New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-28
GLASSES FOR CHILDREN
Board of Education Holds LiUely
Debate on Subject.

Eyeglasses for the public school children the
subject Of a spirited discussion yesterday at the
meeting OF the Board Of Education. Whether the
board shall furnish the eyeglasses brought forth
some heated remarks The Brooklyn members
thought that the children did not need glasses or
at least that the board not called upon to fur
nish them Abram Stern. chairman of the ele-
naentary schools committee, led the fight in the
interests OF the children.
The argument began when a report was read in
which il was said that thirty-six thousand children
in the public schools are suffering from defective
vision. and that the majority Of the parents Of
these children were unable to furnish Them with
glasses it was the duty of the city do it. The
reyort also provided that rooms be fitted up in
which the eyes Of the children could be tested 1t
was estimated that in the first 5000 would be
needed TO establish these eye testing centres. and
that $4,000 would cover the cost of the glasses,
with $4,000 additional for contingencies.
resolution was appended TO the report requesting
the Board of Estimate to appropriate $4,000 for the
purpose Of fitting up the and buying the eye
glasses requesting the Board Of Health to provide
the experts and providing that committee Of fve
well known oculists be invited 10 advise with the
elementary schools committee, and that in case
the appropriation is authorized by the Board Of
Estimate. the committee supplies be authorized
bids for the equipment of the centres ana
for the supply Of eyeglasses.
Nicholas J. Barrett, of Brooklyn said he did not
see why the board should be called upon supply
vide shoes and clothing for the children.
Samuel b. Donnelly of Brooklyn. said that the
precedent for the action Of the board had been
tablished when textbooks supplied free Of
charge.
Commissioner George Freifeld of Brooklyn said
the report was simply lot Of generalites and
called for nothing except a waste of public money.
He said the stat ements of the committee were not
based on facts that are known could be ascer-
tanned
Commissioner Rufus B. Thomas, of Flushing.
said the people of New York never objected to the
EXPENDITURES of their money when the cause was
just
Commissioner Aoram Stern then said:
A proposition TO increase the salaries Of the jan
itors. amounting to $4,000 year, comes up ana
goes through without hitch. Yet when we ask
for paltrV $50 900 for eyeglasses for the children
Il is strenuously objected TO.
I sorry the opposition 10 this eyegiass
measure come from Brooklyn. II the commission
ers from that borough studied me pHESlcal GonG
tion Of the school children there as they should
they would be the first TO advocate the passage
of this measure. II an appointment or something
OF that concerned they would pe must
ling but as il is a mere matter of the welfare Of
the children, they don seem 10 care
Brooklyn is perfectly able and willing to take
care of tself. far I concerned" said
Commissioner Delaney. Of Brooklyn. Il hope any
commissioner. whether he be from The Bronx or
any other place, can always be permitted 10 get up
similar remarks from Mr.. Stern TO those which he
has just made
Mr. Delaney would have further addressed him
self to Mr.. Stern. but cries Of Question COM
PEELED President Winthrop TO call Mr.. Delaney 10
order.
On motion the resolution and report were ordered
the board Action will be taken the report and
resolution at the next meeting.