Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-06-22

U. Y.
place beside him. Mr.. Emery, who has a
vivid recollection of Washington's public
school system in the old days, remarked
upon the contrast presented last night. He
was delighted with the evidences of the
substantial growth of the schools.
The Marine Band furnished music for the
occasion. rendering several popular airs
during the evening. all of which were ap-
O'Clock the graduates entered the hall and
marched down the main aisle TO their po-
sitions.
The Introductory Address.
When they We're seated Commissioner
Ross called the assembage to order and
prayer was offered by the Rev. DR.. Wallace
Radcliffe. After a number by the --arine
Band, Commissioner Ross delivered the in
troductory address.
The year which closes tonight" said Mr.
Ross. has been one of the most success
full and prosperous in the history of the
public school system Of the District of Co.
lumbia. Many causes have contributed to
this happy result. The appropriation COM
mittees of the TWO houses of Congress have
shown confidence in and have recognized
the Importance of our school system by ap-
propriating public funds for its equipment
and support.
The influential public press of the Dis
trict gives voice to public sentiment by its
loyal encouragement and support. Faithful
school officials and superintendent have
them. and have almost without exception
worked in harmony with the District Com
miSSiOnerS.
But if there be any one feature of our
school system to which its steady progress
may be attributed more than TO any other
it is the rule of the school board which pro-
vides for the selection, the retention and
the promotion of teachers upon merit and
not for reasons based on influence or on re-
latiOnship to persons of official power and
pretige. Errors in this regard have doubt
less occurred, but they have been the ex-
ceptiOn and not the rule.
Statistical Showing.
THE growth of the schools may be ex-
hibited by some statistics: During the fiscal
year 1889. the number of teachers was 693
The number of teachers for the fiscal year
1900 will be 1179. In 1889 the numbre of
school buildings owned by the District was
IL; the total number, including those ap-
prOpriated for, is now 124. Ten years ago
the total enrolment of pupils was -, 00O
the enrolment for the year now closing
was 5000.
1T has been source of sincere gratifica-
ton that the construction of two buildings
for the use Of manual training High
Schools-one for white pupils and one for
the colored schOOls-will soon begin. Sites
have been purchased wholly satisfactory
TO the school authorities, and the plans and
architectural designs viii be prepared by
architects OF high repute. The use of these
buildings will enable the school trustees to
round out and complete the excellent sys-
TEN which has been provided for the lower
grades, and will fit our young people for
re1nuneratiVe employment
1T has been the settled policy of recent
boards OF Commissioners to seek to procure
with each school building enough adjacent
land to provide adequate Fairgrounds for
the pupils. The end was first successfully
attained in the purchase of the site for the
Western High School. and the plan will be
followed to all other buildings when
funds are available therefor.
1t has been my privilege on former like
occasions TO speak of that organiza zion so
dear to the heart of every Washingtonian
known as the High School Cadets.
Country'S Defenders.
Three We; RS ago said if ever the United
States should become involved in a foreign
war there would be found citizens of the
District CT Columbia vino had been trained
as members OF the High School Regiment,
who would. as soldiers of the republic.
show the benefits OF their training in that
organization. Within the past year this
prediction has been fulfilled. As members
of the list District Regiment, many of our
High School boys rendered efficient service
in fastening the surrender of the forces of
Gen. Toral at Santiago
Many of them have won by their merits
permanent places in the army and in the
naval forces of the United States. and have
reflected credit on this High School and on
the District of Columbia. And tonight
while We are celebrating this annual High
School festival. some of The High School
boys. under the tropical skies CT far-off
Luzon. are bravely facing disease and
| death in the defense of that flag under
whose protection they We're reared and
educated. They are putting into practice
the lessons of patriotic devotion TO their
country taught them in every grade of our
! public schoo. system.
Il will not delay you longer. ! close with
| heartfelt words of congratuation to these
| dear young people of the graduating class.
| They have fairy won all of the honor we
| can shcw to them tonight. May health and
| prosperity attend them always
The American Public School
| PRODUCED to deliver an address, which was
| frequently interrupted by applause. Dr.
| Bristol eulogized the American public
| school, He said that while the flag floats
| the. public school must stand. and while the
| public school stands the flag will float The
/ schools. Schools are mightier than armies
| and navies, and education will make the
| people think for themselves. Where the
| people are sovereign provision must be
4 made for thorough education. Every citi-
| zen must be trained for citizenship Edu-
| cation is to teach the man his power and
| teach him how to use IL. Teach the people
| how to use their genius and you have edu
/ Gated them 1t is the mission of our public
school system to put every citizen In COM
| mand of his powers.
/ The victors on the battlefield OF life said
DR.. Bristol, are those who by training, dis