Los Angeles herald., 1909-09-13
CHILDREN EAGER
FOR EDUCATION
HUNDREDS TRY TO GAIN AD-
MlTTANCE TO POLYTECHNIC
500 PUPILS STAND IN LINE FOR
FoRTY-ElGHT HOURS
Principal of High School Distributes
Cards to 2o3 6oys and Girls for
Matriculation in Advanced
institution

The desire of pupils to obtain al
American school education never wa
shown more forcibly than in the forty
eight-hour vigil maintained by nearl!
500 pupils fighting for admission tC
Polytechnic high school. which ended
last night.
Since Saturday morning line of pu'
pile had formed in front of the Poly
technic building, each one eager tc
have his or her name enrolled among
the lucky 200 that are allowed admis-
sion to the school.
Such a scene is seldom witnessed In
an American city as children fighting
for a chance to CLEAN an education, for
generally such opportunities are
abundantly afforded, but, as one irate
parent of a pupil who had remained
in line for more than twenty-four
hours stated, "if it had not been for
the asinine attitude of a few politi-
clans in tying up the school bonds such
a disgraceful proceeding could not
have happened"
The children, many of whom were
accompanied by parents, had prepared
to remain all last night rather than give
up the coveted positions which meant
a higher education. But shortly after
6 o'clock Principal J. H. Francis gave
the word that the pupils be allowed in
side the school auditorium. and three
aisles were roped off to prevent pos
sible stampede.
1t was then announced that in addi-
tion to the seventy-eight names that
had been accepted Saturday another
125 had been received yesterday, COM
pleting the quota which would NIL all
vacancies in the school.
1t was a case of first come, first
served, and no impartiality was shown
in giving out the coveted slips emitting
the aspirants to an education in Poly
technic high school
After the required number had been
registered the lines were removed and
parents and pupils allowed inside the
auditorium.
viii Provide for All Pupils
Principal Francis delivered an ad-
dress, in which he spoke OF the con-
gested condition of the school. but as
sured all that ample means would be
taken to provide for the welfare Of
those desirous of obtaining an ad-
vanced education.
He made the welcome announcement
that those who were not enrolled at
Polytechnic at this time could go to
the Olive street high school, where
equal opportunities of advancement
were offered, and that at the end Of
the first semester, in February, the pu-
pills could gain entrance to Poly.
Despite the anxiety and struggles
which have existed for two days, the
great throng departed contented, the
only feeling of resentment being that
persons claiming the interest of Los
Angeles schools was at heart had in
stituted proceedings Which resulted in
tying up funds and causing such a
school congestion.
At 6 o'clock last night 2s3 pupils were
in line, and outside the line were par
ents, with lunch baskets and provis-
ions, prepared to undergo the night or
deal which was experienced the previ-
Gus night.
The parents came with camp stools
and all sorts of boxes, determined their
children should get justice. AS fast as
the principal and his assistants could
check off the names and look up the
previous standings cards were issued,
and when 20S pupils had been admitted
the word was given that the limit for
entries had gone.
viii Be Given Chance for Education
The only consolation left was that
an equal chance for education was Of
1ereu at the OllVe street nlSh SClOOt,
and Principal Francis convinced the
vast throng that justice would be
meted to all.
A crowd of onlookers who had OBJ
served the crowd that camped Satur-
day night about the grounds of Poly
technic was on hand to witness a sim
ilar vigil, but was disappointed when
all were admitted to the auditorium.
Provision had been made for food
and bed material but these orders
were Cancelled as soon as the announce
number of pupils were registered, and
deep disappointment was felt, allevi-
ated only by the remarks of Principal
Francis in his statement that entrance
could be obtained at the Olive street
high school. and later to Poly.
Never before in the history Of Los
Angeles was such a scene enacted as
has been in the last two days Russell
A. Moody was the first to arrive on
the scene Saturday morning, and, with
lunch basket in hand, he awaited his
turn and had the honor of being the
first pupil enrolled for the coming
semester.
Seventy-eight pupils had been admit
ted Saturday, and, although but 200
places were open, 1875 were admitted
yesterday.
One anxious parent stated he hoped it
would be an object lession that would
return much good to Los Angeles and
keep politics and petty jealousies out
of school questions.