Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-09-17

Mr.. Linton, chairman of the school COM
mittee. gave brief history of the effort
that had been made by the North Capitol
and lexington Citizens Association to Sc
cure the new school building.
With the hearty cooperation of our Dis
trict Commissioners, and especially of Mr.
Ross, said Mr., Linton, IA delegation of
our members appeared before Congress in
1870, ana asked an appropriation for an
eight-room school. An estimate had been
submitted by the Commissioners for a four
room building, under the impression that
that would furnish ample accommodations
for the children of school age in this sec
uon but Il house-to-hoLse canvass by the
school committee revealed the fact that
there were about 1870 children of that age
within the bounds of our association and
our Commissioners promptly prepared q
new estimate OF the cost of an eight-room
structure with which statement our dele
CATION attempted to impress upon Congress
the necessity for the appropriation desired
But little comfort was afforded by either
the House or Senate appropriation commit
tees, as 1t was learned that only five schools
would be provided for. and proposed
building stood sixth on the list that had
been submitted.
considerably disturbed, though not cast
down, the delegation withdrew; but later,
feeling keenly the necessity for relief, as
our children We're attending the already
overcrowded schools in different parts of
the city, d joint rlcetng of the executive
tees of the association was held at the resi-
dence of our president, which resulted in
the determination to make last and
mighty effort to secure the desired end, and
another delegation was appointed to APP
pear before Congress. An earnest appeal
was made TO Senator Teller, who was a
member of the Senate appropriations COM
mittee, and ne listened most patiently and
kindly to the facts presented seeming to
be especially struck with the showing that
taxes were paid upon five millions of dol
lars worth of real estate by the citizens of
the section desired to be benefited, which,
he thought, entitled us to substantial rec
ognition by Congress. He promised his
active support, and upon the floor of the
Senate, had inserted in the District appro-
priation bill item of 500 for a school
building. This amount was subsequently
reduced in the conference committee to
i0O00 which the sum finally appro-
priated; and even this amount might pos
sibiy not have been given but for the
timely assistance Of Representative Pitney
of New Jersey, who was member of the
conference committee.
Our District Commissioners lost no time
in having the necessary plans prepared,
and from those submitted by different
chitects that of NJ. Appleton p. Clark, jr,
was accepted.
You all remember with what pride and
interest We watched the progress of the
building operations, from the excavation
for the cellar to the browning of the roof
with it's tail flagstaff. And as we behold
some of US for the first time. it's beautiful
and conveniently arranged interior, we are
glad to express our appreciation of the
genius of the architect and the skill of the
builders, Messrs. Baldwin and Peake"
Mr.. Clark entered the hall at the con-
clusion of Mr.. Linton's remarks, and, being
recognized the architect of the building
was heartily applauded.
Congratulations Extended.
Superintendent Powell, being introduced
to the audience, congratulated the people
| living in the vicinity of the new building
| upon having one of the best school houses
| in the District of Columbia.
Il think" he said, this is perhaps the
| most conveniently arranged and most ele-
| gantly constructed building in the District
| of Columbia"
! He spoke of the great power of the school
| house in advancing civilization, and COM
| pared the civilization of the United States