The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1897-04-09

first Disappointment had passed. The
plan of securing speaker prevails in
the Normal schools of this state and
in the high schools in some places. A
speaker costs something. Essay writ
ing would not interiors largely with
the studies. He was unable to recon-
mend at this time those who would
graduate, but would do so at the next
meeting.
Mr.. Coughlan said that the class
look forward to commencement day as
one of pleasure, and perhaps should
have the day as they like.
Mr.. Fletcher said that the matter
had come up several times and he had
Away been in favor of class exercises.
1t interests the parents and en-
courages them to keep their pupils in
the schools until they graduate. He
would rather hear one bright girl or
boy read or speak for ten minutes
than any regular speaker. He would
as soon stay until three o'clock in the
morning to hear them all. 1t is due
to the people who are supporting the
schools that the class show what they
are capable of.
President Williams said that ne had
told the committee that he had
rather hear one of the class ten
minutes than all the speakers put
together. He believed that the class
would do themselves proud.
Capt. Keysor said that great minds
run in the same channel, as was
proved. by the fact that he had told
the committee the same thing. He
had told them that if the board hired
somebody to do their talking it would
soon have to hire somebody to do their
studying. 1t would be good
thing for the members of the
class if they appear on the program.
He thought that the faculty could
satisfactorily arrange who should ap-
pear.
Supt. Kenaston suggested that there
be a. class day, and that part speak
then sand part on commencement
evening.
Mr.. Parry favored this idea, as some
parents might feel sighted if their
children were left off of the program.
Mr. Kenaston said that the joint de
bate between the Mapleton and the
Mankato. high schools had been one
of the best things ofsthe year, and SO
much interest twas aroused that the
subject was still being discussed on
the street. A joint debate is better
than "a foot ball game between two
high schools, any time.
Mr. Cray said that last year he had
voted in favor of speaker and sim
cerely felt that he regretted it. 1t
was sdone as an experiment. 1t was
not so much question of which was
the best entertainment, but what was
best for the class. We know from
past experience that the class will do
we'll and honor themselves. 1t will be
mile post in their lives and one that
they will never regret and will be
proud of hereafter and talk about as
long as they live, and when they get
to be as old as we are they will lie
aboutsit.
Mr.. Jones said that he wanted all
to take part in one place or the other.
Parents are sensitive, and he would
not want any disappointed. 1t would
be good thing for all that take part.
Mr.. Coughlan said that the main OBJ
jectionswas that the class was afraid
that all couldn't take part, and it
would give offense to some. If they
were satisfied that all would take part,
it would do away with this feeling.
One objection was that it would be
too great strain upon the health of
those taking part.
In reply to a question, Mr.. KenastOn
said that the class would number
twenty or twenty-five in all.
Mr.. Fletcher moved that the re-
quest be not granted, and this was
carried unanimously.
The bills were allowed
Mr.. Kenaston's request that the
board pay his attorneys bill was then
taken up, and Mr.. Jones moved that
the bill be referred to the committee
on finance.
Mr.. Fletcher said that this was
something entirely new, and that
never since the organization of the
district had such bill been presented.
There had been a suit but no bills.
Some years ago parent sued teacher
because his boy had been whipped.
and Judge Severance and Senator
Wilkinson had defended the teacher,
who was acquitted. Neither attorney
would take any money, saying that
they were repaid in having defended
teacher Several suits had been
threatened but headed off, and this !
ought to have been done in this case. |