The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-08-28

seven In all, have been chosen, ana iegai
steps taken toward condemnation pro-
ceedings by the commissioners. The To-
cations have been selected by the board,
with the idea of 80 disposing the seven
prospective buildings,as To relieve num-
Der Of very much crowded school dis
tricts. IL is said that this relief comes
with especial favor to the East Side
schools, where the crowding is worst OF
all.
Bishop POTTER, who enters heart and
soul into every move that brings a ves-
tige OF additional comfort TO the inhabi-
tants of the East Side, is full of enthusl-
asm over this school-park project, and it
would be very much soured individual
who could help sharing the good bishops
interest in this particular scheme
In too many cities it is the rule either
TO surround the schoolhouses, with
paved court yard, or else TO have no play
ground at all about the building. In the
former case, the pupils when playing
outside are depressed by the jail-like sur
roundings, and in the latter case, their
only space for games is the basement
which, no matter how we'll equipped with
gymnasium apparatus, cannot supply the
needed stimulus OF the open air, or the
relief afforded by glimpse OF lawn and
trees
The very prudent folk, who fear that
the lawns about those seven new school
houses will be in danger OF violation by
the urchins tethered therein, have only
TO take the testimony OF those generous
country people, who have each summer
received into their homes some of these
same city children, and found them in
no wise prone to desecrate Nature Doubt
less the school authorities will make some
necessary restrictions for the lawless or
vicious few who are always found in every
large number OF mortals. But most OF
the children do know a good thing when
they see it-though very likely their ac-
qusintance ends there, like "PEREY's"
with the ice cream-she had never had
any, but she knew it by sight
We are glad for the lucky tods who are
likely by and by to exchange their tene-
ment-house "homes" for clean. sammy
schoolhouses, with "the grass all grow
ing around and around"
There have been statements made by
very advanced theorists who propose to
raise other crops than grass in the hither-
to neglected school yard. Their course
OF reasoning is simple, and on this wise
In many city schools where sewing, wood
working, and kindred practical domes-
tic and trade branches are taught, cook
ing also holds an important place in the
curriculum. II quite naturally follows
that the materials must be provided to be
cooked, and the suggestion Is made that
a portion of the school grounds be appro-
priated for gardening purposes. SO that
the youthful ADAM may, collectively,
and under p roper supervision, dig and
delve in order that Ewes vegetable po,
may be well stocked.
The culinary department of education
already has hold. Possibly these enthu.
siasts are not so sanguine who predict
agriculture as the next step. It isn't 9
bad idea for the vacation school, anyway
BY looking far enough ahead, one may
discern In this tendency toward beautify
ing and cultivating the school grounds
the first CLINT Of light on the abandoned
farm problem. 1t is fact, constantly
reiterated, that when we trace along the
line OF social and economic dependence,
we find the farmer to be the sinew and
strength of the country-and woe to that
land where the tiller of the soil fiouris.
heth not, and the tum ble-down fences
fringe his abandoned meadowsl
Whether this park school ground
scheme or the gardening phase of the
school problem warrants increased faith
in the future aggrandisement of the
United States agricultural class or not, ii
at any rate is true that this beautifying
and making habitable the school prem
ises is undeniably move in the right
direction, and is sure to afford to the
poor pupil waits a much needed chan ce
TO touch the hem OF good Mother Natures
garment.
THE politest nation In the world might
as waller pologize for the WALLER mis-
take.