Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-12-05

lSSJ-I w T. y / I HAG Ia
the year was normal. corresponding to the
growth of the District, and, as a logical re-
suit of the extension of the means of
rapid transit and the consequent develop
ment of centers of population chiefly in
suburban localities. The schools in their
day and night sessions gave instruction
during the year to nearly forty-nine thou
sand t490Vo) persons, which IS more than
onesixth of our entire population.
The work of improving the sanitary con
ditionS of school buildings and grounds was
continued during the year. Old and defec-
tive systems of plumbing We're replaced by
improved methods, and something was done
to make school grounds and the interiors
of school buildings more attractive, but
much remains to be done to make our
school buildings comport with other gov
eminent buildings in the city and with
school structures of modern types else
where. The Commissioners believe that
more ornate eXteriors and more artistic
appointment of interiors of school build
ingS would have a desirable influence in
the cultivation of order, symmetry and
good taste.
Health Promotion.
"The Commissioners are of the opinion
that the time has come for the employ
ment of expert direction for promoting the
health Of the large number of persons at
tending our schools. Frequent medical in
spection would not only insure better health
to the community, as asserted by the best
authorities the subject, but would allay
a burden Of anxiety that must always pre-
vail in the absence of such competent and
systematized provision.
Because of The increased cost of ma
terials used in construction II was found
impossible during the year to make con
tracts, within the limits Of the apprOpria-
lions, for the building OF all the school
houses which Congress had ordered. Sites
were purchased, however, plans and speci-
ficatiOnS were drawn and bids for CON
struction were invited for buildings at %
street and South Carolina avenue south
east, 10Th street and RuSedale northeast,
and the High School manual training build
ing, 18th street and Rhode Island avenue
northwest. Bids We're invited also Tor the
reconstruction of the Birney School at
HillSGale and the LOVejOy School building.
After an examination of the proposals
presented by contractors it was determined
70 suspend proceedings relative to the
abOve-named houses. and to await the fur
Their action OF Congress. The Commits
siOners will ask for a deficiency appro-
priation that the erection of these build
ings. now so urgently needed, may be be
gun at an early date.
"A beginning was made last year toward
extending school instruction 10y the addi-
ton of kiEdergartens, thus offering free
education 80 children younger than six
years. Sixteen Of these schools We're es-
tablished. eight of which We're for white
ana aight for coIored pfnils The Com
missioners believing this to be a wise move
favor Increased ai,i,rouria lions for the en-
largar7ant. Of This branch of school work
The Public Library.
The Commissioners allude with much
qualification to III. urogress made since
-. .,,;.;... e
Iile'r last itpo'' ''""'H 81, az i''[' ,.''' %
accommodations for the Public Library,
which viii be in keeping with the eniight-
ehed purposes ol us projectors All" "i'H9
attain as d feature III ti'e ih'e'tsSNudi IT,
sources Of the national capital.