Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-08-22

off current OF school life and interest
whose force, l am inclined to think.
would run serious danger of being
grounded. A commercial course is
usually very popular at first. as it is
novel, and appears to afford quick
access to high salaries and EASY posi-
tons. When the cloudy difficulties of
transcribing sounds and taking trial
balances begin to darken the horizon,
the business department frequently
loses much of its early popularity.
If the promoters of this plan have
in mind those young people mainly
who would not be enrolled in the High
School, their needs could be met by
the establishment of an evening
course. 1t would seem, from the
reasons given above. that the use of
the high school building in the after
noon or evening would be an arrange
mcnt preferable to the renting of
rooms elsewhere. in any case. A
student who earnestly seeks a COM
mercial education ought not to object
to evening work, especially as his high
school work in other departments
would be proportionately lessened.
Others, too, who are engaged during
the day in their various pursuits, could
take advantage of the evening imstruc-
ton.
But what of teachers? At this late
date, the most competent are usually
engaged, and can only be attracted
from their positions by the offer OF
unusually large salaries. Even then
they cannot be gotten at once, because
Of the ethical considerations involved.
Not less than two would be necessary,
if this movement has the support it is
supposed to have. and we should have
to be content with what the agencies,
after the depletion of their lists, might
be able to furnish us. What of text
books? While it would perhaps Le
easy to select Il desirable system of
photography, with Il suitable text
book. considerable elaboration would
be necessary before deciding upon the
method Of bookkeeping and business
practice, or the text to be used in
economies. say, or the history of in
du%trial materials. all Of which should
enter into this course. Here, again,
mere imitation of others is unWiSe,
and even such beggarly imitation
might be rendered impossible by the
limitations Of Il hastily procured
instructor. So desirable thing as
the practice bank might be out of the
question. 1t may be suggested, too,
that any changes which We're later
found necessary would doubtless be
costly ones in more ways than one.
Let no one think | am arguing
against its immediate establishments.
If the people want it. and want it now.
I will put forth my best efforts. ana
am sure the Principal of the High
School will lend his most able coopera-
ton. to make success of the work so
far as may be possible under the
circumstances and limitations already
suggested. and with the means
furnished. I am anxious that we
should act deliberately and wisely,
that is all. The various matters
incident to the installation of the
commercial work can all be satisfac-
torily settled if sufficient time is given
and there is no danger that the cstab-
liShm"nt of the course will be for
gotten through temporary postpone
~ ~ ~ iNN StNll ~ i'tl lilll tlloSt
in authority are attempting to dodge
the issue, ana must be forced by agita-
ton to meet it. Such is by no means
the case.
But is there not n more excellent
way? If we. as a city. do our duty by
the Cony High School. the building
must be enlarged in the near future.
To refuse such increased facilities to
this growing school would be little
short Of an outrage. In 50 far as |
can now discern the cxigcncies of our
school system. | should say that
exactly at this point lies it's most
urgent need, ana | can hardly con-
ccive Of q refusal. at the mass meet
ing to be held in the City building on
May II. 1908, to vote an appropriation
adequate to meet it. Especially Mt
this time, when 50 much is required in
the way of reorganization. would it
not be wiser to leave this department.
which can certainly be installed on a
more substantial foundation and with
an adequate curriculum. at a later
date. until it can receive the full
amount of attention due it. when 1t
can be established permanently, with
suitable furniture. in place prepared
to receive it, and be made an organic
part of the High School. instead Of
isolated, unrelated frag-
mcnt? 1t seems to me it would.
Nevertheless, ! am open to convic-
ton. If it can be shown why, when
there was sufficient authority before
for the introduction of this much
desired course, it was compelled to
await the installation Of the new
educational system, and why. after
long postponcment, it can not now
await the initiative and deliberate
Judgment Of the administrators of that
system, instead of being INTERCEPTED at
1 critical moment for hasty disposal, I
shall be glad to listen to all cXplicatorS
If these matters, and | would suggest
hat there be free expression of
opinion through the columns Of the
Journal. ! realize that ! am unfair in
me respect, and for this | beg pardon
If all: few can be as proliX as myself
in their letters, or our Oblising editor
must needs issue a supplement-
Finally. as an important factor in
whether the course should
DO established this year, it is impera-
tive that each student who will agree
to enroll in commercial classes at once.