New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-20
RECREATION CENTRES.
Educators Wish Them Left IN
touched an School Economics.

In the numerous discussions regarding economy
n the educational system which have taken place
recently the evening high schools have usually
been excluded from any scheme o. curta.lnent sug-
gested. but a different view OF the matter was
taken by some prominent members OF the local
school boards who met recently al the home o.
Mrs Cora L. Magrus. OF the Eighteenth District
school board.
When one has visited few evening schools and
found the star pupils 10 be the superntoudents OF
large rich and well known brewerics or the heads
OF departments IN some OF our largest department
stores; when one has seen classes OF handsomely
sttired young women painting roses and tulips In
water coloTs or listening 20 entertaining readings
from Shakespeare, then 81 Is easy said Mrs
Siagnus TO Judge Of respective values II there is
20 be any curtaimeut Jet il begin with the higher
branches, On those things which most largely affect
the adult and the more comfortably situated classes
Any one who has attended lectures az The
Metropolitan Museum OF Art and visited the
svening play centres cannot hesitate for one
second as 10 which should be dispensed with.
Lectures on travel; on the music Of different
ustionaities; on SOphocles; on Xeuophon: on walks
through woods and sWamps or various grand
cathe6rals. are excellent and entertaining But have
they such value 20 our community as the teaching
OF our language 10 lately landed prospective cIti-
tens, as instruction il the ruGlmcnts 20 q child
backward because OF home environment and foreign
t.N--i--EH wiz t4tr llaA 10 rave school 10 earn
bread and butter? Or as the keening OF our chill
dren OF the streets? IL curtaIneut must come LET
& come IN the Injuries o. lectures and high schools
and electives and not IN the educational necessities
G; the poor children"
childhood Is coming 20 be regarded as a crimi-
nal state, appa: el,ly." Mrs. Magnus proceeded
he poor children. So many o. their homes have
no place FOR them They are al uumitgated nuis-
snce or the street where perfectly natural actvi-
tt makes them -4 %
oFeeas IN them that disrespect and defiance OF the
IA" which is typical OF the New-York child. Play
Seilu@ and vacation schools have begun the so
..1op on tbs problem; and they are serving also
$50, So lle taxpayers little more Of the use and
,--sgt go 80 .1es nave riEAt 10 expect from tae
~ sum uea up lu school property
District lossI boe . y, a-so =. S-e - 81 ~.
importance o. the evening recreation centre, with
tie4itlns 20 good citizenship, and developing that
.sss- -iu3fhooo feeling about the public schools
ID. ID, - slcn pronouU seG feature OF rural life.
49, 80 SCHOOL property cannot be used too
.L1o-- tal4 he 1T should he dedicated absolutely
use ~. 10y 20 ne pubic Tor any legltlInale
80. ne ecnool buildings have been erected at
49, expense and the taxpayers should DE taught
tis c =, use o. them as tie most natural meeting
~ re boy OF girl Who attends the play centre can
Bnc ne rs-si -. rs 80 4ol ptpLC P5olcI -,
Si. a.ahe character shan the routine work OF the
$3.50. 49, on stucy, Just as the display OF skill or
NeoIing his b0dy"
PORTS people however uninformed on other
fee-.I' sac Mrs. Harry Hastings. o. the Six
Sc ~ elsSrlct thoroughly understand that there
fhe- - 'eIlan influence in the play centres. that
t5arsf.-e1 ~ ported olt OF public funds. and are
fres =. perfectly democratic. They naturally feel
thar $50 IS Them without that compromise with
inr ss,s-elces which they often make in accept
This 80. ages OrCred 10y private OrganlzatiCLs
psiua 81 - ~ Itself Dis OF inestimable educational
wber ro w ioreigu born. il has been stated that
cation v---sa-on centres under the Board OF Edu-
jar clare, tlec. ueighbOrlne centres or SINH
cese--Cs 0-eI under DhllauthrOpic patronage were
pe0nis =. plain indication OF the feeling OF the
Fsfies,.SS zen said DR.. Sophie p. scheL Of tho
ICONS .e-s5flct home means three OF four
two -,-oosae d with the belongings OF at least
hosrFs-- MS sometimes with side branches or
10 &C. nc street Is the natural playground
an e--.l oeing watchful 10 keep stairways, halls
fnpob iols clear. 40 one wants the children
eI--fi. - tAe UcieEbors' children. No more de-
S,r-oSS pace Cor them can be found than the one
IL - p~le Tor ana owned by the publc-the pub
fo- - -- since we have SO few natural outlets
6i.t,.e energies 81 our chllgyen under urban con-
S We must give them artificial ones