The evening times., 1899-12-05
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Commissioners Favor an Appropris
tion for Kindergarten Education.

Commissioners Favor an ApprOpria-
tion for Kindergarten Education.
The growth of the public schools during
the year was normal corresponding to the
growth of the District. and as a logic al
result of the extension OF the means of
rapid transit and the consequent develop
ment of centres of population. chiefly in
suburban localities. The schools in their
day and night sessions gave instruction
during the year to nearly $4,000 persons,
which is more than ole-sixth OF our entire
population The work Of improving the
sanitary conditions OF school buildings and
grounds was continued during the year.
Old and defective systems of plumbing
were replaced by improved methods and
something was done to make school
grounds and the interiors of school build
ings more attractive, but much remains
TO be done 10 make our school buildings
comport with other Government buildings
in The city and with school structures OF
modern types elsewhere. The Commits
sioners believe that more ornate exteriors
and more artistic appointment of interiors
of school buildings would have desira-
bic influence in the cultivation OF order,
symmetry, and good taste.
The Commissioners are of the opinion
that the time has come for the employ
meRt of expert direction for promoting the
health of the large number of persons
attending our schools. Frequent medical
inspection would not only insure better
health TO the community, as asserted by
Ihe best authorities on the subject, but
would ailay a burden of anxiety that must
always prevail in the absence of such COM
potent and systematized provision. Be-
cause of the increased cost of materials
used in construction IL was found impos-
sible during the year TO make contracts,
within the limits of the appropriations.
for the building OF all the schoolhouses
which Congress had ordered. Sites were
purchased, however. plans and specifica-
lions were drawn and bids for construc-
lion were invited for buildings at Second
Street and South Carolina Avenue south
east Fifteenth Street and Rosedale north
east, and tine High School manual train
ing building. Seventh Street and Rhode
Island Avenue northwest. Bids were in
vited also for the reconstruction OF the
Birney School at Hillsdale and the Love-
joy School building.
After an examination of the proposals
presented by contractors il was determined
to suspend proceedings re-ative to the
above named houses and TO await the fur
iher action of Congress. The Commits
sioners Will ask for deficiency approp ia
Jion that the erection OF these buildings,
now so urgently needed, may be begun at
an early date.
A beginning was made last year toward
extending school instruction by the addi-
lion of kindergartens. thus offe. ing free
education TO children younge. than six
years. Sixteen of these schools Aere es-
tablished. eight OF which were for white
and eight for coIored pupils. The Com
missionors believing this 10 be wise
move, favor increased appropriations for
the enlargement Of this branch Of school
work.
The New Library.
The Commissioners allude with much
qualification to the progress made since
their last report. toward the acquisition of
accommodations for the Public Library,
which will be in keeping with the enlight-
sned purposes of its projectors and worthy
of the prominence which it is destined TO
attain as a feature in the intellectual re-
sources of the National Capital. by the
munificent gift of Mr.. Andrew Carnegie,
of 1856. Geo for the erection of the library
building. supplemented by the appreciafive
action of Congress in promptly granting
the use of Mount Vernon Square as I site
for it. permanent accommodations in the
near future far superior to any the most
hopeful friends of the library had reason
anticipate. have been assured. The cir
cumstances attending Mr.. Carnegie's gen.
erous gift. ana the steps which have been
taken by the Library Commission to carry
the project into effect, and of the improve
ment which has occurred in the capacity
and work of the library. are succinctiy and
graphically sct forth in the accompanying
report of the board Of trustees.