The age-herald., 1901-07-28
BY SwILLIAM RYAN.


 There Is no city in the South that af- fords betterSeducationa advantages than Birmingham. Notwithstanding the fact that the city government has had to practice rigid economy in recent years, the public schools here are in excellent condition, the methods of instruction in vogue. being modern in the best sense of that term.zsshilst two finely equipped colleges-Ioward and Owenton-offer ex- ceptional opportunities at small cost for those seeking the higher classical and scientific training.
 Besides these institutions there are several high grade schools of the col iege class for voting ladies, such as Pol lock-Stephens Institute the Birmingham Seminary and Mrs. Orrs school, and uni- vsrsity schools for boys such as Taylor's and White and Dickinson's. all under private auspices
 The Great Question.
 Next to rsnqnerative employment there is no question which so interests new corners or Is of such vital concern to the average family as that of the pub licschool system. A city that is not lib- eralisin support of It's schools falls be- hind. while on the other hand city that is noted for good schools is regarded as desirable place of residence; a city at once, attractiHe socially and progressive in material way. Indeed, the character of any community. morally. socially or commercially Is quickly guaged by It's system of public education.
 m hao buildings for white pupils-the High School, the Powell, the Henley and the Paul Hayne. Three more are in course of construction and will be ready for oc- cupancy by the fall. These are designat- ed respectively the Ullnnn, located in Twelfth street; the Martin, located on North Highlands. and the Lakeview. Each of these new school houses will be large and admirably appointed. There are four school buildings for negroes.
 With the rapid growth of Birmingham several more buildings for both whites and negroes will be needed year hence, and the Board of Aldermen will doubt less be prompt in making the necessary appropriations: and 1t will not be great while before the city erects large and spacious High School building
 Enlightened Pedagogy.
 But more important than the physical properties such as school houses and school furnishings, Is the question of pedagogy. In the past fifty years few sciences have been advanced on higher lines than pedagogics. Formerly most persons engaged in the business of teaching children lacked many essential qualifications for their work. The pro- fession of teaching little boys and girls was singularly. weak on it's intellectual side. Consequently results were woefui- iy poor. Children who had to quit school at an early age grew up little better than iIliterates. unless perchance they were born with a passion for knowledge and acquired an education outside of the class room.
 Today the situation Is entirely differ ent. In all we'll regulated schools, the instructors arc thoroughly trained. As | rule they have not only mastered the text books. but they have tact, sympa- thy and enthusiasm, and have studied child nature. They not only know some- thing of psychology theoretically, but they know how to apply 1t.
 Applicable to Birmingham.
 Now theso observations on the present state of pedagogics apply in marked degree to the public school conditions of Birmingham. Tn the first place the Board of Education Is composed of re- markably good material. In the second place, Dr. J. H. Phillips, the superin- tendent of the schools, is both scholarly and practical, and is at the same time ! man of broad views and noble ideals. He has always in mind the value of aes- lhetics, as well as the value of utilita-