Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1913-04-18

school facilities. ! He said he knew
nothing about finances, but that prob
lem could be handled by Council.
Mr.. Colvin then introduced Geo
X. Bender, who represented the Or
Dire of the Fraternal Americans. Hl
remarks were brief and on the line
followed by the preceding speakers.
Mr.. Colvin called upon c. A. Blad
en- of the Maccabees, who made {
lengthy appeal in behalf of more ex
tensive educational facilities. III
said there should be building erect
ed containing sixteen rooms and al
assembly hall, and nothing else would
be acceptable to the petitioners.
After Mr.. Baden had taken his
seat Mr.. Colvin said other persons
representing different organizations
were present, who, it was intended
to call upon for speeches., but as
people identified with other organi'
cations were present who might de-
sire to make statements in behalf
of better schools, the organizations
he represented would give them a
chance to be heard
George D. Hopkins, Of the Cham
Der of Commerce, subsequently took
the floor. He said seventy-five per
cent. of the taxes collected in this
city was paid by the organization
he represented, and this organiza-
ton heartily endorsed the movement
for the erection of new high school
building. The buildings which had
been condemned by grand juries
should be vacated and others built.
He saw no reason why Council could
not handle the financial end, as it
had spent $4,000 recently to enable
lawyers to chase raiDows.
R. E. Knight, of the Retail Mer-
chants Association, followed Mr..
Hopkins. He alleged that the chief
educational institutions of the state
do not recognize the education re-
ceived by Alexandrians as qualify
ing them for higher branches OF tu-
ition, and said he had received tele-
grams concerning the low standard
of an education received in the pub
lie schools of this city. He charged
that boys could not be prepared for
the University Of Virginia in this
city.
At this juncture Councilman Spinks
asked certain pertinent questions con-
,eming our schools and the large
amount of money spent yearly for the
maintenance of the same. Among
,ther things he called attention to the
fact that Alexandria is spending
;wice as much yearly for schools as
It did several years ago. He also re-
'erred to the new building in recent
;ears.
w. H. Sweeney, Superintendent Of
Public Schools, in answer to Mr..
Knights charges, said that the Uni
yersity of Virginia made greater de-
hands upon would-be pupils than it
lid in former years. Alexandria, he
stated, had adopted studies required
" the State Board of Education. I'm
Ter prevailing conditions the ac-
,redited list must be examined by
some representative of the University
If Virginia. A few years ago, he said
any young man could enter the Uni
yersity. Now a uniform course OF
study with the requisite units were
required by the state.
Carroll Pierce, of the School Board,
subsequently spoke Of the need Of
better school facilities.
Mr.. Pierce was followed by L. Ruben,
Of the Retail Merchants Association.
Among other things he said our pres
emit school facilities were unsatisfac-
tory and liable to keep people away
from Alexandria.
Councilman SpinXs later returned
to the chamber when considerable
followed queries he pro-
pounded to different speakers.
Mr.. Spinks having again obtained
the floor, he said he had been a men,
Der of Council fourteen years, during
which time he had conscientiously en-
deavored to do his duty towards those
who had from year to year elected
him. He had always stood by the
man, and one occasion when
The latter's interests were involved he
was one out of fifteen to stand by the
sons of toll. He had at that time paid
the costs of an injunction out of his
own pocket. The pubic schools were
costing about 100000 more at the
present time than when he entered
hut he ,bod olyyavs favored