The age-herald., 1900-01-30
PATRIOTISM AND
 MORAL TRAINING Essential Part of the Work of
 Public Schools,
SPECIAL DAY OBSERVANCE
Suggestion Thrown Out by State Su- perintendent of Education-Wash- ington's Anniversary To Be
 Uniformly Celebrated.


 tntendent of education has addressed a let Ter to the teachers of the state calling att tenItion to the importance of the observa- kfon of special" days as part of the school work, and especially of impresslng lessons of patriotism and morality upon She young by fitting observances of the birthday anniversaries of great and good men.
 He suggests, in view of the fact that at the present time much is being said and written about the origin and growth of American institutions, that February 9, the anniversary of the birth of Washing ton, be set apart as a time for a celebra- fion, and requests that each teacher in the state cooperate in rendering a suitable programme which he has prepared. Fol lowing is the full text of the letter:
 Department of Education,
 Montgomery, Ala, January 29, 1900. TO Teachers in Public Schools:
 Permit me to call your attention to the importance of the observance of special days as part of school work. It is an es- -sential part of such work, and in some states is recognized by law.
 The good of pupils demands an oc- casional change. The ordinary public school branches become uninteresting and drksome, unless accompanied by moral truths. aesthetic principles. and patriotic sentiments. While every lesson in the daily studies may suggest some idea not con- tained in the text book it has come to be considered a necessity that special atten- tlon should be given to the teaching Of aesthetics, morality, and patriotism by the observance of the birthdays of great and goood men.
 Such occasions should be the means of bringing together patrons neighbors, and friends, that everybody may be made to participate in the exercises, and to partake of the interest, enthusiasm, and fraternal feeling which always come from the mingling of people at such meetings.
 At this time, when so much is being spoken and written about the origin and growth of American institutions and the nen who have formed a conspicuous part tn establishing and maintaining our gov ernment, have thought it to be altogether appropriate for the public schools of the State to observe, with becoming cere- monies, the anniversary of the birth elf George Washington, the great, central, guiding force of the revolutionary period. Inis day claims observance equally with A-.e Fourth of July. for the ends proposed by the Declaration of Independence were accomplished mainly by WaShngto tons mili- tary skill. firmness and patriotism. The government his sword was instrumental dn establishing, he governed wisely as it's chief magistrate, and when he retired from public life, without stain on his sword, without a blot on his name, without blemish on his soul, he left as a legacy an address which will be the golden rule of governmental policy and of civic duty in all republics for all time. We cannot too olten direct the attention of our children to the life and character of such men. His memory should be treasured and the anniversary of his birth should be cele- bfated as long as there is a voice left among men to shout the praises of free dom.
 therefore earnestly request that you will set apart Thursday, February 22 1900, as a time for celebration, and that you will cooperate with me in an endeavor to have the pupils of every public school to render suitable program. In this connection permit me also to re- l mind you of the joint resolution, introduced | by the patriotic member from Madison | county, Hon. John H. Wallace, and adopt- | ed by the last general assembly, recom mending that teachers in the public schools encourage their pupils to raise funds for the purchase of United States flags. that She same may wave over every public school building in Alabama. Let me sug- gest that flag raising would be a suitable part of the program for this occasion
 l have prepared and had printed in pam phlet form program and selections to ac- company it, which will be forwarded 10 Teachers who will send two cents to cover postage. Yours very truly,
 JOHN w. ABERCROMBIE,
 Superintendent of Education.