New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-12-26
TIE SCHOOL BUDGET.

The yearly recurrence of the demand for re-
trenchment in the educational budget is some
what disheartening. At least 1t seems to in
dictate the desirability of a radical reform IN
our method of dealing with that matter. Last
year. it win be recalled, there was similar de-
mand, which resulted in the partial gripping of
some of the departments of educational work
Now the same issue is raised again. II was at
first suggested that there should be reduc-
ton of the clerical force of the school sys-
TEN. That was opposed by a committee OF
school principals, which made the counter-pro-
posal Of a reduction of appropriations for vari-
Gus other departments beginning with that OF
adult education" special committee Of the
Board of Education has now reported In favor
of q series Of retrenchments, including some OF
those suggested by the school principals. The
whole matter will come before the board this
week, when 1t is feared, as q matter of neces-
sity, the proposed reductions Of appropriation
will have to be approved and various valuable
departments of school work will consequently
be crippled.
In whatever direction, II any, retrenchment
must be made, 1t is to be assumed there will
be no reduction of efficiency in teaching the es-
sential rudiments of education to the children
of the city. The three RS" are fundamental.
They must be taught to all corners, no matter
what else Is or is not done. All else, whether
or what not, must be regarded as of secondary
Importance. But the State and city should sure
ly be able to provide those essentials and also
to have means for some Of these other things
which have been proved TO be of value and
which form an appropriate superstructure upon
the foundation of universal primary education.
Thus, the free lecture system, which is at pres
ent under discussion, has been IN successful op-
Grafton for sixteen years, and its value to the
city, from moro than one point Of view, is too
well recognized to admit of question. 1t is,
moreover, in proportion to the amount of work
done. probably the least expensive part of the
whole system The public Of NewYork would
much regret to see any diminution Of its scope,
and will hope that in some way it will be
found possible TO avoid It. The simple fact
that a reduction of so popular and benefcent
a department of educational work Is under
consideration is itself striking proof Of the
urgency, or the stringency, Of the present
budget situation aud of the desirabilty OF eff
fecting such readjustment as shall relieve us
of the yearly crisis.
There are two obvious courses. We may cut
our coat according to our cloth, or we may
provide cloth according to the coat Those who
look to the former will consider whether there
are not some bits Of red tape or frills which may
be dispensed with without material loss to the
schools Those who look to the latter will
naturally consider a possible revision OF the
school tax rate 1t is pointed out that few
years ago the tax rate was four mills, which
was found to yield more than was necessary
and reduction to three mills was made. 1t is
now urged that that rate is insufficient. and
that rate Of three and a half mills should be
established. which would provide an ample reve-
nue. for all needs and would obviate this yearly
call for retrenchment with its consequent dis
liza
These and other conceivable courses are to be
considered carefully, IN quest OF Just and prof
table solution of the problem which now con-
fronts the educational authorities Whatever
is done. no essential Of sound primary education
should be sacrificed.