The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-05-15

ing more than one exit or means of es- caping from the building in case of fire, there is no telling how many lives might be lost were a fire to start somewhere In the building and the children were to get excited in their mad rush for the stairs.
 The present system of a fire drill once week and being able to empty the building in minute and a half is a good one, for if the building were to catch fire the bells would ring and tho children would think it the sign for the regular fire drill and march out in regular order
 One of the most useful and valuable additions to be had will be the space for the school library, which is so neces- sary to one acquiring an education.
 If we get the space for the library there Is no doubt but that we will be able to fill it with the best reference books obtainable and ones that will be the most useful in connection with the school work.
 Another thing important in the school life of child is the advantage of having few minutes recreation in the open air. A short recess in the open air makes one have more desire to study.
 I hear there is to be a gymnasium at- tached to the school, nothing would be more desirable to the boys.
 The building will be comfortable in every respect, being heated by furnaces and affording better sanitary conditions.
 (By Lize Tinda1 Class IT., Al
 Who says new high school will not be advantageous? Is there any one? Those who have not seen our building should not complain, but they are the very ones that are against the construc- ton Of a new one. Only a look would, l think, convince them that we are sorely in need of a new school. Suppose you who do not think as we do come to see us some day, then see if the place is suit able for your children or those of any other man wherein to be educated.
 First are the advantages of a new high school to the pupils of the same. The children who attend this school have many disadvantages O Crowded con- dition of the building, nearly four hun dred pupils being closely packed into ten small class rooms; @ poor heat, each room having only one stove; (3) few exits in case of fire; (D no grounds.
 Now let us take up the advantages to the city: U It will cause a decided in- crease in the population. for business men thinking of making this city their home will first be interested in educational prospects; @ it adds to the fame of our already renowned city. famous men or women making Birmingham visits, will tell others of its educational advantages and soon our home will be a great meet ing place for school work: (S as an adornment the high school is greatly needed, for we have not too many large and beautiful buildings.
 Next is the good this school will do the state. Most of the cities of that portion of the country called Alabama have good schools and especially high schools. Shall the ''Pittsburg of the South be in the cold? We all know that all of the large cities of the state help make 1t. Bir- mingham should do her part. She will if our fellow citizens determine to help us all they can. Will they do this? We shall soon see.
 Why should not Birmingham give to the world as many distinguished men az any other city? But what goes to make great men? Genius, of course, to some extent. but following genius is education and education cannot be had without the place of training. Can brains move quick ly in such building as ours? Can one study in a crowded. cold and poorly ven- tilated room? No, indeed. and if our city is to bring forth noble and renowned men the first thing to do is to get de- cent building in which the minds of boys and girls may be properly trained. May