The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-11-13
TEACHERS RETIREMENT FUND.
City Assumes On'y Partial r, sponsibi,lty
For II.

To the Editor of The News:
IL seems strange that anyone should
have the idea that the city intends to pen
sion the tsac''9ys. Yet after ali that has
been published, that impression is found
quite prevalent Such thought Is very
far from the truth. The city is merely
encouraging the formation of relief or
pension fund and assumes partial respon-
sfAility fer H.-It Is To deduct monthly a
small portion of the salary OF each teacher
who elects to become a sharer i'm the ben
efits of tie fund. This money, with
whatever may be contributed or raised in
other ways, is to be invested and handled
by board of trustees representing the
school committee and tho teachers.
Whenever teacher l. compelled to re-
tire because OF age or disability, she will
be- entitled To an annual payment equal
TO not more than one-half of her salary
at retirement provided no pension ex-
ceeds 5000.
Ii will he readily seen that the city
goes to no expense whatever in the mat
ter. But If the impression were true no
Just criticism could be mnde as the aver.
age monthly pay of both male and female
teachers and the per cent of the tax re-
ceipts spent on schools are smaller i'm
Providence than in almost any city of the
country. Those who are Interested i'm the
subject can find food for thought i'm the
table published few days ago I'm the
Journal, giving the percent of the tax re-
ceipts spent for education AMI In the re.
port of Supt. Fisher of Pawtucket i'm the
journal Of Nov. 10 In the report Provi-
dence is not even mentioned in the long
list of cities paying better salaries than
Pawtucket. The inference Is plain.
The bazaar is being enthusiastically
worked for and planned for by the
teachers. Each school district has its
COMMITTEES and its patronesses, a full
list of whom will be published later. In
addition there are patronesses of the
bazaar as aswhole. Several of these have
undertaken special work such as booth
decoration. Many will give assistance
caring for booths and tables afternoons
before the teachers are at liberty, and all
are interesting people in the bazar and
receiving contributions.
Promises Of assistance are being received
with gratifying frequency ana already
II any vciy valuable contributions have
been made as well as "a large number of
smaller ones. Everything that the public
may sec fit to give will b. gratefully re-
ceived anu may be sent TO the district
committees. Contributions to the Delphic
Booth Of the II igh school section may I've
sent at any time To the High schools
whore safe storage will be provided.
The financial outlay is necessarily large
and contributions OF money are earnestly
desired.
A systematic attempt has been made to
interest the pupils of the High school
with gratifying success A largo NUM-
ber of the pupls of the Manual Training
school are engaged during their spare
time In making sketches drawings, carv-
ings, fancy articles, venetian iron work.
lamp shades, etc, TO contributs TO the
baZar.
1t is too early To give any dctinite in.
formation concerning all the features OF
the baZar out I'm n few days announce
ments can De made more definitely. The
hazaar will be- open day and evening.
A choice musical program will I've pro-
vidcd each evening. both on tho organ
ana oy prominent musical talent.
The booths will D. attractive and elab-
orate anu will he filled with tempting
ac;i,ies. a splendid opportunity will he
afforded to secure Christmas presents.
one feature viii b. book table where
orders Tor all kinds of books will BE- taken
as we'll as books sold. Ihe candy table
will he a source Of temptation. Among
the generous givers are liuylcr, Baker
and Lowncv.
The doll table will show n wide variety.
Teachers wlo desire costumcd dolls for
-lulmaiy work will fnd them here---
thu~e I'm ,hHrge of the work feel gratr-
ful Tor the substantial tokens of interest
and The encouraging words. There Is
mm h To do. however.
u ~ we'll to remeni ier that thuSe who
viii receive The leneiits of the fund are
those who have grown ngld in the service.
having EXPENDED Themselves in work pc.
culiarly wearing. an none too well paid
&