the public schools. A most excellent
school board composed of energetic men,
faith full to the interests of their important
position, look after the schools well. As a
result Livermore has splendid school
buildings, well equipped and an excellent
corps of teachers. The grammar school IS
under the direction of the well-known
California educator, J. d. Smith, who has
given his life in untiring zeal to the work
of moral, mental and physical training of
the young. The School Board of Liver
more has recognized the value OF special
teachers. Special teachers in music, draw
ing and writing are bringing about wonder
fully satisfactory results in Livermore to-
day. The teacher of singing, ?. A. K. Dow,
is a particularly magnetic young man, a
pupil of Willis E. Bachelor of San Fran
cisco. Mr. Dow is born teacher and IS
achieving great success. The primary
grade work is simply marvellous. The little
tots Just years old, under Mr.. Dow s
sympathetic training have gained an
astonishing knowledge of the laws of
musical notation and intervals. Principal
Smith is an enthusiast on the subject of
music being positive aid to the mental
development of the children.
'Music," says Mr.. Smith, sis the most
refining influence in the molding of
character" The principal teaches person
ally physiology and elocution. Each grade
has a lesson every day in physiology and
hygiene, with special reference to the in
huence of tobacco and stimulants.
Much attention is given by Mr.. Smith to
the teaching of manners and morals. I'M
proved department and decrease in the
number of curved spines follow in the line
moral training, which will lead pupils to
distinguish between right and wrong, SO
they will be influenced by the former and
be able to resist the latter, is beyo nd COM
putation.
The High School building is fine struc-
ture, up to the most modern standard in
inside furnishings and equipment. J. NJ.
Patton, the principal, is graduate of the
German University of Berlin, where he
went for postgraduate course. Professor
Briggs, who has charge of the science and
physics department, is a Stanford grad
ate, and seems to be very studious man.
History and literature is in the hands of a
very capable lady teacher. The people of
Livermore have reason to congratulate
themselves on having their educationa al
department in the hands of such efficient,
devoted workers.
One finds it difficult to say farewell to
this peaceful valley of Livermore, which is
just over the bay, out through the Hay
wards district, through the picturesque
Niles Canyon, just forty-eight miles away
from the metropolis of the Pacific by the
Golden Gate.