New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-11-24
MARK TWAIN ON SCHOOLS.
HE TELLS THE PUBLIC EDUCATION AS
ISOLATION THAT IT Is WISER
THAN THE RUSSIAN EMPEROR

There was an unusually large attendance az the
annual meeting of the Public Education Associa-
ton held yesterday at o'clock in the Berkeley
Lyceum- but tie magnet seemed be quite
much the opportunity 10 see and hear Mark Twain
interest in the work of the association.
Reports OF the secretary, Miss Carlotta R. Lowell
read by Mrs. Edward R Hewitt and Of the
treasurer. Mrs. Jose Aymar, opened the meeting
and announcements OF charges in the plan OF work
were made by the president Mrs. Schuyler Van
Rensselaer,.
During the coming season the meetings Will be
IN the evening IN large public places such
Cooper Union, instead Of being afternoon functions
as previously. Notice was given that amend
neut TO the constitution will be presented
spring meeting, whereby the entire association will
receive the right TO vote at elections. Heretofore
the method has been that Of CLOSE corporation"
the council appointing all officers.
Mark Twain was then introduced, and looked
somewhat sad over the task that awaited him
thar Of being funny such a serious subject as
public education II an expert on educa-
ron,' he began. IT appreciate the compliment paid
r-e IN inviting me 10 come here, but I quite
aware that 7 was not expected TO give informa-
con, bur was asked IN order that might get some
idea Of the splendid work done by this associa-
uon and. incidentally. TO furnish the contrast-an
idle, law man before body Of energetic women
Yet The idle, lazy man can at least applaud and
appreciate them Your president has said that the
society had a large credit mark given when the
Committee on Revision OF School Legislation asked
FOR its suggestions and recommendations assist
Il She spoke also Of the fact that the school
hlbit which was in Paris and which she had hoped
might be displayed 10 you, has been loaned to the
Russian Government at its request, and as she
mentioned that was struck by the remembrance
q cable dispatch had read day or two ago. 1t
began by saying that Russia going 10 retrench.
and there l paused to feel glad it-glad to
think for the sake Of the world that she was
going 70 recall her troops from China for in that
case other nations-even we-might follow her ex-
ample After all. the only trouble in China is that
they don't want foreigners. We arrogated the
right 70 object TO foreigners, and few years ago
exclude US. The Boxers are the Chinese patriots.
out, and hope they may Then. full of this dream
Alas II went on 10 saw that the Chinese xaT Has
60 expensive that Russia had decided retrench
schools! CabIegrams are not offer humorous but
nat seems Ike joke To spend money on war
7 remember that once when I was boy it was
70 DO this very thing but an old farmer opposed IT.
He said every time you close school you make it
end you lose at the other. It is like feeding dog
his own tall you'u never farten the dog. And they
-io rl Ilot fetF 1 on me schoois -, r-
This society is much wiser than the Emperor Of
compliment, bur II is the best I have in stock
The president then directed the attention Of the
audience 70 the need for funds If the work is 10 be
carried on successfully Small donations or large
Placing pictures in the public schools. paying the
provide the exhibit At Buffalo that we are so anx-
ious make. any other branch OF work.
contributions will be equally welcome
Dr.. Garfield, librarian of Columbia University.
then read brilliant paper public schools.
which he said, ARE undertaken by the State,
Is Z philanthropic measure, but as a public neces-
slty. for the individual but for the community
Only enlightened people make self govern
Inent success. The public school is the
Truly democratic Institution have. There the
only class distinctions those of attainment and
proficiency"
The officers for the year 10000 are: President
Mrs Schuyler Van Rensselaer,: vice-president, Mrs.
Miriam Sutro Price; treasurer, Mrs. Jose Aymar;
secretary Miss CarIotta r Lowell assistant secre-
tsry, Miss c. VI. f. Bell. There are many COM
nlttees. also. for special phases of the associa-
tons work