New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-05-21
DIR. GILMAN AND THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

DIR. GILMAN AND THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
No better selection could possibly be made
for Superintendent Of New York schools than
that of Dr. Daniel c. Gilman The prestige of
his name is so great that the mere knowledge
yesterday that he had consented to the use oil II
In connection with the office was expected 10
bring to the support of those members OF the
Board of Education who are anxious for a thor
ough reorganization of the school system those
other members who were in sympathy with re-
form but who hestatcd to supersede Mr.. Jasper
after his long service. His candidacy met with
the instant approval of all persons concerned for
the Improvement of the city schools. The press
of all parties applauded IT, leading citizens sent
messages to DR.. Gilman thanking him for con
s1erng the acceptance OF such an ONCE, ana
urging upon him the Importance of the work
he might do here, and such general enthusiasm
was aroused on all sides at the prospect of Sc
curing him that the only question that seemed
TO remain open yesterday afternoon when the
Board met was whether the majority should
elect him at once or postpone the decision for
few days in expectation OF unanimously reach
ing the same conclusion. The election was in
fact postponed, but the proceedings were not IN
all respects satisfactory. A disposition was
of this immense benefit by arranging conditions
which DR. Gilman could not accept. We can
not believe however, that it will prevail and
that the opportunity will finally be rejected.
DR.. Gilman If he becomes Superintendent OF
Schools, will have magnificent opportunity for
work which he is peculiarly fitted to perform,
and under such leadership New-YOrk City has
promise of developing a school system unequalled
| A. Grsf M
If NAV seem strange that the president of Johns
Hopkins University should consider such place
as New-York has to offer him. but It is 10 be
remembered that such men as DIR. Gilman work
not for title and external decorations, but TO
advance the cause of education and help their
felow-men. In no department of teaching is
there greater need Of iirstrate ability than In
the public schools and under the new law no
place offers a better opportunity for effective
work than this city. The new Superintendent
will hold office for six years, and, If a man OF
sufficient force, will be practically able to mould
our whole school system In accordance with
his own ideas To take the present imperfect
and antquated educational plant and remodel
1t in accordance with the most enlightened prin-
ciples of teaching Is an enormous task. But DR..
Gilman has had experience with this branch Of
and executive work. He is not simply a college
president, interested in higher education, but
some Of the best years of his life have been de-
voted TO the public schools. He was Superin-
tendent Of Schools OF NewIIaven and State
Superintendent Of Connecticut. After giving
valuable service as president Of the University
of California he undertook the building Of Johns
Hopkins. The remarkable success Of that uni
versity, conducted on entirely original lines, has
made his reputation worldwide
In New-York DR.. Gilman would round out his
fame and make himself known not only as a
pioneer in collegiate and university education.
! but also as a pioneer in the development Of a
! new standard Of excellence in public school
teaching. He would gather about him here the
most efficient assistants to be found in the coun-
! try for there Is no teacher who would not be
proud TO serve under such a Superintendent. He
would give primary schools new importance in
the eyes of the citizens, and introduce into them
q spirit and enthusiasm for superiority which
would give us more faithful and intelligent teach
! ers and more dligent and attentive pupils Such
a work may well engage the ambition of any
man, however eminent, and such schools should
be the chief pride Of any city, however great
| New-York could do nothing wiser than 10 select
a man like Dr. Gilman for the head Of It's schools
DR.. Gilman could do nothing more patriotic
than to undertake the task Of showing how a
great city should educate its children