Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-12-10


afforded gratifying evidence of the
superior attractions of our schools.
TO accommodate two hundred pupils
each was considered the ultimate capa-
city OF the schooihouses, and 1t was
predicted that not one house would be
FULLY occupied: Notwithstanding this
prediction, on the 18th of September.
1S5S. at 9 O'Clock a. M, the hour of
commencement, seven hundred and
ninety girls and boys were duly regis
tered and in their seats in the public
schools OF this city and the schools in
successful operation.
Since the commencement forced ac-
connlodations have been made, and at
!! this time eight hundred and fifty pupils
are enrolled and in regular attendance
at the schools
your committee report 10 the Coun-
CHS that the system of public schools,
now for five months i'll the fun tide of
successful operation in this city, has
NOT only demonstrated the practica bill
sty and usefulness of such an establish
ment. but has commanded the attention
anu confidence OF the people as a
highly economical arrangement. reflect
inS honor on our city, and destined, IL
properly fostered and sustained, to be-
come tho most valuable and BILE
Institution in the community.
1t is emphatically Il Norfolk institu-
ton.
Differing from other schemes and pro-
jects presented to us. which are more
likely to benefit others than ourselves,
1t IS secure from interference from,
without. and sheds its blessings first
and surely on our own fellow citizens
among our own people.
Besides the superior accommodate lions
ana comforts secured to the pupils by
proper construction and arrangements
of the SchoolhouseS:
BeSidcs the advantages of education
more largely and more certainly dis
pensed by the system OF public schools
we have adopted. the saving of money
10 our people, by this establishment, is
all important considerations
In many cases hundreds Of dollars
VIII be annually saved by those having
children 10 educate, thus enabling the
economist, to provide more literally for
his family, and in this way by indirect
channels, returning to those of our pco-
PIE. who have no children to educate. q
hundred fold in pecuniary gain, of the
triiing tax, imposed and paid for the
maintenance of the Schools. But aside
| from sordid considerations, there is ~
higher reward to the true citizen and
patriot, in the grateful reflection, that
by providing the means of popular
education, many of the friendless and
forlorn. will be rescued from ignorance
ana vice, ana elevated TO responsibility
and usefulness.
Your Committee lament that the ac-
commodations in the Public Schools are
not sufficient to receive all who have
applied for admission as pupils The
deficiency may be supplied at a future
time. and it is in the wisdom of the
; Councils To say. when there shall be
public provision made. for all the school
going girls and boys in this city
- L., , H. -
this series of articles, giving Il history
of the establishment oe Il system OF
public instruction in Norfolk will be
found some very. interesting conclusions
by the Commissioners, based upon facts
ana figures they cite. The teachers
and the classes of 1859 will also bc
| given. as reported by the Commission
crs. whose report will be reproduced
accura tely. even including capitalza-
| ton and punctuation.]