Evening star., 1900-07-14

ments of students 95 per cent of whom
have no ability in these studies which can
be developed beyond a knowledge of the
elementary.
1 believe strong sentiment will be found
to exist among those parents who desire
the fullest education for their children. in
favor of the establishment of separate
schools for the development of special tai
ent in these branches, to include drawing.
mechanical. objective and designing; mu-
sic, vocal and instrumental Qimited): art.
including sketching. painting. sculpturng
and needle work; and eiocution (oratory).
Elementary Art Instruction in the
Grades.
1t is not contemplated in the plan sug-
gested to take out of the schools all in
struction in drawing and music. but to
confide to the regular teacher the giving
only Of simple. elementary instruction in
these branches. This would consume but
little time and amply cover the necessities
of the average pupil; while opportunity
would be afforded for observing special APP
titude on the part of any scholar. in which
case such pupil would be at the proper
arts schools. The proficiency sought for in
these special arts schools should be of a
high character, to maintain which the
qualifications for entrance thereto would
have to be made sufficiently exclusive to
keep the attendance within an average of,
say. five pupils from each school above a
determined grade.
No good reason appears to present Itself
why Saturdays should not be available for
holding the sessions of the special arts
schools, which could be held in suitable
rooms in some of the large conveniently
located school buildings. Thus the schol-
ars attending them would be required to
lose no time from their daily routine stu
dies. This would not prove a hardship, as
attendance would be required for only two
hours at the longest. On the contrary, the
diversion afforded by receiving instruction
in any of the branches named would prove
a recreation, while the burden of study
would be practically removed by reason of
its attractiveness to the student and the
personal pride which would come with the
development of line of work for which
there is particular talent and liking.
A Valuable Auxiliary.
Drawing their patronage principally from
the scholars of the academic course these
special arts schools would prove val
liable auxiliary thereto, and In the highest
degree possible meet the demands of
large class of persons who stand for the de-
velopment of our public school system on
the broadest plane attainable; while on the
other hand. the large percentage of children
who are retired from school at the lower
grades would suffer no disadvantage, but
would have the benefit of course of
studies especially adapted to their peculiar
requirements. In this and other cities all
schools of any prominence at which a tut
tion fee is charged include these branches
in their curriculum. and the Introduction of
such branches into our public schools in
the manner proposed should commend itself
to your earnest consideration.
Believing that the best interests of all the
pupils of our public schools would be ad-
vanced by the adoption of these PROPOSE
tions, l beg leave to submit them for such
consideration as your experience and wider
Judgment may dictate.