The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1906-01-31

WdSuluSNOA blllAudy WdS lOh6
since establishes by law as a holiday,
and until very recently, has been re-
garded in the schools What mistake
has at last been found for not adding
this day to the pleasures and enjoy
ments of school holidays? What has
been sacrificed? We say a day S
work. That the mind or the pupil is
upset and a fresh start must be made
to become absorbea in school work.
This, no doubt is true in some cases
and il can not be denie. that the time
lost in school work in a day is valu-
able. but in not celebrating such a
great national holiday. some spark OF
patriotism is indeed lost. Shall we
look forward 10 the time when we
shall be deprived of all our holidays?
Is the time not far of when We can
not spare = day from our studies, but
must have our books in search of
knowledge. with no thought of the
outside happiness Of life? One month
has been addea TO the former school
term. Two holidays have been taken
away. WaShingtons birthday and
Lees birthday. What more must We
expect? For many years our schools
have been increasing and accomplish
ing great work in the education of our
people, ANA al the same time, the
greatness of Washington was not for
gotten in the earnest desire and labor
for knowledge. There was no thought
of giving up the celebration of Wash
ingtOn's birthday
Our school has ever continued to
grow and to accomplish more and more
goo3 Tor our country even within the
last few years before Washington s
birthday ceased to be celebrated. Has
any great impetus been given to learn
ing by single day? Can we calcu-
late the difference in the amount OF
knowledge acquired Or of the mental
training secured i'm eight months and
in eight months aless one day? We
hardly think We could distinguish it,
Perhaps some would say that in form
er years the schools dds not have so
many holidays. such as MaTdi Gras,
which is now celebrate Even if this
be true, should we establish
another holiday. merely as one of
parading and sights. in the place of
one recognized and loved as a national
holiday by all the American people?
Indeed, two days are set aside on Mar
di Gras for recreation and enjoyment
TO school children. and in what way
can the mine Of the pupil be more up
set and thrown from his studies than
by such excitement and fTOlicking as
attract the attention on these days?
Would not everybody choose to sacri-
nee one of these days for the celebra-
ton OF Washington birthday?
We do not argue in behalf of a hOli-
day merely for recreation and hours of
enjoyment outside the world of
thought, but we feel that a step has
really been made, whicI will gradual
~ darken the memory of the heroes
who laid the foundation of our beloved
nation and left it recognized by the
world 10 the protection and guidance
OF the present generation. We real
ize also that too many holidays are not
best for the schools. but of all the
holidays, except Christmas. Washing
toms birthday should be most thought
fully remembered Many others
whom we love and honor have left
behind them no less noble characters
Among the great many others we may
mention Robert E. Lee and Stone
WALL Jackson. But there is much
more reason to celebrate the birthday
OF Washington. He lived at a time
when he could be of most service to
his country ana no man has ever
more faithfully served his people.
Against such circumstances as Wash
ington was Obliged to contend during
the time he so bravely fought for his
country, perhaps no one else would
have held out He ever was ready to
serve his country and for eight years
held together our nation. in it's weak
and restless beginning. He was uni
yersally loved by the people and un-
like so many other ambitious leaders.
left no stain of reprOach on his char
acter. He had all The chances to be
king, but magnamity, and love of
his country led him to choose rather
10 serve in the hearts of his country
men than with the arrogance that was
sure TO bring discomfort among the
people. in view of-these thoughts we
sincerely feel that the birthday of our
foremost character in history who was
first in war, first in peace. ana first in