Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-04-09
MANUAL TRAINING FOR GIRL
Views Of One of the Women School Trus-
tees.
She In In Favor of Kindergartena and
Practical Education for
the Young.

Mrs. Louise Reed Stowell and Mrs. Mary
Church Terrell, the recently appointed wo-
men members of the board Of school trus-
tees. have qualified and are expected to
make their first appearance at the board
meeting this afternoon. From now on
their influence in educational matters in
the District will be watched with great in
terest. Both these ladies live in handsome
homes and are evidently accustomed to the
comforts and luxurles of life. Mrs. Stow
ell lives at 2SO3 14th street. ard Mrs. Ter
rall is a resident of lie Droit Park. A
Star reporter called upon both Of the new
school trustees to learn something Of their
views on educational matters. for, as the
appearance of women in school work is
an innovation in this city, whatever they
might have to say should be of interest.
Mrs. Stowell said that under some circum-
stances she would be very glad to express
her views, but that at present. not having
yet attended a meeting of the board she
hardly felt at liberty to discuss the mat
ter.
Mrs. Terrell, whose connection with edu-
cational work, especially among the col
ored people, qualities her to speak with
some authority on the subject talked in
terestingly on what she hoped might be
accomplished in the future in educational
methods. In the course of her converse
ton she laid special stress upon the need
OF ktndergartens everywhere for all chill
dren. Especially is this need felt in the
trict.
For Kindergarten Methods.
THE Importance" she said, "of starting
little ones on the right track as early as
POSSIBLE Is too self-evident and universally
acknowledged to be discussed. The more
unfavorable the environments of children
the more necessary 1t is that steps be
taken to counterfeit the baleful influence
upon the innocent victims. Crowded into
alleys, many of them the haunts Of vice.
few, If any, of them in a proper sanitary
condition, and most of them destructive to
mental and moral growth, as well as to
healthful physical development, thousands
of our children have wretched inherit
ance indeed. Statistics showing the large
proportion of youthful law-breakers appall
and d.shearten us. But the cause is not diff
tiCult to find. Is there any wonder that
crimes and misdemeanors should multiply
when the homes from which these youthful
criminals come taken into considera-
ton? Have you ever made tour of the
alleys and settlements of colored people,
who are frequently relegated to the most
noisome sections permitted by the. govern
ment? If you have you have seen the lit
tie ones fairly drinking in the pernicious
examples of their elders, from whom alone
they learn the lessons of life. Remember,
too, that the majority of these future c!ti-
the practice of those whom they naturally
initiate in purity and goodness-it makes
one shudder at their future. How much
it would mean to these childrep, If every
day they came in contact with Intelligence
and respectability! The good accomplished
by establishing kindergartens in this city
cannot be estimated.
'1n a few years. 1 venture to stae there
would be marked decrease in crime. AS
!one the evil nature alone is encouraged
to develop, while the higher and nobler
qualities of these little ones are dwarfed
and deadened by the very atmosphere
have no chance CT escape the negligent,
pitiless public is really responsible for the
results. Let us establish kindergartens.
Where is the money coming from? This
question will be easily answered, when
ever proper interest in the welfare of the
District is aroused and sustained. I have
too much faith in human nature to believe
that thoughtful, provident ard charitable
people will fail to iuaugurate a movement
which will rebound SO much to the good
and glory of the District, as well as to the
mental and moral growth of multitudes OF
helpless little ones who can look to them
alone for assistance.
Manual Training for Girls.
LAS to my views on Industrial work,
have only to say that should give some
kind of a trade to each and every young
woman who graduates from our public
WV
girls in the High School; of this number it
is possible for hundred. perhaps, to re-
ceive appointments as teachers. What Is
to become of the other 200, with many
avenues of industry closed against them
on account of their color? To be sure, it Is
possible for them to learn the dressmak-
er's trade, but they cannot all make liv-
ing at dressmaking.
II venture to state that 1t would be i'm
possible 60 find a first-class millinery es-
Establishment to which colored girl would
be admitted as an apprentice. So I might
go on multiplying examples of the disabili-
ties under which our young women labor.
1.-THE conclusion OF the whole matter is
simply this: Let the public schools equip
our young women with trades. which they
can acquire nowhere else Let our girls
be Instructed in all the occupations in
which women may engage The dignity of
labor 1 should preach in season and out,
making 1t cardinal principle Of my ideal
system. All young women who have not a
pronounced leaning toward teaching should
be urged to learn trade at the beginning
of the High School course. One study in
the curriculum should be dropped in order
to allow the pupil to devote more time to
the chosen trade. A certificate or diploma
should be given to the pupil when the pre-
scribed course in the industrial department
had been completed. The day Is not far
distant, 1 hope, when the public schools of
the District shall afford our young women
an opportunity of becoming first-class mil
liners. dressmakers, scientific cooks and
proficient artisans in whatever industry
they may select.
American Turf Congress.
The American turf congress meets In
Memphis today, when the committee on
rules will submit its report. The following
racing associations will be represented at
the meeting:
New Louisiana Jockey Club. Little Rock