The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-08-29

politicians, but round of the schools on
some day of celebration, as, for instance,
Washington's birthday, would convince
them that the coming voters cherished the
essential spirit, if they are not familiar
with the letter, of the science OF
government.
All this is not, as Fourth of July orator
might claim, the result of an inherited
spirit of devotion to Columbia. 1t is the
gratifying consequence OF d wise policy on
the part of the San Francisco Board of
Education, faithfully carried out by the
teachers.
The labor OF intoxicating principles Of
patriotism in the minds of the youth Of
San Francisco has been performed for
many years, with more or less satisfactory
results, in conformity with this section OF
the California school laws:
1t shall be the duty of ell teachers to en-
deayor to impress upon the minds of the pupils
the principles of morality, truth, justice and
patriotism, to teach them to avoid falsehood,
and to instruct them in the principles OF a free
government and to train them up to true
comprehension OF the rights, duties and dignity
OF American citizenship.
The following rule, offered by Director
]. H. Rosewald and adopted by the Board
of Education at meeting held in Febru-
airy, Is also largely responsible Tor the pre-
vailing sentiment last year. 1t was
amended several times, as the exlgencles
of the case required, and now stands among
the records as follows:
RESOLVED, That the last Friday afternoon of
each calendar month be set aside for the pur-
pose of holding patriotic and general exercises
in the primary and grammar schools of the
City and County OF San Francisco, which shall
consist of: First Rotations OF patriotic
struction by the teachers in the principles of
our Government and the duties and dignities
of American citizenship; second, general in
struction in the principles OF morality, truth
and justice required by the State law and
the rules of the Board OF Education; third,
general exercises within the discretion OF the
principal.
The American flag shall be raised on the
seheolhouses OH the day OH which these exer-
cises are held.
This rule is rigidly enforced in ali the
schools and all the grades and patriotic
day" has come to be looked upon as an
occasion of much enjoyment by the
children.
There is no set form for the observance
of the day. The manner of the celebra-
ton is left to the ingenuity of the prin-
cipais and teachers. An effort is usually
made to secure large pictures OF one or
more of the heroes of Americas National
story. If it be Washington there is a
sketch of his life. Quotations are made
from his farewell address, tributes original
or borrowed to the Father of His Coun-
try" and all voices join in tunefnl mount
Vernon's Bells" Lincoln's portrait is
chosen and then follow the stories of the
tall, earnest youth who became the
first man of the Nation. Such occasions
haze much value in the impression of
lessons previously learned in United States
history.
A model celebration of such a nature
took place at the Edison Primary School
recently, under the direction of Miss Ed
munds. Three pictures of Presidents were
placed on easels and draped with flags.
/ The pupils marched about the room, and
| as they passed before the pictures hung
garlands of flowers upon them. The after
noon was chiefly spent in the reading of
selections from Edward Everett Hale's
pathetic story of "a Man Without a
Country There were other appropriate
quotations and several patriotic airs,
among them the ever-inspiring "Star-
spangIed Banner" which every school is
requested to learn. Mrs. Steele's class of
beginners of the same school gave some
quotations that were adapted to their
memories and saluted the flag with be-
coming reverence.
The salutation of the flag is an indis-
pensable part of the..morning exercises of
every school,
Department Superintendent Babcock
says that the formal exercises are very
valuable, but instruction in patriotism
does not end there. The class instruction
in connection with history and reading
and indeed all branches taught In public
schools. are OF value that cannot be esti-