Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-18

this front door was worthy of the associa-
ton. Out of the twenty-five Commissioners
who have been appointed during the TWEEN
ty-f1ve years Of the permanent form of gov
eminent, only three were born in the Dis
trict. Commissioner Wheatley was one; his
colleague, Commissioner Webb. was an
other and CommisS; oner Wight is the third.
Commissioner Wheatley was the only one
born in Georgetown, where he lived
throughout his life He was only forty-two
when he became Commissioner in 1886. He
served three years with energy, fidelity and
a marked business ability which had made
him successful in commercial life. He was
public spirited before he became Commits
sionerand even more so after; and took
that constant and Jealous interest In our
affairs which every good citizen must take.
Fortunately since we are governed by pub
lie opinion, there Is more interest Of this
kind shown here than anywhere else in this
country, within my knowledge. You pupils
of this school. without waiting to grow up,
should begin to take just such an interest,
so that when you become full grown citi-
zens OF the national capital you will be
equal to your great responsibilities"
The Samuel E. Wheatley Public School
building Is erected at 18th and N streets
northeast, in the section known as Trini-
dad The school lot is unusually large. and
was formerly the site of the old Methodist
Home Good judgment was exercised in
the selection of the school site, as the por-
ton of the city where the school stands is
being rapidly built up.
The building has eight class rooms, ample
play, cloak and storage rooms. The ar
rangement of the basement Is noteworthy
as differing from that Of other schools, in
THAT 1t contains many new facilities for
conducting the routine work of the school,.
Wheatley School is situated upon a high
plateau and commands one OF the best pam
oramic views of the entire city.
Among the new features of the building
may be mentioned the improved black
boards. They are much wider than those
usually found in school buildings. and are
placed nearer the floor. so that a very small
child can perform his share of the chalk
work with ease and without the necessity
of mounting chair or ladder.
A wide plate. rail surrounds each room
at the top Of these blackbOards. The school
is equipped with the adjustable desks and
chairs. 1t also contains all of the more re-
cent improvements In ventilation. having
uated In the basement. The ventilating sys-
tenn includes an improved cir shaft, by
which the entire building can be warmed
throughout in q short space Of time. 1t can
also be applied to exhausting the foul air.
Throughout the whole building the most
advanced ideas in securing for each pupil
the largest possibleamount OF light and
the result achieved has been most satisfac-
tory. Again. In the lighting facilities the
color scheme in the rooms has been devel-
oped carefully. and no colors have been
used that are harmful to the eye.
Much of the credit for the new improve
ments In the building is due. It IL claimed,
to DR.. Richard Kingsman. chairman OF the
committee on buildings and repairs OF the
board of education.
The teachers are Misses Pearson, Bran
non, Slater. Alwine FernaId, Weldon, Dow
den, Lind. Mahr and Davis